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jü( )l, n: A unit of energy measurement equal to a watt-second. .Pp
Three company alliances offer utilities new tools to help customers use and save on energy:
s AT&T and Andersen Consulting have developed a prototype communications system that allows utilities to offer home security, electronic billing, real-time pricing, and other energy management services.
s A new company formed by Ameritech Corp. and Wisconsin Energy Corp. (em called Energy Oasys(r) (em will offer an open architecture system linking utility and customer to provide real-time communications. The utility can read meters, connect and disconnect remotely, monitor power quality, check for meter tampering, and detect power outages.
s Utility Network Services Co., North American Energy Services Co., and Illinova Power Marketing, Inc. have launched SourceComÔ, a communications network that provides real-time energy management, on-line metering, and other services. The wireless system reduces the cost of utility services through its two-way network.
Also in the works, CellNet Data Systems, Inc. and Badger Meter, Inc. have agreed to develop an automatic meter-reading product for water utilities. Underground modules will forward consumption data over a wireless network.
Amoco/Enron Solar Power Development has proposed a $7-million solar electric generation plant in Hawaii, to be built in 1997 with a $1.14-million Utility PhotoVoltaic Group award. The plant will have twice the generating capacity of any similar plant in the United States, and would use 4,000 Kw of photovoltaic modules made by Solarex.
Three new power plants have come on line:
s South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.'s