Energy Management Program Evolution

The SCTE Energy Management Program began at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2009 where SCTE developed the SCTE Green Pavilion and General Session—a platform for promoting energy-efficient technologies and solutions across the cable telecommunications industry. The industry responded very positively to this effort; SCTE began building off that success. With this Society’s inherent expertise in applied technology and history of developing best practices for the industry, taking the lead in this very important area was a logical next step to further assist the industry in managing costs, increasing efficiency, and enhancing its positive impact with communities.

SCTE furthered its leadership position in energy management, through an inaugural educational forum in December 2009. The forum addressed facility-powering issues and the industry-wide need for, and benefits of, comprehensive energy management plans.  The initial agenda for 2010 and beyond included multiple forums to raise awareness of developing solutions and how they apply to cable operations; an intensive research and thought leadership program; expanded panels and exhibit platforms at Cable-Tec Expo and other SCTE events; development of best practices in energy management; and practical technology demonstrations.

2014-2016 Program Leadership

2014-2016 Program Initiatives

Smart Energy Management Initiative (SEMI)

  
The SCTE’s Smart Energy Management Initiative or SEMI was established. This initiative included additional green and sustainable themed pavilions, presentations and focused sessions at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. The initiative also lead to the development of the first publication entitled, SCTE Energy Management Recommended Practices for Cable Facilities.

First published in May 2012, this publication provides guidelines for design and management of mission-critical hub site facilities supporting the cable industry, with a focus on information, methods, metrics, and processes that allow for operational energy efficiency and management in balance with mission-critical business availability requirements and infrastructure investment This guideline leverages existing industry best practices for smart energy use in mission-critical IT spaces and applies these to the specific characteristics and requirements of cable systems hub sites as they relate to power, density and performance.

Since 2009, SEMI brought together industry decision makers and solution providers to move the industry toward a more sustainable future. 

Learn More About the Beginning of Energy 
Management and the SCTE SEMI Program: 
Watch the Primer

SEMI Forums

SCTE SEMI Forums became and integral part of SCTE’s ongoing effort to drive meaningful and substantive applications of technology that lead to improved energy management and the reduction of energy consumption and expense. Each fall and spring the SEMI Forums provided attendees with a comprehensive lineup of materials to take back to their own networks and immediately impact their bottom line. Some of the many topics covered included: solar, wind and hydrogen fuel cell systems, geothermal cooling, datacenter management cooling theories, network fleet monitoring options, LED lighting strategy, and MSO success case studies surrounding energy conservation projects.

These one-day events attracted cable engineering executives and individuals who have a vested interest in energy management. The forums provided an increased awareness of concrete solutions to our industry’s energy management challenges and new options for greater efficiency in every area of cable network operations through general sessions, specialized sessions and networking opportunities.

SEMI Forums also provided the stage for industry partners and constituents to voice their support for the initiative.

Sustainable Energy Tours

SEMI also hosted tours of important technologies in the R&D stage that impact energy consumption. The Arizona State University and the US Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Lab in Boulder, Colorado was visited to see firsthand the cutting edge expansion of systems potentially entering the cable space. Also, sustainability facility tours of the Clough Commons area of the Georgia Tech campus were given during Cable-Tec Expo’13.

Case Study:  Leading Energy Management By Example

SCTE led the industry in addressing its energy consumption by working with key industry vendors Alpha Technologies and CommScope to implement a solar-powered Sustainable Hybrid AC Grid system at the SCTE national headquarters in Exton, PA.

 
Sustainable Hybrid AC UPS
May 2011 - The SCTE Sustainable Hybrid AC Grid tied emergency powering system to simultaneously serve dual purposes. The first goal was to provide redundant power for disaster recovery and the second was to offset utility costs using renewable energy. To date, SCTE has experienced an overall energy savings percentage of up to 46%.

Solar System Installation with Alpha Power Purchase Agreement
August 2010 – 11.28 kW DC Solar Photovoltaic System commissioned resulted in an average of 13,340 kWh/year. The savings offset approximately 10% of the current building load. The return on investment would be met in 6.5 years.

View Real-Time Data of the System’s Performance
View Installation Photos
Download the Case Study

LED Lighting Installation - Phase One
October 2010 – Phase one of LED lighting installation project was a retrofit of SCTE’s parking lot lighting poles. The conversion took each pole from 250 watts per bulb to 28 watts per bulb resulting in a 89% savings in energy. The return on investment would be in 18 months (assuming the cost of electricity did not increase.)

LED Lighting Installation - Phase Two
October 2010 – Phase two of LED lighting installation project was a retrofit of the SCTE boardroom lighting. The conversion took 800 watts of lamps and replaced with 144 watts of LED lamps. The performance of the new lights is virtually identical at a fraction of the cost. The bulbs in this space were ordered without lenses so visitors could see the LED chips and not assume they were the old incandescent or flood lamps. 

Server Virtualization
New server technologies and operating system features allowed SCTE to operate its critical business systems on half of the number of physical servers. The new servers secured for the project took advantage of advanced processor and power supply efficiencies while at the same time offering employees the latest and greatest platforms for business operations. If power is the only consideration for return on investment this project would be realized in 3.5 years.

Power Rate Negotiation
The Pennsylvania energy market is deregulated, meaning suppliers can now charge market prices for electricity. PECO was forecasted to increase costs by 30%. SCTE was proactive and shopped the market locking in the rate for the next year at a competitive fixed rate.


T-12 Bulb Replacement
LED 4’ linear tube installation was completed in SCTE offices. This converted 4x40W T-12 to 2x15W 4300k LED. The R.O.I. payback on the project was projected at 23 months.

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