KCPL first with meters, automation; APS second for T&D management.
IF THE 1997 ULTRA COMPETITION CAN SERVE AS A GUIDE, then perhaps the forgotten "wires" business offers the next great opportunity for new applications in information technology.
That's the lesson of this year's contest, which saw Kansas City Power & Light Co., and Arizona Public Service Co. win the top two prizes. Each company gained recognition for IT applications designed in large part to modernize electric utility distribution systems.
Sponsored by Public Utilities Fortnightly and IBM, the ULTRA competition recognizes those utility companies that develop the most innovative applications for information technology. The ULTRA, which stands for "Utility Leadership Award for Information Technology," spotlights those utilities that have raised standards of industry excellence with technology solutions to business problems.
This year's competition singled out five award-winners. The judging focused on seven criteria: (1) How the solution addressed a corporate need, (2) uniqueness, (3) quantifiable results, (4) productivity savings, (5) cost effectiveness, (6) integration with existing solutions and (7) flexibility to accommodate growth.
IBM and Public Utilities Fortnightly congratulate the winners and thank those that submitted applications.
First Place: KCPL
If the "wires business" is truly the utility of the future, then Kansas City Power & Light Co. may have just what it takes to make the wires hum.