KEMA Advances Smart Grids and AMI Solutions for Emerging Utility Challenges
Risk management, quality assurance, regulatory recovery, vendor and technology analysis are key to success
BURLINGTON, Mass., (July 24, 2008) – KEMA (www.kema.com) has promoted Rob Wilhite to senior vice president of KEMA’s global intelligent networks and communications practice. This promotion supports KEMA’s continued growth of its global smart grids practice and focus on grid modernization and utility of the future initiatives.
Wilhite joined KEMA in 2004, building a successful practice in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). In 2007, Wilhite helped expand the global intelligent networks and communications practice, leading an integrated team of business strategists and deep technical experts from an array of direct utility and equipment supplier backgrounds. As senior VP, Wilhite will continue to coordinate KEMA’s experts in developing and delivering comprehensive solutions to help clients achieve smart grids and AMI deployments worldwide.
“AMI and smart grids initiatives currently under consideration are based on a complex interaction of available and emerging automation, communications, and metering technologies,” said Wilhite. “Utilities face increasing investment risks and new demands on their business operations. We’re working with clients to craft the financial models and strategies to develop and justify grid modernization programs, including regulatory support, system requirements and design specifications, RFP processes and evaluation, as well as bringing a new level of quality assurance based on our work in other high-tech industries.”
KEMA is currently working with some of the largest smart grids and utility AMI initiatives around the world, including those for Southern California Edison, Duke Energy, Con Edison, the US Navy and its prime contractor URS Group, CEMIG (Brazil), and Alinta (Australia). KEMA’s client base is also growing to include major smart grids and AMI equipment suppliers, as well as investment firms to the industry. Information about KEMA’s intelligent networks and communications practice is available here.
About KEMA
Founded in 1927, KEMA (www.kema.com) is a global provider of business and technical consulting, operational support, measurement and inspection, testing and certification for the energy and utility industry. KEMA employs 1,600 professionals in 20 countries. The firm’s North American consulting operations are headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. KEMA’s global headquarters are in Arnhem, the Netherlands.