Chicago, March 18, 2010 — As utilities work to implement a smart grid, one of the biggest challenges they must address is the development and deployment of a reliable communication systems capable of handling multiple applications, each having diverse requirements.

S&C Electric Company recognized this need and today announced the creation of its new Communications Systems business.

The industry needs modern, flexible and yet highly reliable communications systems to address the complex needs of the 21st century electric grid.

S&C, which has extensive experience in developing and deploying communication systems for distribution automation applications, has recognized a need to continue advancing communications solutions in order to implement a smart grid.

S&C's SpeedNet Radios, which provide benchmark performance for automation and control applications, were introduced in 2009 to address the communication requirements for self-healing distribution grids.

The formation of the Communication Systems business is the latest extension of S&C's capabilities in providing leading communications systems for the smart grid.

The depth of expertise in S&C's Communications System business, combined with S&C's nearly 100 years of experience in developing solutions for the electric grid, will allow S&C to successfully address both the complex requirements of electric delivery as well as the very different requirements of communications systems.

Modern power utilities are dealing with the convergence of many applications and protocols including advanced metering infrastructure, voice, data, SCADA and backbone systems for transport of the aggregated data. Understanding how to build such networks is only one part of the challenge.

"Our customers also need to manage and keep these networks secure. S&C can support this convergence of advanced electric grid functionality and next generation communications technologies like no stand-alone communications provider can," said Monro.

S&C, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is applying its heritage of innovation to address challenges facing the world's power grids and thus shaping the future of reliable electricity delivery. The mission of employee-owned S&C is to continually develop new solutions for electricity delivery, fostering the improved efficiency and reliability required for the intelligent grid.