With utility companies rolling out smart meters in 2012, the challenges associated with technological evaluation and operational deployment are quickly proliferating. Offering a platform of "information-incubation" for these issues, the Smart Utility 2010 conference is taking place 14th - 16th June 2010 at the Chelsea Football Club in London, UK.

With a government target completion date of 2020, companies are assessing technology options and gathering roadmapping strategies for this massive endeavour. For most utility organisations, this project requires a change in business, operating models and networks, so it is crucial to begin the process now.

Centrica-owned British Gas recently announced the accelerated deployment of two million smart meters into homes in the UK by 2012 - possibly the largest and most complex roll-out to date. As a speaker at the Smart Utility event, Wayne Johncock, Chief Architect, Enterprise Strategy & Planning at Centrica will discuss using a gradual rollout process to ensure seamless integration of networks and systems as well as other roadmapping suggestions during his session "First Steps To Deploying Smart Metering to Support New Utility Business Models, Services and Network Demands."

Presented by Energy & Utilities IQ and IQPC, this 4th edition conference focuses on the assessment of current technology and strategies. Professionals involved in Smart Metering, Smart Grids and Smart Operations are invited to exchange ideas on the latest developments, investments, business models and pilots, including:

• Implementing advanced metering, leveraging data, driving take up and leveraging tariffs
• Adopting dynamic, scalable IT platforms, software and agile process to increase operational efficiency
• Enabling Smart Asset Management for better decision making and operations
• Defining Smart grid roadmaps and business cases - moving from a strategic position to a delivery roadmap
• Delivering seamless communications, real time management and decision-making within Infrastructure and IT

Participating companies include Centrica, United Utilities, Scottish and Southern Energy, South East Water, Energy Services Network Association (ESNA), npower, EDF Energy, Telent and Wessex Water.

For additional information on Smart Utility 2010, visit www.smartutilityevent.com or contact the team at enquire@iqpc.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7368 9300.

IQPC provides business executives with tailored practical conferences, large-scale events, topical seminars and in-house training programs. Producing over 1,500 events annually around the world, IQPC continues to grow and has offices in cities across six continents. (www.iqpc.co.uk)