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Metering and Smart Grids Caribbean is the place for leaders of the metering and smart grids businesses to craft the future strategy of the power industry’s game-changer.

A unique event – The program focuses solely on THE hottest issues facing organisations operating in the Caribbean.

Network with the Caribbean’s energy leaders –  You will get to meet the people with real purchasing power as well as project managers with practical hands on experience on their recent or imminent deployments. Inform your business – This key event will bring together the topics of AMI, Smart Grids, Smart Homes, Prepayment, Demand Side Management and Renewable Energy into one intensive three day event.

New and innovative event features – Speed Networking and Panel Debates Cutting edge case studies – Hear a wide range of case studies from pilots in the region as well as established experts from the US

Join the 2012 Metering and Smart Grids event now!

Sensus Provides AMI Communications Infrastructure for Grand Cayman Utility FlexNet wireless communications system offers higher protection against tropical storms and seamless interoperability with pre-pay billing application for a Caribbean utility

RALEIGH, N.C. (February 21, 2012) – Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. (CUC), the public electric utility which serves Grand Cayman, is building a new utility network infrastructure using the Sensus FlexNetTM advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system for residential and commercial electricity customers.

CUC is implementing the wireless licensed spectrum FlexNet AMI system with only two tower base stations to cover all of Grand Cayman, an area of about 76 square miles. CUC is installing Sensus iCon® A electric meters for residential applications and iCon® APX electric meters for commercial customers with roughly 28,000 endpoints by the project’s completion. In conjunction with the FlexNet AMI installation, CUC has chosen to deploy a pre-pay billing application. Third party vendor Exceleron will partner with Sensus to provide its industry leading Prepaid Account Management System (PAMS), a hosted service sharing a common MultiSpeak interface.

PAMS will exchange data seamlessly with the FlexNet system and CUC’s customer information system (CIS). A phased deployment has begun and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

“The Sensus FlexNet system offered the right features and capabilities to meet the requirements of our AMI business case,” said Manager Engineering Services at CUC, Sacha Tibbetts. “We were further encouraged by the speed and available bandwidth of the FlexNet network which allows for the layering of future smart grid functionality.”

Mr. Tibbetts explained that CUC made its selection based on two main factors. The minimal infrastructure required by a point-to-multipoint wireless network was essential as it reduces storm damage risks and has a lower overall cost to install and maintain. The second major consideration was the need for a pre-paid billing option that could provide flexibility for part-time residents and visitors to the island as well as full time residents who want greater control over the amount of money they spend on electricity. Exceleron’s PAMS software has been successfully integrated with FlexNet and was made part of the proposal to CUC.

Sensus/Page 2

Under a pre-paid plan, customers can buy electricity in any quantity without the need to have a security deposit on account. CUC’s pre-paid customers will receive notification of a low balance (in dollars) through email, text or automated voice messages as reminder for them to top up their balance. They will have the opportunity to track usage and make payments through a dedicated web portal as well as pay by phone, CUC kiosk or office. Based on consumer feedback, and experience in other Caribbean jurisdictions, CUC believes that the pre-paid form of electricity purchase will be very popular and they plan on making it available to as many customers as possible.

Installation of the full AMI system in the Caribbean island territory is expected to be straight forward. As FCC licensed spectrum does not apply in the region, Sensus helped CUC secure and integrate licensed 900 MHz frequencies from the Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) which governs spectrum for the Cayman Islands. The FlexNet system will be able to accommodate future applications for distribution automation and demand response.

“CUC is making the leap to smart grid in a very responsible, coordinated manner that will certainly improve service reliability and efficiency across the island,” said Randolph Wheatley, vice president of corporate marketing and communications at Sensus. I think the adaptability of our technology to meet specific needs in that part of the world certainly stood out and made the selection process much easier.”

About Sensus

Sensus is a leading utility infrastructure company offering smart meters, communication systems, software and services for the electric, gas, and water industries. Sensus technology helps utilities drive operational efficiency and customer engagement with applications that include advanced meter reading, data acquisition, demand response, distribution automation, home area networking and outdoor lighting control. Customers worldwide trust the innovation, quality and reliability of Sensus solutions for the intelligent use and conservation of energy and water. Learn more at www.sensus.com.

To follow Twitter updates from Sensus, please visit http://twitter.com/sensussmartgrid.

Contacts

Sensus The McDonnell Group

Linda Palmer Marc Marton

Manager, Corporate Communications Director, Public Relations

(919) 845-4021 or (919) 259-5778 (cell) (770) 645-1334

linda.palmer@sensus.com marc@themcdonnellgroup.com

The German Ministry of Economics and Technology will provide a German pavilion to specifically promote the participation of German companies in the Africa Energy Indaba 2012.

The German pavilion will include a large official information stand — which is usually staffed by consultants contracted by the German government — as well as stands of participating German companies from which German renewable energy know-how and products will be marketed.

However, the German pavilion will not only focus on selling German services and products, but also on finding suitable South African and African partners.
The German government promotes the participation of German companies in select international trade fairs and exhibitions around the world by appointing a company to organise a pavilion which hosts participating German companies. Such German pavilions are organised at approximately 250 events per year.

Within this framework, there is a special programme focusing on renewable energy. In 2012, 10 select international events will form part of this special programme.

According to Pieter Bouwer of the Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft (German-African Business Association), “Africa Energy Indaba 2012 is one of these select events and the only African event to be included in the special programme for renewable energy. South Africa has great potential regarding renewable energy, as well as substantial energy demand. Germany has substantial experience in this field and world-class know-how and products. Therefore, there should be enormous scope for closer cooperation between Germany and South Africa and the rest of Africa in this field,” he says.

Brian Statham, Chairman of the AEI added, “The widespread use of renewable technologies is in its infancy in South Africa and this is the perfect time for South African and German interests to combine forces in this developing market. Furthermore, renewable technologies lend themselves to off-grid applications which can make a significant contribution to relieving the energy poverty that is endemic in rural Africa.”

Germany is working around the clock to become the world’s first industrial power to use 100 percent renewable energy. In fact Germany could very well accomplish this goal by 2050.

The share of electricity produced from renewable energy in Germany has accelerated from 6.3 percent of the national total in 2000 to about 17 percent in 2010. In that year, investments in Germany’s renewable energies sector totalled 26 billion Euros.

According to official figures, about 370 000 people in Germany were employed in small and medium sized companies in the renewable sector in 2010. This is an increase of around 8 percent compared to 2009 where around 339, 500 jobs were created and filled. Close to two-thirds of these jobs can be attributed to the Renewable Energy Sources Act.

The German Renewable Energy Sources Act was designed to encourage cost reductions based on improved energy efficiency plans. The Act was enforced in 2000 and has seen a considerable boost in renewable energies in Germany.

In 2010, nearly 17% of Germany’s electricity supply was produced from renewable energy sources — more than the 2010 contribution of gas fired power plants.

On August 31, 2011 the German Federal Cabinet adopted the Adaptation Action plan to show their support to the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change.

By 2030, as much as 50 percent of Germany’s electricity should be coming from renewable energy sources. That’s about the same time Germany and the entire European continent plan to have the interconnected smart grid in operation.

Germany has been at the forefront of renewable energy technologies for years now and is well positioned to become the first country to switch to green power completely.

For more information on German renewable energy technologies and know-how visit the German pavilion at the Africa Energy Indaba 2012.

ENDS

20 September 2011

Prepared by: Siyenza Management
Karabo Keepile
011 463 9184
karabo@siyenza.za.com

On behalf of: Africa Energy Indaba 2012
Liz Hart
011 463 9184
liz@sieynza.za.com

About Africa Energy Indaba 2012
The Africa Energy Indaba takes place from February 21 to 23 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton, Johannesburg. The event brings together stakeholders from the global energy industry and the financial community, including energy providers, engineers, financial service providers, economists, government representatives and media. Visit www.energyindaba.co.za

About the World Energy Council www.worldenergy.org

About the South Africa National Energy Association www.sanea.org.za

Kind Regards

The Annual Africa Energy Indaba Conference & Exhibition is delighted to announce that the World Energy Council (WEC) and the South African National Energy Association (SANEA) have adopted the event as their Africa Regional event.  This will result in the Africa Energy Indaba becoming the foremost forum and premier energy event on the African continent.

“The professional leadership provided by these two key organisations ensures that Africa Energy Indaba receives attention at the highest level both locally and internationally,” says organiser and MD, Liz Hart. “This is critical to ensure that the resolutions proceeding from the conference have a real impact on shaping energy policy, creating business opportunities and informing the debate around Africa’s energy future.”

The World Energy Council (WEC) is the foremost multi-energy organisation in the world, with a global network in more than 90 countries and over 3 000 member organisations including governments, industry and expert institutions, aimed at promoting the sustainable supply and use of energy for the benefit of all.

SANEA, the South African member committee of the WEC, represents a hub for the exchange of energy related information aimed at stimulating original thought and catalysing the transformation of the energy sector and, while rooted in sub-Saharan Africa, is well respected across the entire African continent.

“Africa Energy Indaba 2012 will once again incorporate the conference and exhibition, as well as the WEC African Regional Forum. As in previous years, the conference programme features a line-up of top local and international experts and speakers – including a keynote address by the Secretary-General of WEC – while the exhibition is expected to double in size after a triumphant showcase at this year’s event.”

“The quality of presentations and calibre of speakers owes much to SANEA, as chair of the programme steering committee, in identifying relevant topics and the involvement of WEC in engaging expert speakers who represent the world’s foremost influencers in energy,” says Hart. “This ensures that the conference delivers great value for the delegates and enhances the networking opportunities presented by our business matchmaking programme.”

“Africa holds significant energy resources and potentially has a high level of energy self-sufficiency for the region as a whole. However, these resources are not well developed to meet the growing needs of the continent,” says Dr Latsoucabé Fall, WEC regional manager for Africa.

Dr Fall adds that Africa Energy Indaba presents a unique opportunity to discuss how Africa’s energy challenges can best be met and to come up with viable solutions for policy-makers and decision-makers in government and industry to accelerate the realisation of a secure energy future for the continent.

SANEA chair, Brian Statham, says, “Africa Energy Indaba is an important event on the regional calendar and we are delighted to be involved, in line with our mandate to strengthen regional insight as part of WEC’s global insight processes.”

ENDS

21 June 2012

Issued on behalf of Africa Energy Indaba

By Siyenza Management

Mabel Modipa

Tel: +27 11 463 9184

Email: mabel@siyenza.za.com

About Africa Energy Indaba 2012

Energy Indaba takes place from February 21 to 23 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton, Johannesburg. The event brings together stakeholders from the global energy industry and the financial community, including energy providers, engineers, financial service providers, economists, government representatives and media. Visit www.energyindaba.co.za

About the World Energy Council www.worldenergy.org

About the South Africa National Energy Association www.sanea.org.za

Post Event Report PDF

Exploring the Potential Solar Energy Market in China and Upgrading Production Technology

CHANGZHOU, CHINA, 24-25 MARCH 2011 – China is now the world’s largest solar cell manufacturer with an annual output of 4,382 MW and the number is still increasing. The current yearly output of solar cells in Jiangsu Province accounts for 65% of the national output and 25% of global output.

Supported by Changzhou People’s Municipal Government and UNIDO ITPO-CHINA, the 3rd China Solar Energy Technology and Investment Congress organized by the Administrative Committee of Changzhou National High-Tech District and Noppen took place on 24-25 March 2011 in Changzhou. With over 150 attendees the congress brought together senior government officials, leading solar cell manufacturers and equipment suppliers from all over the world to discuss the latest industrial policies, China’s major solar projects progress, and advanced technology solutions and equipment selection.

Meeting between HAN Jiuyun, the Vice Mayor of Changzhou People’s Municipal Government and Dr. Mohan Narayanan, Vice President, Hanwha SolarOne Ltd

On day one morning, before the conference began, a meeting was held with HAN Jiuyun, the Vice Mayor of Changzhou People’s Municipal Government. He made a speech introducing the solar industry in Changzhou which was followed by selected attending delegates one by one introducing their companies. Meeting attendees included XUE Jiannan, Standing Committee, Changzhou National High-Tech District; ZHAO Hao, Director, Photovoltaic Industry Park, Changzhou New District Administration Office; QIU Dimin, Director of Technical Committee, Trina Solar Limited; JIANG Leiyan, Deputy Director, Changzhou National High-Tech District Business Council; and representatives from Hanwha SolarOne Ltd, Krempel Gmbh, TÜV Rheinland Co Ltd, etc. Following the meeting HAN Jiuyun gave a welcome speech opening the session; and DAI Yuan, Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Changzhou National Hi-tech District presented an overview of the solar industry and its investment environment in Changzhou. Currently, Changzhou National Hi-tech District is one of the most competitive development zones in east China. “The event is of high standard and provided rewarding results” Roger Shanghai Co Ltd

Key speakers at the event included Dr. REN Dongming, Director, Center for Renewable Energy Development, Energy Research Institute, NDRC who discussed the implementation of the latest government incentive policies and the development strategy for China’s solar industry. It was a very valued opportunity for our delegates to talk with the NDRC directly. Many questions were asked regarding the future of industrial distribution. Dr. YU Pingrong, Director, Solar Energy Center at Beijing University was Chairman of the conference. In addition to his speech on international industrial chain integration, Dr. Yu gave great remarks on each presentation and asked some challenging questions to aid the delegates in better understand the topics presented. ZHANG Wen, CEO and CTO of Dongfang Electric (Yixing) Magi Solar Power Technology Co Ltd introduced Magi Solar’s cost effective Athena I project. Efficiency levels are above 18.5% in mass production, a number which is leading in the current solar cell manufacturing industry. “Great sessions, very good one-to-one meetings!” Chroma Ate Inc. Notable speakers also included Dr. LUO Xiang National Program Director UNIDO ITPO-CHINA, who talked about issues related to the outsourcing industry chain. Dr. Luo’s presentation analyzed the current China solar industry from an investor’s viewpoint and provided the local investors with some new business model ideas. Currently UNIDO is investing heavily in China’s solar industry. Dr. Luo also presented a case study of the Changzhou Model, concluding that it is the most effective one as it puts emphases on the Brand + Capital + Industry chain. “The event was well organized and the topic areas covered by experts reasonable” State Grid Electric Power Research Institute

Industry leaders introduced their most up-to-date technology and product information. LI Zhanrong, Senior Advisor, Sichuan Xinguang Silicon-Tech Co Ltd compared different ways of producing polysilicon materials focusing on efficiency and raw materials consumption. Mr. Li has over 40 years work experience in semiconductor polysilicon materials’ research and development. Guy Rong, President and CEO, Suntrix Company Limited introduced SCPV technology which is the latest generation of solar PV technology. The SCPV developed by Suntrix is in the mass production stage with efficiency up to 25%. Dr. Ihor Melnyk fromCentrotherm Photovoltaics AG illustrated the latest developments in the crystalline silicon based photovoltaic technology manufacturing process, and from PICOSUN OY, Dr. LI Wei-min discussed atomic layer deposition technology for photovoltaic industrial applications. The new ALD technology can be used in thin-film solar cell manufacturing. Delegates showed great interest in this new technology and asked a lot of questions about the practice during the Q&A session. “Excellent, valuable and very profitable!” CECEP Solar Energy Technology Co Ltd

Prominent speakers also included Christian Dreier, Vice General Manager, TÜV Rheinland (Shanghai) Co Ltd which offers testing services to the solar industry. He discussed long-term outdoor exposure testing in different environments. Dr. Ray Lian of Solarbuzz showcased the latest industry data and forecasted the global PV market trends for 2011; and from Krempel Gmbh, Karlheinz Brust discussed guidelines for the successful selection of material components for PV modules, which can directly affect the performance of solar cells/modules both in efficiency and safety. Speakers also came from Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Intertek Testing Services Limited, Hanwha SolarOne Ltd, New Energy Institute of DEC, Feng Neng Sgurr (Beijing) Renewable Energy Technology Co Ltd and Jetion Solar (China) Co Ltd.“Professional arrangement, excellent staff and very good translators” Sandvik Thermal Process Inc.

The event concluded on day three with a site tour to Trina Photovoltaic Industrial Park attended by some of Trina Solar’s senior leaders and also a visit to Changzhou National Hi-tech District. Trina currently has the largest vertically integrated PV chain in the world, from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of high quality modules. “Thanks to the staff of Noppen. The organization was very good” Krempel Group. Noppen would like to express special thanks to the 3rd China Solar Energy Technology and Investment Congress sponsors; Krempel Group, Honoprof/Picosun, Intertek, Chroma, G-Crystal, Roger Shanghai, TÜV Rheinland, Yukun New Energy, LAND, BIG in our mind, ABB, GCL, Mitsun Chemicals Group, Bender, and Linde for their great contribution to the event. “The content was well-rounded and the event professional, really top notch!” China Power Investment Jiangsu Branch.

About Noppen

Noppen (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. has delivered exceptional events, assisted new market entries and established government relations since 1998. Our top-level business connections paired with our close relations to the many levels of government have given Noppen an edge on the marketplace our competitors just can’t match. With offices in China, India and Belgium, Noppen offers reputable, reliable service and a large range of deliverables to help your company successfully meet its goals.

Contact:

PRESS RELEASE

Ensuring access to energy is without doubt one of the major challenges facing the global economy today, which is a significant challenge for the African energy sector as well. A lack of access to energy services impedes those who live in extreme poverty, undermining health, stagnating growth and limiting people’s potential to rise out of poverty. Access to energy has been adopted by Africa’s leading energy forum, the Annual Energy Indaba, as a focus area to debate solutions to this dilemma facing the people on the African continent.

After the unprecedented success of the 2010 Energy Indaba in Johannesburg, South Africa, the next forum taking place from the 1 – 3 March 2011, strives to deliver on its theme of  “Energising Africa”, which will once again be held in Sandton, Johannesburg. Considering that Africa has adequate energy resources to meet its short and medium-term requirements, we still have vast populations struggling due to the limited access to energy. The continent actively seeks solutions to these challenges and regional integration is increasingly seen as a way for individual countries requiring growth in economic development to join the global economy and empower their populations. Africa is an ideal developing economy with a billion consumers, rich with natural resources in high demand from countries like China and India, provides a massive and potentially lucrative marketplace for global investors.

The 2011 Energy Indaba Conference embraces the opportunity to find solutions to these challenges and under the able Chairmanship of Mr. Brian Statham, head of the South African National Energy Association and World Energy Council representative, the event will engage decision-makers from across the continent with international speakers delivering key messages. Preparations for this year’s event are well underway and support from the World Energy Council hosting their Regional Africa Meeting as a side event of the main forum, coupled with having secured the Nanotechnology Public Engagement Media Roundtable Breakfast as well as the Capacity-building in South Africa, Namibia and Ghana to create sustainable, non-food bio-oil supply chains Conference, an Action funded under the ACP Science and Technology Programme (http://www.acp-st.eu/about/) by the European Union and implemented by the ACP Secretariat, the event is billed to be one of the top energy forums in Africa this year.

The programme for the Energy Indaba Conference will discuss crucial issues facing the continent currently, including as an example, the following:

-Africa’s new power opportunities and stakeholders,
-Renewable energy, the solution for Africa,
-The impact of energy on African business,
-The rapidly evolving African energy landscape, and
-Climate change and African energy poverty.

The closing keynote address of the Conference – to be delivered by Dr. Christoph Frei, Secretary-General of the World Energy Council on “Closing the power gap in Africa” – promises insights into the way forward for the continent and without doubt, will be a session not to be missed.

Adjacent to the conference is the Energy Indaba Exhibition and with over 80 exhibitors already confirmed provides the opportunity for visitors to meet the biggest players in the African energy sector at the exhibition. This event’s continued growth and success reflects the increasing importance of finding solutions to the challenges facing the African energy sector and provides business with a platform to enter this evolving market.

Managing Director of the Energy Indaba, Liz Hart stated “The problems facing the African energy sector are not unique in the global context, however Africa with its diverse and potentially lucrative market, requires energy to develop its potential. The Energy Indaba is the foremost forum for decision-makers to grapple with the challenges facing this industry sector to unlock the business potential already identified by Asian countries as new and emerging markets set for expansion. Simultaneously it is imperative to address issues around the access to energy for Africa’s poor to empower and develop people. We encourage business to participate at this forum to realize the potential for Africa to emerge as a global player.�

ENDS

About the Energy Indaba:Energy Indaba 2011 will be held from the 1 to 3 March 2011, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference continues to grow and has become the foremost forum for debating Africa’s energy solutions and focuses on: African power suppliers; alternative and renewable energies; oil and gas; the legal and regulatory framework, and investment opportunities in African energy projects. The exhibition has become a significant market-place for African and international stakeholders doing business in Africa’s energy sector.
www.energyindaba.co.za

CONTACTS:

January 9 2010

Press Release prepared by:

Siyenza Management (Pty) Ltd
Liz Hart
liz@siyenza.za.com
011 463 9184

From 14 – 17 March 2011, African Utility Week will provide training, networking and discussion platforms which demonstrate how utilities can prepare themselves for the changing utility landscape. With increased emphasis on smart technology and communications, renewable energy integration and diversified generation technologies, utilities are moving into a changing, exciting and challenging utility environment.

The event, taking place at the ICC in Cape Town, South Africa, provides un-missable networking opportunities! Meet key stakeholders from the whole power ecosystem, including other utilities, government stakeholders, regulators, power pools and vendors.

The exciting line up of speakers covers all of the key issues for the utility sector. The 7 break-out sessions offer opportunity for in-depth examination of some of the key issues affecting the power sector in Africa. The plenary session is going to be examining the role that an integrated resource plan could play in securing the water and power sectors in Africa. Panellists in this session include Jasper Oduor, Secretary General of the East African Power Pool and Elham Ibrahim, Commissioner of energy and Infrastructure from the African Union Commission.

Additional key experts who will be sharing insights, include

• Metering, Billing/CRM Africa: Dr. Nicholas Smart-Yeboah, Director of Customer Service from the Electricity Company of Ghana, who will be sharing insights as to why the Ghanaian government took the step of installing pre-paid meters in the offices of ministries and other government agencies. Rudi Strubbe, Regional Vice President from Alcatel-Lucent will be speaking on smart grid ready AMI and Rens Bindeman, Managing Director of Revenue Investigations SA, will give practical steps for preparing a revenue protection strategy.

• Smart Grids/T&D Africa: We welcome to African Utility Week Guido Bartels, Chairman of the GridWise Alliance, who will provide an idea of why utilities should consider transitioning to a smart grid. As a follow-up to that, Minnesh Bipath, Senior Manager: End Use and Infrastructure from Saneri, will discuss the regulatory requirements for smart grid integration. Integrating embedded generation into distribution networks is a topic which will be highlighted by Clinton Carter-Brown from Eskom.

• Generation Africa: An overview of the South African Integrated Resource Plan will be presented by Omphi Aphane, Acting DG of Electricity, Nuclear and Clean Energy from the Department of Energy, SA. Anyone interested in this topic should not miss this presentation. Another interesting presentation is an evaluation of regulatory reform to boost private investment for generation in Africa by Mossad Elmissiry, Head of Bioenergy Policy, AU/Nepad (NPCA).

• Renewable Energy Africa: We’ll also examine some project implementations, in particular Hopefield in the Western Cape and Lake Turkana in Kenya. Evans Kidero, CEO of Mumias Sugar in Kenya, will be sharing experiences with feed-in tariffs and co-generation and this will be interesting for anyone wanting to understand how the Kenyan experience has worked.

• Large Power Users Forum: This is a vitally important issue in South Africa (and the rest of the continent) – Barry Bredenkamp, who is the General Operations Manager for the National Energy Efficiency Agency, will share the business case for energy efficiency with the audience while Valerie Geen from the National Business Initiative will discuss responses to the energy efficiency challenge. One of the key challenges to South Africa at the moment is the issue of energy security and this will be examined in detail with presentations from Kannan Lakmeeharan, Divisional Executive, System Operations and Planning from Eskom, and Leslie Rencontre, Director of Electricity Services from the City of Cape Town. Any large consumer of power should ensure they are in Cape Town during African Utility Week to get first hand insight of how to increase productivity while lowering energy costs.

For more information on the programme, please contact the programme director, Claire Volkwyn: claire.volkwyn@spintelligent.com / (021) 700 2559 or visit the conference website www.african-utility-week.com

The Annual Energy Indaba has again secured the support of the World Energy Council (WEC) through the hosting of the Africa Regional Meeting as a side event of the main forum. The World Energy Council, formed in 1923, is the only truly global and inclusive forum for thought-leadership and tangible engagement committed to our sustainable energy future. The Council comprises a network of 93 national committees represents over 3000 member organizations including governments, industry and expert institutions across the globe.

The Africa Regional Meeting will bring a host of African participants from across the continent to debate and discuss issues pertinent to development of the continent, including issues relating to energy poverty and access to funding, as examples. Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Energy Indaba, added, “We are delighted to once again host the World Energy Council Africa Regional Meeting, which we believe adds impetus to the work and outcomes we are aiming to achieve for Africa. Our ultimate aim is to find solutions to Africa’s energy challenges and to address energy poverty for the people of Africa.”

The Meeting will be hosted on the 3rd March at the Sandton Convention Centre and will focus on the Africa Work programme of WEC for 2011. The Energy Indaba will be chaired by Brian Statham, SANEA Chairman and Chairman of Global Studies at the World Energy Council. Statham commented that SANEA and the WEC are pleased to be associated with the Energy Indaba because of its focus on finding solutions and mechanisms for successful implementation. The structured programme and resulting dialogue creates the platform for real progress towards realizing Africa’s vast potential.

ENDS

November 9 2010

About the Energy Indaba: Energy Indaba 2011 will be held from the 1 to 3 March 2011, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference continues to grow and has become the foremost forumfor debating Africa’s energy solutions and focuses on: African power suppliers; alternative and renewable energies; oil and gas; the legal and regulatory framework, and investment opportunities in African energy projects. The exhibition has become a significant market-place for African and international stakeholders doing business in Africa’s energy sector.

CONTACTS:

Press Release prepared by:

Siyenza Management (Pty) Ltd
Liz Hart
liz@siyenza.za.com
011 463 9184

African Power, Mining & Oil Review recently interviewed Claire Volkwyn the programme director for African Utility Week 2011. This event, which is taking place from 14 – 17 March 2011 at the ICC in Cape Town covers the entire power sector from generation to end user, including a specific break out session for large users of power.

Discuss the main themes/tracks to be covered at the event
The theme for the 2011 conference is “Preparing for the changing utility paradigm” and I think this sums up what utilities need to do. Our industry is changing and there is a risk of being left behind if we don’t keep up. The utility industry is so vital to every aspect of our lives–without power we cease to operate as a society, health care suffers, our economy suffers–everything stops. So we have to be prepared for the changes and embrace the evolving nature of the power industry at the moment. This change is positive!

What are the networking opportunities at AUW and how does one make the most of them? One of my favorite parts of any event is the opportunities to network not only with fellow delegates, but also to find out what’s happening in the world of technology. With the exhibition and conference elements at African Utility Week, we get to do both! We have many networking opportunities at lunch time, during the tea breaks and at our cocktail function, for delegates to engage with one another but also for them to visit the exhibition booths and speak to the exhibitors.

This is such a wonderful opportunity to get to grips with some of the new technological developments and understand how they can impact your utility and your ability to do your job.

Based on previous AUW events, how many people are expected to attend the upcoming AUW, and who should be attending?
In February 2010 we hosted African Utility Week in Durban, and the show attracted some 1866 people to the Convention Centre in Durban. In 2011, we are expanding some of our on-floor workshops, namely the Large Power Users Forum, into a full two day track and combined with the amazing programme we have put together, we estimate we’ll have 2,300 – 2,500 people at African Utility Week in 2011.

Who are some of the key speakers to be featured and what will they be talking about?

We have an exciting line up of speakers covering all of the key issues for the utility sector. For instance, our plenary session is going to be examining the role that an integrated resource plan could play in securing the water and power sectors in Africa. Panellists in this session include Jasper Oduor, Secretary General of the East African Power Pool , Elham Ibrahim, Commission of Energy and Infrastructure from the African Union Commission and Lawrence Musaba, Co-ordination centre manager for the Southern African Power Pool.

Each of our specific breakout sessions have some key experts sharing insights including:

Metering: Dr Nicholas Smart-Yeboah, Director of Customer Service from the Electricity Company of Ghana, will be sharing insights as to why the Ghanaian government took the step of installing pre-paid meters in the offices of ministries and other government agencies. Rudi Strubbe, Regional Vice President from Alcatel Lucent will be speaking on Smart Grid Ready AMI and Rens Bindeman, Managing Director of Revenue Investigations will give practical steps for preparing a revenue protection strategy.

Smart Grids/Transmission and Distribution: This is an exciting break out for us! We welcome to African Utility Week Guido Bartels, Chairman of the Gridwise Alliance, who will give us some idea of why utilities should consider transitioning to a smart grid. As a follow up to that Minnesh Bipath, Senior Manager: End Use and Infrastructure from Saneri will discuss the regulatory requirements for smart grid integration. Integrating embedded generation into distribution networks is a topic which will be highlighted by Dr Clinton Carter Brown from Eskom.

Generation: The first presentation in this breakout will be of great interest to a number of people. It’s an overview of the South African Integrated Resource Plan, and is being presented by Omphi Aphane, Acting DG of Electricity, Nuclear and Clean Energy from the Department of Energy. Anyone interested in this topic should not miss this presentation. Other interesting presentations include an overview of the Bujagali IPP in Uganda, by James Baanabe who is Acting Commissioner of Energy for the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mining and an evaluation of regulatory reform to boost private investment for generation in Africa by Mossad Elmissiry from NEPAD.

Renewable Energy: A key question for a lot of the municipalities is how renewable energy can be used to increase efficiency, and George Ferreira, specialist consultant in energy efficiency and renewable energy, will be presenting an overview of some of his experiences. We’ll also examine some project overviews, in particular, Hopefield in the Western Cape and Lake Turkana in Kenya. Dr Evans Kidero, CEO of Mumias Sugar in Kenya will be sharing its experiences with feed-in tariffs and co-generation and this will be interesting for anyone wanting to understand how the Kenyan experience has worked.

Large Power Users: This is a vitally important issue in South Africa (and the rest of the continent) and I am pleased to say the programme we have put together for this is absolutely first class. Barry Bredenkamp, who is the General Operations Manager for the National Energy Efficiency Agency will share the business case for energy efficiency with the audience while Valerie Geen from the National Business Initiative will discuss responses to the energy efficiency challenge. One of the key challenges to South Africa at the moment is the issue of energy security and this will be examined in detail with presentations from Kannan Lakmeeharan, Divisional Executive, System Operations and Planning from Eskom and Councillor Clive Justus, Mayoral Committee Member from the City of Cape Town . Any large consumer of power should ensure they are in Cape Town during African Utility Week to get first hand insight of how to increase productivity while lowering energy costs.

What are your suggestions to people looking to get the most out of AUW 2011?

Engage, discuss, interact. Remember that the experience you have is largely due to the amount of effort you put in. So visit the exhibition, speak to the exhibitors and find out how they can help you, how they can make your job easier and your utility more successful. Ask questions during the session and engage with other people. Don’t be shy!

For more information, contact:
Programme enquiries: Claire Volkwyn: Claire.volkwyn@spintelligent.com
Exhibition or sponsorship enquiries: Andrew Evans: Andrew.evans@spintelligent.com or
Andrew Dooley Andrew.dooley@spintelligent.com
Registration enquiries: Jimina Morris: jimina.morris@spintelligent.com
Or call +27 21 700 2500

Website: www.african-utility-week.com