Service Oriented Architecture For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Chapter 29

Utilities and Energy

In This Chapter

Austin Energy

Delaware Electric

Energy and utility companies are on the hot seat these days. In the old days, they were responsible for literally keeping the lights on. With increases in energy costs, though, utilities have a much tougher task these days. They have to provide good service to a broad range of businesses and individuals at a reasonable cost. And it isn’t easy. These companies also have to get creative in complicated times. For example, utilities have to find ways to partner with businesses and individuals to conserve energy. Energy providers also have to be able to provide good feedback so the energy consumers understand how they can adjust their energy consumption behavior to conserve energy and save on energy costs. Consumers need to understand how much energy they use at different times of day and different seasons. What does this have to do with a service oriented architecture, you might ask? The two case studies in this chapter are great examples of how innovative utilities can use technology to enable partnerships that result in energy conservation.

Austin Energy and Delaware Electric are both focused on using technology to improve energy efficiency for businesses and households. SOA is providing a platform for them to use new and innovative technology to help the energy consumer become part of the solution to reduce energy consumption.

Austin Energy

Having been around for 110 years, Austin Energy is an electric ...