The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) congratulates Olivia Trusty on her nomination to serve as commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission, and it supports her confirmation.  Rusty Williams, President & CEO of UTC stated that “UTC looks forward to working with Ms. Trusty to protect and promote the public interest in utility critical infrastructure communications systems that ensure the safe, efficient, reliable and secure delivery of essential electric, gas, and water services.  We also look forward to working with Ms. Trusty to support opportunities to promote access to robust, reliable, and affordable broadband services to all Americans.”  UTC’s utility members own, operate, and maintain extensive private internal wireline and wireless systems that they use to communicate with their personnel and remotely monitor and control their critical infrastructure and operations.  UTC’s utility members also promote broadband access by offering broadband services in otherwise unserved and underserved areas and by deploying broadband infrastructure and providing pole attachments for use by third-party broadband service providers.

Members of the utility industry do not take their jobs lightly. When the country experiences storm-related damage, loss of life, and service disruptions such as we have experienced recently with Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it is a reminder of how important utility services are to our society. It has often been said that following a disaster, life does not start getting back to normal until the lights are on and the water and gas are flowing again.

For more than 75 years, The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) has represented the telecommunications and information technology interests of electric, gas, and water utilities and suppliers across the country. At UTC, we recognize the importance of utility services to the quality of everyday life. We send our thoughts, prayers, and encouragement to those affected by the recent storms and to those working tirelessly to restore the disrupted services. To the utilities and their employees on the frontlines of these storms, thank you. Thank you for your tireless work to restore services, many times in terrible conditions. We also acknowledge and appreciate those utilities that were not directly affected but still answered the call to support neighboring utilities and states by sending crews, equipment, and other resources. Connecting and supporting members during their times of need is at the core of UTC’s mission and vision, and it is the culture that our members have come to expect and take advantage of for the last 75 years.

The UTC staff has stayed in constant contact with many of its members in the Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee mountain regions over the past weeks to see how we can assist with the restoration activities. We are currently in contact with our members in Florida, receiving real-time updates, status reports, andproviding more avenues of support. In the coming days, as we gather more operational information, we will work with our members to better understand how their systems performed under duress and help look for ways to improve operations during future similar events. We want to hear from all our affected members, so reach out to us if we haven’t connected with you. In the coming weeks, we will work to compile, analyze, and report the results of our members’ efforts,so be on the lookout for that information. If there is anything UTC can do to assist with your utility’s restoration efforts, please let us know and feel free to email me directly.

We never want to experience these types of events, but as we go through them, we will learn and become stronger as an industry and a community.

On September 5^th, UTC filed comments in opposition to a Petition for Rulemaking by NextNav, Inc., which proposes to reconfigure the Lower 900 MHz band (902-928 MHz) and modify the rules to enable NextNav to support both “precision, navigation and timing” (“PNT”) and mobile broadband across the entire country on a nationwide geographic license basis.  UTC opposed the Petition because NextNav’s proposed operations would threaten to cause significant and widespread interference to utility advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems in the band. Besides utilities’ rejection of NextNav’s petition, it drew almost universal opposition from all corners of the economy, e.g., toll operators, RFID companies, the health care sector, car companies, consumer electronic associations and many more.  UTC also signed onto comments in opposition by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Comments in opposition were also filed by Southern California Edison.

• Here are links to the comments by UTC, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as UTC members Dominion Energy and Southern California Edison.

Arlington, VA, USA, August 27, 2024 – The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) and the 450 MHz Alliance are pleased to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing communication networks for utilities and critical infrastructure providers. This collaboration leverages the expertise and resources of both organizations to support the development and deployment of advanced wireless communication solutions, ensuring reliable and secure connectivity for utilities worldwide.

Strengthening Utility Communications

The partnership between UTC, a global association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure and utility stakeholders, and the 450 MHz Alliance, which focuses on promoting the use of 450 MHz spectrum for private and secure communication networks, represents a significant step forward in the evolution of utility communication systems. Together, these organizations will work to promote the adoption of 450 MHz spectrum, which is well-suited for wide-area coverage and robust, mission-critical communication requirements.

A Shared Vision for the Future

“We are excited to partner with the 450 MHz Alliance to drive innovation in utility communications,” said Rusty Williams, President and CEO of UTC. “Our members rely on robust and secure communication networks to maintain critical infrastructure operations. This partnership will provide them with access to cutting-edge solutions and support the deployment of technologies that meet their unique needs.”

Gösta Kallner, Executive Chairman of the 450 MHz Alliance, added, “Partnering with UTC aligns perfectly with our mission to advocate for the use of the 450 MHz band in delivering secure and reliable communication for utilities. By working together, we can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, driving forward the development of future-proof communication systems that are essential for utility operations.”

Driving Innovation and Collaboration

As part of this partnership, UTC and the 450 MHz Alliance will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including joint research projects, workshops, and advocacy efforts to support regulatory and standardization processes. These efforts aim to address the growing demand for resilient communication solutions that can support smart grid applications, remote monitoring, and emergency response.

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global association focused on serving critical infrastructure and utility stakeholders. With a mission to shape the future of utility communications and information technology, UTC provides advocacy, education, and resources to help its members deploy and maintain reliable communication systems.

About 450 MHz Alliance

The 450 MHz Alliance is dedicated to the advancement of the 450 MHz frequency band as a key resource for private wireless communication networks. The Alliance brings together industry leaders and stakeholders to promote the adoption of 450 MHz technologies, providing secure and reliable connectivity for utilities, public safety, and other critical industries.

Contact Information

Brittany Luckett | Director of Marketing, Communications & Publications
UTILITIES TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

Email: brittany.luckett@utc.org | Web: 2026.utc.org/

Phone: 202.833.6813

2550 South Clark St, Suite 960 | Arlington, VA 22202

Igor Virker | Managing Director

450 MHz ALLIANCE

Email: ivirker@450alliance.org

Phone: +1.858.705.7760

Arlington, Va.— May 24, 2024 – Utility industry representatives from across the U.S. elected Gary Vondrasek of JEA as the new Chair of the Utilities Technology Council’s Board of Directors, effective through June 2025. Vondrasek was elected at UTC’s 2024 Telecom & Technology Conference on May 23, 2024, in Mobile, AL.

Utility representatives approved Chair Vondrasek as well as Anthony Suppa of Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) as Vice Chair and Dr. Steve Liegl of WEC Energy as Secretary/Treasurer. Each will serve in these capacities until the membership elects new officers during UTC’s 2025 Telecom & Technology Conference in Long Beach, CA scheduled for June 16-19, 2025.

UTC is the global association at the nexus of the energy, utility, and telecommunications industries. Representing members of all sizes and ownership structures, UTC advocates for access to the information and communications technologies (ICT) needed for the safe and reliable delivery of mission-critical services.

“Thank you for the privilege to serve our association and fulfill my commitment to you to “Leave UTC better than when I found it.” Outgoing Chair Mayson said. “It has been an honor and quite frankly a blessing to serve with you all and hand over the keys.”

Chair Vondrasek, Manager Telecom Sales & Services at JEA, thanked his utility organization “for allowing me to be involved with UTC over the years and to take a leadership role at UTC.  It is an honor to be representing JEA!”

Vondrasek thanked those integral in his success at UTC, Past Chair Dewey Day of PE&G, former Interim President and CEO of UTC, Ron Beck of Burns & McDonnell, and the rest of the Executive Committee for their support. He also commended the UTC staff for their dedication to the association and acknowledged UTC’s President and CEO Rusty Williams, for leading UTC in the “march towards 100.”

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About UTC 

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/  

Arlington, Va.—May 24, 2024 – The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) has recognized utilities and their personnel who demonstrated initiative, perseverance, and innovative thinking throughout the past year. The awards were presented on May 22^nd and 23^rd at the association’s 2024 Telecom & Technology Conference in Mobile, AL, during the General Session and annual Membership Meeting.

UTC’s awards recognize the importance of utility Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems and the employees who build, operate, and maintain these systems to support the reliability, resilience, and safety of the nation’s electric systems. From storm response to day-to-day reliability, ICT networks also provide opportunities for communities to enhance economic prosperity, provide innovative new services, and support health, education, and access to critical services.

“As someone with experience working for a utility, you don’t do it for the recognition,” said UTC President and CEO, Rusty Williams, who presented the Dondanville Award and the Impact Award. The Dondanville Award holds a special place in my heart because I was the recipient of it in 2011, and it also represents what I have been telling UTC audiences over the last 5 months about “being the one.”

“Lockard & White is well deserving of the Impact Award for its commitment, leadership, technological innovation, and collaborative efforts toward sustaining critical infrastructure communications for electric utilities and beyond,” Williams said of the Lockard & White team, who showed up to accept the award and thanked their late friend and colleague, Randall Watkins for his commitment to their mission, which would not have been completed without his endless dedication.

The 2024 UTC Award Winners are:

• Dondanville Award Winner:  SHEILA WELLS (Leidos)
  • Established in 1989, the Dondanville Award is named in honor of UTC’s first president, Russell V. Dondanville. This award formally recognizes an individual’s extraordinary service and dedication to UTC over the years through active participation in numerous Association activities. Dondanville Award recipients are recognized for their unwavering dedication, inspiring perspective, and devotion. This is a person who shows integrity “on and off the court.”
• Impact (Service) Award Winner: LOCKARD & WHITE
  • The Impact Award honors the UTC Associate Member Organizations making a great impact on our industry through an innovative and proven solution.
• APEX Award Winner: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
  • Established nearly 20 years ago, the Apex Award recognizes utilities that have completed compelling telecommunication projects; whether in emergencies or in normal operations, utility communications technology saves lives, protects property, and provides opportunities for communities to enhance economic prosperity
• Meehan Award Winner:  KYLE J. CORMIER (Salt River Project)
  • Established in 1998, the Meehan Award is named in honor of UTC’s first Exec. Director Charles M. (Mike) Meehan. It recognizes an individual for their extraordinary leadership in projects during the past year that greatly furthered the interests and objectives of UTC.
• UTC’s Emerging Leaders Award – This award acknowledges “rising stars” within UTC’s member utilities, who are dedicated to the critical work of telecom, infrastructure, IT/OT, security, technology innovation, policy, and other key utility disciplines.
  • WINNERS:
    • JULIE LEININGER – Orlando Utilities
    • JASON SMITH – Blue Ridge Energy
    • MATT WESTON – NPPD
  • Chair’s Award – These awards are given in appreciation for service to UTC during the past calendar year and are hand-picked by the outgoing Chair of the UTC Board. The Chair selects the people they feel went above and beyond during their tenure.
    • WINNERS:
      • DOUG BARTON – Southern Company
      • RON BECK – Burns and McDonnell
      • DEWEY DAY – PG&E
      • SHAWNA KIESBUY – Avista
      • TIM MCKAY – Hydro One
      • TRAVIS PHIFER – Tristate G&T
      • BOBBY SADDLER – LCRA
      • MATT SCHNELL – NPPD
      • TONY SUPPA – PSEG
      • GARY VONDRASEK – JEA
      • KASEY WITT – UTC

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About UTC 

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

Click here to read the full reply comments.

UTC filed reply comments in support of a Petition for Rulemaking to allow utilities the option of operating broadband systems using 5/5 megahertz bandwidth in the 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz).  In its reply comments UTC echoed the comments of utilities who explained how they and others are deploying private long-term evolution (PLTE) systems to meet their increasing communications needs to support high data capacity and low latency necessary for deploying technologies and applications that support the increasing reliability, security, and efficiency needs of the nation’s energy infrastructure.  UTC’s reply comments also echoed comments supporting the continued protection of incumbent narrowband systems from interference and the ability to voluntarily negotiate relocation of narrowband incumbents, including complex systems.   Finally, UTC echoed the comments requesting the Commission to partially lift the freeze to enable incumbent narrowband systems to expand their coverage or otherwise modify their facilities as needed. In this way, UTC urged the Commission to adopt a rulemaking consistent with the Petition and consistent with UTC’s reply comments and the comments on the record as a whole.

Respectfully submitted,

UTILITIES TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

Brett Kilbourne

Senior Vice President of Policy and General Counsel

Utilities Technology Council

May 17, 2024

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About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

UTC and EEI oppose higher power VLP operations in FCC reply comments.

In the reply comments, UTC and EEI recommended that the FCC refrain from permitting these higher power VLP operations at this time, because they would operate at power limits that are 40 times greater than low power indoor (“LPI”) devices, which themselves have been shown in numerous real-world interference studies to be capable of causing harmful interference to nearby licensed microwave systems.

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About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Utilities Technology Council Announces Kelly Moran to Become Senior Director, Conference and Events

 Moran Provides Organization with Decades of Event Planning Experience

Arlington, Va.—January 5, 2024–Utilities Technology Council (UTC) President and CEO Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams today announced that effective January 2, 2024, Kelly Moran will join UTC as the organization’s Senior Director, Conference and Events. Moran worked at AHI Services for more than 21 years, where for the past 12 years she executed meeting, planning, and event logistics for UTC’s annual Telecom & Technology conference and slate of Regional meetings as a contractor. She will continue to have those responsibilities as she moves in-house at UTC to focus her energy and experience exclusively on the association.

“I’m excited and proud to announce that Kelly is “officially” joining UTC in this exciting and important new role.  We’ve known Kelly and the value she brings to our Conference and event program for a long time. Bringing her onboard in this permanent role will allow us to leverage her experience, unparalleled customer service, and passion for UTC into the innovative, educational, and entertaining events our members have come to know her for,” Williams said.  “We are looking forward to Kelly building out this new role.”

Moran’s experience includes event management, hospitality, and contract negotiations. She will continue to work closely with UTC Senior Vice President, Membership and Meetings Karnel Thomas and Director, Exhibits and Sponsorships Kristi Middlebrooks.

Moran received her Bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD.

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About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Utilities Technology Council Board of Directors Names Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams as New President and CEO

Arlington, VA—January 04, 2024—

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) announced today that it has named Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams as the association’s new President and CEO. Rusty takes over UTC’s leadership from Ron Beck, who served as Interim President and CEO from May to December 2023.

“After a rigorous three-month process, which involved interviewing and evaluating dozens of applicants from across the country based on strategically aligned criteria, I’m convinced that the right person will lead UTC into its next 75 years,” said UTC Board Chair Kirt Mayson of NorthWestern Energy. “We needed to get this right, and we needed to get it done by the end of the year. Rusty’s combination of decades of industry experience with a deep knowledge of UTC is the perfect fit to lead our staff and serve our members as UTC continues to be on the cutting edge of shaping utility mission-critical technologies through public policy and advocacy, cyber and security, and membership engagement.”

UTC’s search process began in September with more than 30 applications, which were narrowed down to three finalists through a process of interviews based on key criteria identified as essential to the position. The finalists were interviewed in person at UTC’s December Board Meeting in Chicago. Following a final graded review and evaluation, the decision was made to offer Williams the position of UTC’s next President and CEO.

Williams, a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Alabama, comes to UTC with extensive utility industry experience. He worked at LightRiver Technologies for seven years, where he served as Vice President, Sales. Before LightRiver, Williams worked for nearly four years as Director of Business Development at AFL Telecommunications. He also worked for more than 25 years at Southern Company, where he held various telecommunications and IT management positions. Williams earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Mayson went on to say that Williams’ experience will be a key driver of UTC’s continued commitment to being a trusted advocate and thought leader on regulatory issues and emerging technology, as well as a valued training source in the utility telecommunications and networking space. Spectrum allocation, emerging technology initiatives, and cyber and security are just a few of the challenges and opportunities that will be faced by UTC members and the industry in the years ahead, Mayson said.

“It is an honor to be selected to lead this prestigious association that, for the past 75 years, has protected and advocated on behalf of the critical infrastructure industry,” Williams said. “I look forward to building on the work of my predecessors and working on behalf of UTC members to create a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment. The need is great to ensure the integrity of the utility services provided to the country and across the globe. UTC and its members are up to the task.”

“In welcoming Rusty, I also want to extend my personal gratitude to Ron Beck, who jumped in with lightning speed to give his time and guidance to UTC as its Interim President and CEO. Ron has been involved with UTC at every level, and I know that this is not goodbye but simply farewell. On behalf of the Board, I wish him the very best in his new endeavors,” Mayson continued.

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About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/