- The NES System is an award-winning smart grid infrastructure solution, based on Open Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP).
- NES’ smart grid technology is used in nearly 40 million smart meters and other smart end devices around the world.
- NES offers industry leading security built into its three tier Patagonia Platform.
- The most reliable smart metering solution in the industry, delivering >99.8% daily availability of meter data.
- The NES System offers a unique power line technology that enables grid mapping, automatic topology management, and many more low voltage grid applications.
- NES has more than 100 existing smart metering / smart grid projects and pilots in more than 25 different countries.
Vision
Our vision is to help usher in a new era of grid safety, reliability and efficiency with our 3 tier, proven, open, multi-application platform.
Mission
Our mission is to develop, produce, and market the world’s most reliable, economical, and versatile device networking infrastructure technology and products (based on the NES System architecture), enabling our customers to increase operating efficiency, save energy, provide control, improve safety, and provide comfort and convenience.
NES Quality Policy
NES is committed to providing quality products and services to our customers. Our commitment to quality and total customer satisfaction is the responsibility of every employee and is demonstrated by our quality system, on-going management review, and continual improvement based on customer feedback.
NES was formed as a result of the spinoff of Echelon Corporation’s Grid Modernization Division in October 2014. However, the beginnings of NES go back much further than October 2014. Echelon Corporation was founded in 1988 by A. C. "Mike" Markkula, an original principal in Apple Computer, and led by M. Kenneth Oshman, one of the four founders of Rolm Corporation. Mike Markula was an angel investor for Apple Computer and also the second CEO of Apple Computer. The original vision for computer networking - connecting all kinds of devices ranging from industrial components to refrigerators and thermostats in the home - was ahead of its time. It ultimately found expression in systems that insure efficient energy use, known today as the “smart grid” and “IOT or the Internet of Things.” Echelon started as a private company that later successfully completed a public offering in July 1998.
NES has more than 15 years of experience working with utilities companies worldwide to supply the infrastructure for automation and value-added services for a broad range of applications. NES has been deeply involved in the world’s leading networked smart metering system deployments, including our role as the power line communications (PLC) and Data Concentrator provider to Enel SpA of Italy for their 30 million meter deployment in Italy.
In June 2000, Echelon entered into a research and development agreement with Enel, the world’s largest publicly traded utility, under which we integrated our PLC technology into Enel’s remote metering project in Italy. In this project, which is called the Contatore Elettronico, Enel replaced its existing stand-alone electricity meters with communicating solid-state meters at over 30 million customer sites throughout its service territory. This is the largest meter replacement and upgrade project ever undertaken in the world. The deployment started in 2001 and the project was completed in 2006. Over 30 million PLC powered smart electricity meters and over 350,000 Echelon Data Concentrators were deployed by Enel, with new meters being installed at a rate of approximately 700,000 per month at the peak of the project. Our NES System builds upon the same core PLC communications technology, data concentrator technology and open standards employed in Enel’s Contatore Elettronico project and provides utilities with an extremely cost-effective system that can be deployed quickly to deliver immediate cost savings and operational improvements.
In September 2002, Echelon began a technology trial with Continuon Netbeheer, a leading Dutch utility grid operator and subsidiary of the Dutch utility Nuon, now known as Alliander. The initial trial was completed successfully and progressed to a larger deployment of the initial NES system, designed to implement the complete end-to-end infrastructure of a full smart metering deployment, including the first of its kind joint deployment of smart electric meters and smart gas meters on the same communications infrastructure, with full connectivity through to Continuon’s information systems and business processes. We worked closely with Nuon during the planning, implementation, integration and installations phases of the pre-deployment pilot, which was successfully completed in 2004.
Following these projects, NES has worked on numerous advanced smart grid meter deployments with large utilities such as Vattenfall and E.ON in Sweden, Fortum in Finland, Duke Energy in the U.S, Tauron in Poland, SEAS-NVE, NRGi, EnergiMidt and ELRO in Denmark, and Alliander in the Netherlands as well as numerous other deployments and trials with utilities throughout the world. Today, NES’ smart grid technology is used in nearly 40 million smart meters and other smart end devices around the world.
In the early stages of its existence, the NES System was composed primarily of Smart Meters, Data Concentrators, and two primary software tools: a head-end data collection system referred to as NES System Software used by utilities to collect data and remotely configure the devices on the network, and an optical configuration tool (the NES Provisioning Tool) used to locally configure those devices.
The collection of devices and software tools that comprise the NES System has expanded since that time. In 2010, the first Control Point Module was released. Control Point Modules enable devices connected to low voltage grids, such as load control modules and power quality sensors, to become intelligent end points in the NES System capable of communicating and interacting with the other devices on the NES system - extending the smart grid beyond the meter.
This was followed shortly with the introduction of OSGP (Open Smart Grid Protocol) Modules. OSGP Modules vastly expanded the capacities of the NES system by providing the capacity to transform basic electric meter and devices into smart, communicating meters capable of interoperating with the Networked Energy Services (NES) system in much the same fashion that meters manufactured by NES do. As part of this effort, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) published the Open Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP). This specification, based largely on the way the NES system is designed, defines an open standard for smart grid device communication on networks such as the NES System, providing even more opportunity for the NES system to grow.
The Smart Meters and Control Nodes manufactured by NES have continued to evolve and improve. In 2014, the DCN 3000 Distributed Control Node was released: a highly advanced Control Node offering significant improvements over the earlier Data Concentrator models. This was followed in 2015 with the introduction of the Generation 4 Smart Meter, which provided even more advanced metering features and flexibility than the earlier meter models.
With these improvements to the hardware products that comprise the NES System have come improvements to its software tools as well, from enhancements to NES System Software and to the NES Provisioning Tool, to new software applications that can be used for network diagnostics, topology management, and a host of other network tasks.
In 2015, NES introduced an industry-leading security suite: NES Security Suite v4. This AES-based security protocol, which is referred to as OSGP-AES-128-PSK, was also recently added to the OSGP Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP) Specification.
NES looks forward to continuing to evolve and improve these products to offer the best and most efficient smart grid networking options possible.
NES was formed as a result of the spinoff of Echelon Corporation’s Grid Modernization Division in October 2014. However, the beginnings of NES go back much further than October 2014. Echelon Corporation was founded in 1988 by A. C. "Mike" Markkula, an original principal in Apple Computer, and led by M. Kenneth Oshman, one of the four founders of Rolm Corporation. Mike Markula was an angel investor for Apple Computer and also the second CEO of Apple Computer. The original vision for computer networking - connecting all kinds of devices ranging from industrial components to refrigerators and thermostats in the home - was ahead of its time. It ultimately found expression in systems that insure efficient energy use, known today as the “smart grid” and “IOT or the Internet of Things.” Echelon started as a private company that later successfully completed a public offering in July 1998.
NES has more than 15 years of experience working with utilities companies worldwide to supply the infrastructure for automation and value-added services for a broad range of applications. NES has been deeply involved in the world’s leading networked smart metering system deployments, including our role as the power line communications (PLC) and Data Concentrator provider to Enel SpA of Italy for their 30 million meter deployment in Italy.
In June 2000, Echelon entered into a research and development agreement with Enel, the world’s largest publicly traded utility, under which we integrated our PLC technology into Enel’s remote metering project in Italy. In this project, which is called the Contatore Elettronico, Enel replaced its existing stand-alone electricity meters with communicating solid-state meters at over 30 million customer sites throughout its service territory. This is the largest meter replacement and upgrade project ever undertaken in the world. The deployment started in 2001 and the project was completed in 2006. Over 30 million PLC powered smart electricity meters and over 350,000 Echelon Data Concentrators were deployed by Enel, with new meters being installed at a rate of approximately 700,000 per month at the peak of the project. Our NES System builds upon the same core PLC communications technology, data concentrator technology and open standards employed in Enel’s Contatore Elettronico project and provides utilities with an extremely cost-effective system that can be deployed quickly to deliver immediate cost savings and operational improvements.
In September 2002, Echelon began a technology trial with Continuon Netbeheer, a leading Dutch utility grid operator and subsidiary of the Dutch utility Nuon, now known as Alliander. The initial trial was completed successfully and progressed to a larger deployment of the initial NES system, designed to implement the complete end-to-end infrastructure of a full smart metering deployment, including the first of its kind joint deployment of smart electric meters and smart gas meters on the same communications infrastructure, with full connectivity through to Continuon’s information systems and business processes. We worked closely with Nuon during the planning, implementation, integration and installations phases of the pre-deployment pilot, which was successfully completed in 2004.
Following these projects, NES has worked on numerous advanced smart grid meter deployments with large utilities such as Vattenfall and E.ON in Sweden, Fortum in Finland, Duke Energy in the U.S, Tauron in Poland, SEAS-NVE, NRGi, EnergiMidt and ELRO in Denmark, and Alliander in the Netherlands as well as numerous other deployments and trials with utilities throughout the world. Today, NES’ smart grid technology is used in nearly 40 million smart meters and other smart end devices around the world.
In the early stages of its existence, the NES System was composed primarily of Smart Meters, Data Concentrators, and two primary software tools: a head-end data collection system referred to as NES System Software used by utilities to collect data and remotely configure the devices on the network, and an optical configuration tool (the NES Provisioning Tool) used to locally configure those devices.
The collection of devices and software tools that comprise the NES System has expanded since that time. In 2010, the first Control Point Module was released. Control Point Modules enable devices connected to low voltage grids, such as load control modules and power quality sensors, to become intelligent end points in the NES System capable of communicating and interacting with the other devices on the NES system - extending the smart grid beyond the meter.
This was followed shortly with the introduction of OSGP (Open Smart Grid Protocol) Modules. OSGP Modules vastly expanded the capacities of the NES system by providing the capacity to transform basic electric meter and devices into smart, communicating meters capable of interoperating with the Networked Energy Services (NES) system in much the same fashion that meters manufactured by NES do. As part of this effort, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) published the Open Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP). This specification, based largely on the way the NES system is designed, defines an open standard for smart grid device communication on networks such as the NES System, providing even more opportunity for the NES system to grow.
The Smart Meters and Control Nodes manufactured by NES have continued to evolve and improve. In 2014, the DCN 3000 Distributed Control Node was released: a highly advanced Control Node offering significant improvements over the earlier Data Concentrator models. This was followed in 2015 with the introduction of the Generation 4 Smart Meter, which provided even more advanced metering features and flexibility than the earlier meter models.
With these improvements to the hardware products that comprise the NES System have come improvements to its software tools as well, from enhancements to NES System Software and to the NES Provisioning Tool, to new software applications that can be used for network diagnostics, topology management, and a host of other network tasks.
In 2015, NES introduced an industry-leading security suite: NES Security Suite v4. This AES-based security protocol, which is referred to as OSGP-AES-128-PSK, was also recently added to the OSGP Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP) Specification.
NES looks forward to continuing to evolve and improve these products to offer the best and most efficient smart grid networking options possible.
NES has active programs focused on compliance with EU environmental laws. In addition, as part of our design efforts, we strive to make use of recyclable materials wherever possible and to minimize internal power consumption. Some examples demonstrating NES’s use of recyclable materials in NES meters include the meter cover and terminal block. The meter cover is made of ABS/PC plastic, and is recyclable. The terminal block is made of polycarbonate plastic (with brass inserts), and is also recyclable. In fact, based on the weight of NES meters, approximately 80% of the meter is recyclable. In addition, NES uses recycled, recyclable, and/or reusable materials where practical for our product packaging and shipping.
NES encourages recycling both in the office and at home including recycling of computers and other electronics as well as paper and other office material. NES promotes and supports energy efficiency and energy management. In addition, NES’s technology and products enable smart energy solutions across a wide range of markets, including commercial buildings, smart homes, industrial plants, mining operations, schools, streetlights, warehouses, electric vehicle charging, solar farms, and advanced metering infrastructures. Our corporate headquarters in San Jose, California, is proof that we practice what we preach. The building's key subsystems are integrated into one simplified control network that provides energy management services that assist in minimizing energy use.
Michael Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
As President & CEO of NES, Michael Anderson provides the overall vision and leadership for the company and is responsible for the execution of its overall strategy. With the core purpose to help its global customers improve overall safety, reliability and efficiency, Michael is driving NES to continue its industry leadership with innovation designed to provide its customers a proven and secure product platform with the applications and technology to help them achieve their modernization objectives. NES is the result of the spinoff from Echelon’s (NASDAQ: ELON) Grid Modernization division, a standalone business unit of Echelon where Michael served as Senior Vice President & General Manager; until he lead the spinoff which completed in October 2014.
Prior to Echelon, Michael was President of Telcordia’s Next Generation software business focused on fixed and wireless service provider network management solutions before it was acquired by Ericsson. He also served as Vice President of Business Development & Global Marketing for ADC's Software Systems Group where he was responsible for go to market strategy, M&A, and strategic partnerships. Michael has also started and led two early stage companies as president & CEO and is a recognized a pioneer in the mobile, IP and broadband communications markets where he helped start one of the world’s first competitive voice and data service providers that grew to become a market leader before being sold to Time Warner.
He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences and completed a fellowship at the Georgetown University Law Center.
Will Mathieson
Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer, William (Will) Mathieson, is responsible for leading the overall global finance and accounting organization. He is also responsible for the NES global information technology systems (IT), staff and infrastructure. Will joined NES from Abu Dhabi National Energy Company where he served as Global Vice President of Commercial Finance of the energy conglomerate with over $5.2 billion in annual turnover. Previously, Will served as the Group Controller of Tamoil, and during 23 years with Shell was the Global Functional Controller of Downstream, the CFO of Shell Oman, the CFO of the UK Gas business, and several other noteworthy positions. Will is a Chartered Accountant and holds a BA in Economics from the University of Stirling in Scotland.
Thomas Giese
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Giese leads the overall company operations teams of procurement, planning, quality, and RMA, as well Human Resources. Thomas serves as the integration point for the key functions of the business: finance, operations, product, sales, delivery, and quality. He is responsible for the definition of standard operating processes across these functional areas to ensure the execution of the corporate strategic business plan. Thomas joined NES from Honeywell Corporation where he served as Chief Financial Officer of the Smart Energy Division, resulting from Honeywell’s $5.1 billion-dollar acquisition of Elster Corporation. Previously he served in several executive level finance and operations positions ranging from Finance Director of Elster’s Gas & Electricity business and served as the overall Director of Operational Excellence. Thomas has a Master’s of Business Degree from the University of Applied Sciences at Wiesbaden.
Andy Robinson
Chief Technical Officer & VP Engineering
As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for NES, Andy Robinson is responsible for the technical vision for NES and he oversees engineering. Andy works directly with development groups to determine product strategy, identify new technologies and ensure best practices in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR). Andy spent the last 25 years developing the world’s most advanced AMR/AMI/Smart Grid Systems leading to over 40 million meters successfully deployed in the UK, Northern/Central Europe, North America, Russia, South America and Australasia. He started his career as an engineer with Ampy Automation in the UK, finally achieving an executive position as Group Leader of Product Development in the late 90’s. He held the roles of program manager, lead designer and manufacturing consultant for ENEL in Italy, first developing and then deploying one of the world’s largest and most successful grid modernization programs.
After the ENEL program, Andy joined Echelon, spending the last 12 years helping establish NES as a worldwide leader in Smart Grid technology. He has been a key participant in many industry firsts including the establishment of solid state electronic Watt Hour and Pre-Payment Meters in the late 80's, the first high volume Power Line Communications deployments in the early 90's and the first China based Smart Meter manufacturing facility to receive MID Module D certification. He has participated in the creation of several international metering standards and holds multiple patents in the field of metering and instrumentation. Andy has a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.
Damian Inglin
VP Business Development
As Vice President of Global Business Development, Damian Inglin is responsible for NES’ go-to-market strategy, strategic partnerships, and corporate development. Damian is a veteran of a number of pioneering Silicon Valley technology companies where he held pivotal roles on teams that developed Internet stack software, voice-processing applications, the world’s first control networking processor, and the world’s first handheld network management tool. Taking his technical knowledge of distributed control systems and the hardware and software architecture of complex systems, Mr. Inglin has led numerous successful product developments in the industrial controls, smart building, and smart grid sectors including for Echelon Corporation, where he worked prior to NES. Damian has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Santa Clara University in the United States.
Kip Gering
VP Product Management and Marketing
As Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Kip Gering is responsible for overall product strategy, lifecycle, profitability and business management associated the NES solution portfolio. Kip is a senior executive with more than 15 years of experience in the electric utility sector delivering customer focused solutions in the areas of workforce management and smart grid solutions. Prior to joining NES, Kip held various product management positions and ultimately led the product management teams for smart grid solutions at Itron with solution portfolio responsibility encompassing electricity metering, sensing, networks, and software applications. Prior to Itron, Kip was a commissioned officer in the United State Air Force responsible for the management of classified R&D projects and delivering new capabilities to the US Space Command operational units. Kip earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in mathematics with a minor in information systems from The Citadel and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Gonzaga University in the United States.
Michel Madi
Chief Executive Officer – Middle East, Africa and India
In his role as the CEO for the Middle East, Africa and India, Michel Madi is responsible for the execution of NES’ vision and strategies. Based in Lebanon, he will provide his expertise, experience and leadership to drive the company to further growth and development in the region. He held the position of the Executive Vice President before being promoted as the CEO and was located in San Jose, California.
Prior to joining NES, Madi was the Chief Operations Officer of Cedrus Enterprises Holding in Beirut. In the past, he has also held the position of the President and CEO of MK Defense Ltd., Sponsorship Manager – European Defense Sector for Marcus Evans, and Admissions and Special Events Supervisor for LaSalle College in Montreal, Canada.
Madi holds a Management Certification in International Business from McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec and an Associate’s Degree in International Business, Trade & Commerce from College LaSalle.
Tony Garcia
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer – European Region
As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the European Region, Tony Garcia leads overall market strategy and growth initiatives, sales, professional services, and customer satisfaction for Europe. He is focused on working with NES customers to deploy innovative and valuable Patagonia Energy Applications Platform in conjunction with NES customer grid modernization programs. Tony Garcia brings over 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles, beginning his career with active military service in the British Army Royal Signals (communications branch). Since leaving the services, Tony has led growth and operations modernization in both the energy and communications industry, with roles at service providers like British Gas, SITA, Sky and large vendors including, Ericsson, Amdocs, and HP. Most recently, Tony led International growth for Synchronoss, a leading provider of white-label cloud and activation SaaS solutions to Apple, Microsoft and Tier 1 mobile and fixed telecom carriers. Tony holds an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Honors Degree from Southampton University, is a Chartered IT Professional, Certified Togaf Enterprise Architect, Prince 2 Practitioner and is pursuing a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom.
Adam Zalewski
Sales VP – Central & Eastern Europe
As Vice President for Central and Eastern Europe, Adam Zalewski is responsible for managing customer engagements and partnerships in the region. With over a decade of experience in the sales and marketing of smart grid products and services, Adam has helped usher in new levels of safety, reliability, and efficiency with the leading utilities in the region. He is an expert in the field of smart grids. Since 2007, he has been actively involved in smart grid implementations in the Polish energy sector, providing project management both in legislative and smart grid systems for the largest energy groups in Poland (ENERGA, ENEA, PGE and TAURON). He has been responsible for securing new projects providing solutions for almost one million smart energy end devices. Previously, Adam held a similar role within Echelon Corporation and also served as president of ADD Poland. Adam started his career with Ernst & Young and has over 15 years of experience in telecommunications and information technology including servicing as Vice President of T-matic Systems in Poland. He graduated from the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Adam Smith College in Edinburgh Scotland, and Applied Computer Science, Multimedia and Artificial Intelligence at the Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology in Warsaw.
Petter Pettersen
Sales VP – Northern Europe
As Vice President for Northern Europe, Petter Pettersen is responsible for managing all customer engagements, partners, and business development. Prior to joining NES, Petter held a similar position with Echelon Corporation for more than 5 years. Prior to Echelon and NES, Petter used his skills and knowledge in various positions in leading smart metering and smart energy technology firms, including Enermet and Landis+Gyr. During his 20 years in the smart energy industry, Petter has helped companies gain a better understanding of energy usage, lead market and business development, as well as serve as a project manager for complex smart grid installations. Petter holds a Bachelor of Electronics Degree from HiT in Norway.
Mark Ossel
Sales VP – Emerging Markets Europe
As Vice President for Europe, Mark Ossel is responsible for managing all customer engagements, partners, and business development in the region. Mark is focused on developing the Energy and Utility market by extending the network of partners and growing the customer base. Mark has been involved in Smart Energy markets since 2001 and previously served in similar roles at Echelon Corporation where he fostered several large scale projects. Mark has a background of more than 20 years in various management functions in the Information & Communication Technology market (Burroughs/Unisys), before he became involved in energy management, smart metering and Smart Grids in 2001. He was selected in 2015 as one of top 40 most influential people in Europe by Metering International, and is also a member of the board of OSGP Alliance, the international industry group that promotes the adoption of Open Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP). Mark has a degree in marketing and economics from Hanzehoge school Groningen in the Netherlands. In addition, he is an active member in ETSI, various CEN/CENELEC Technical committees, ESMIG and member European Commission Steering board Taskforce Smart Grid (SGCG/M490).
Greg Warta
Sales VP – Americas & Asia
As Vice President for the Americas and Asia, Greg Warta is responsible for managing all aspects of regional customer engagements, partners, and business development. Greg excels at securing strong in-country partners who help navigate both the technical and political aspects of selling abroad. With his guidance, these partners have produced significant revenue increases in the region over the past few years. Prior to joining NES, Greg held a similar position with Echelon Corporation. Earlier in his career, Greg used his experience as a founding partner in several facility-based telecommunications enterprises and secured anchor contracts with entities such as AT&T, MCI, Qwest and Broadwing. During his 17 years in the telecommunications industry, Greg had amassed over $700 M in sales revenue. In addition, Greg was part of the core negotiating team that secured more than $500 M in debt and equity financings for a variety of network infrastructure projects. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College of California in the United States.
Rony Kalaany
Sales Director – Middle East & North Africa
As the Director of Sales for the MENA region, Rony Kalaany is responsible for managing all aspects of the sales process regionally. With over 20 years of experience, Rony has built exceptional skills in developing strategies, partnerships and customer relationships equally. As a specialist in penetrating new markets, Rony assumed an instrumental role in concluding several communication and defense deals with regional governments, some of which are highly classified. Prior to joining NES, Rony successfully held several key positions in various enterprises, such as being Regional Sales Manager for Rockwell Collins, Data path (Swe-Dish Satellite Systems) and Ericsson. He was nominated for the Arthur Collins Award in 2012 and for Best Sales Manager for several years between 1994 and 2005. Rony speaks English, French and Arabic fluently and holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from St. Joseph University in Lebanon.
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