Update, Dec. 1, 2011: False alarm! Well, at least in the Illinios water pump case. Read this Wired | Threat Level article for the real story. Still, no reason to let your guard down… This weekend, hackers made news for not only breaking into computer systems, but literally breaking a pump at a water plant in […]
Dear Utilities, Get with the program
It pains me that utilities are still struggling to connect with consumers. After all, there’s no more compelling message nowadays than pure, simple savings. Forget putting some money aside for a rainy day; consumers today are getting downright frugal and aren’t afraid to show it. During my stint as Green IT curator at GigaOM Pro, […]
Enough with the smart grid pessimism, already!
With all the doom and gloom surrounding the smart grid of late, it’s hard not to get concerned about its future. But it’s important to realize that the smart grid is a lot bigger than the device that’s giving it a bad name. I’m talking about the smart meter. Cnet’s Martin LaMonica asks, “Is this […]
Free Utility Speeds SSDs for XP
In light of the well-received Windows 7, it’s hard to ignore that XP is getting on in years. Nonetheless, it’s still pretty prevalent in netbooks. Part of the problem for netbook owners is that XP is an OS developed well…
Solar: Utilities Are Behind the Times
Don’t you just hate it when someone hides behind old, antiquated “rules” to screw you over? That’s what’s happening to Mary Clark, a rancher in Sarasota County, Florida. You see, she installed a half-million-dollar solar panel array thinking that she…
