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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.