Smith: What is the Energy Information Community?
Steklac: In simplest terms, the Energy Information Community is a process-
enabling, technology-based approach from SchlumbergerSema for connecting the energy
supply chain to enable the exchange of real-time — or near real-time —
data, automating critical energy management functions, integrating information,
and managing every aspect of the energy value chain.

The Energy Information Community creates a network through which energy providers
can readily access information on consumer energy consumption, market rates, load
management and operational functions. It enables the development of new customer
services and benefits, including conservation incentives, home comfort devices,
and hourly pricing. Furthermore, by streamlining processes and adding value to
industry data, it facilitates decision-making, improves profitability, and helps
to build a stronger economy.

While individual energy and utility companies and their customers can benefit
by participating in the Energy Information Community, its value will increase
exponentially as more energy players implement the technology. This so-called
“network effect” will then drive the Energy Information Community, unleashing
new benefits and services as its impact widens.

Smith: How does the Energy Information Community work?
Steklac: The Energy Information Community is integrated services and
technologies that deliver real-time intelligence through a series of high-volume
data channels. Information is collected through fixed wireless networks connecting
homes to energy providers, integrated within the energy delivery resource planning
enterprise via our Digital Energy Enterprise, and then fed to other market participants.

The large amount of real-time market data in the Energy Information Community
enables load research, price signaling, outage and restoration status awareness,
circuit and consumption analysis, and revenue integrity management. The data
can then be integrated within the digital energy enterprise, which will in turn
improve operational efficiency and provide more robust analytical capabilities.

Next, the Energy Information Community data pipeline can feed information to
other market participants, and each will be able to see what is happening in
the market and be able to react quickly. Consumers access it through information
portals, use it to make consumption decisions and take advantage of expanded
energy-related services. As market conditions change (i.e., spikes in demand),
each participant will have the insight needed to react appropriately. For example,
consumers can shift load, distribution companies can avoid spot market energy
prices, exchanges can trade based on precise demand, and generation companies
can more accurately meet demand.

Smith: What’s in it for energy/utility businesses?
Steklac: The benefits of the energy information community are numerous.
To thrive in a com-petitive market, utilities must contain costs, manage risk,
improve profitability, foster new lines of business, and fortify customer bases.
This is exactly what participation in the Energy Information Community can help
energy and utility companies do. It helps reduce peak demand, lowers prices,
and balances supply and demand. This reduces risk by eliminating the need for
hedging positions, which increases operational efficiency and leads to revenue
growth. It also provides a valuable service for customers, which improves customer
loyalty and provides new avenues for business growth.