ATLANTA--Tuesday, March 16, 2010-- GE (NYSE: GE) agrees with the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) National Broadband Plan announcement's clear recognition of the need for improving the communications infrastructure to modernize the electric grid.
"A potent, clearly defined reliable and integrated infrastructure will enable the promise of the smart grid to become reality, including electric vehicles, consumer-controlled energy management and conservation tools, more reliable grid performance and more clean, domestic energy from renewable resources," said Bob Gilligan, vice president---digital energy for GE Energy Services.
From their recommendations for deployment under current conditions to their stated flexibility, the FCC appears to be signaling a desire to create a dynamic broadband model to benefit everyone. "We are delighted the FCC understands the value of allowing many different options to build this infrastructure. We believe open options will spur innovation and enable deployment of the best solution for each communications challenge, optimizing smart grid benefits for consumers and utilities alike," Gilligan added.
GE believes the FCC also is demonstrating an open and honest view of what needs to be explored as the plan moves forward. "We applaud the commission's willingness to investigate all alternatives, including a dedicated communications spectrum for smart grid applications," Gilligan said. "GE encourages the FCC to further explore the option of a dedicated smart grid spectrum as a powerful enabling tool for dramatically improving the efficiency, reliability and security of a new smart grid reality with an ever-shrinking carbon footprint."
About GE
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that's built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.
GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With 60,000 global employees and 2009 revenues of $37 billion, GE Energy www.ge.com/energy is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energy---GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas---work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.
For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com. GE is imagination at work.
Britton Cronin
GE Energy
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