Tracking Study Finds Increased 2010 CAPEX and O&M Budgets for Smart Grid-Related Automation and Transmission Categories
February 25, 2010 —Ellicott City, Maryland. The Newton-Evans Research Company today announced the publication of its third study in the multi-year tracking research program looking into electric power utility CAPEX budgets related to smart grid investments and infrastructure spending plans.
Findings from the January 2010 Newton-Evans global tracking study of electric power transmission and distribution investment are somewhat positive, compared with the two earlier tracking studies conducted in 2008 and 2009. Each of five “smart grid” component areas, plus transmission and distribution infrastructure development, has been reported by utilities located in more than 25 countries to more likely be either “increased” or “unchanged” rather than “decreased” from June of last year. The highest percentages of officials reporting increases were in the areas of protection and control, and transmission infrastructure CAPEX budgets.
O&M budgets reflect a somewhat different story. Most categories of O&M spending were less likely to see an increase from the budgets of a year ago. Distribution appears to be the key victim, with 17% of the respondents indicating a lower figure budgeted for 2010 O&M expense for distribution network operations and maintenance activities.
In summary, smart grid initiatives were cited as being more important factors stimulating increased CAPEX investments than was either regulatory mandates or government stimulus programs.
Likewise, decreases in CAPEX budgets were reported to be caused first and foremost by the economic outlook for 2010, a more important factor to the study participants than regulatory mandates.
The new 2010 edition includes information about relative market trends and market size estimates for major smart grid building blocks, including transmission and distribution network control systems, protection and control systems, substation automation and integration, distribution automation and advanced metering infrastructure as well as for transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Global CAPEX and O&M Expenditure Outlook for Electric Power T&D Investments: 2010-2011 Funding Outlook for Smart Grid Development is the third in the Newton-Evans’ Research Company’s smart grid investment tracking series.
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Since 1978, Newton-Evans has been conducting business-to-business survey research for both multi-client and proprietary studies focused on energy industry automation, information technology, and infrastructure topics such as Smart Grid. The firm also provides business consulting services for clients in the computer, communications, control systems and engineered products areas.
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