EPB is setting up a non-profit entity that will allow the city utility to license intellectual property it has developed as part of its Fiber Optics services to other entities.
EPB devised a “SmartView” application on Fi TV that allows for easier switching from one favorite channel to another. Another organization may be interested in purchasing that application, and it could do so through the new non-profit entity, officials said.
By forming the non-profit, EPB is insulated from any potential liability risks and has more flexibility to contract with other government agencies and private entities., it was stated.
Officials said, "The non-profit will allow us to help entities who want to offer advanced technology to its customers but may be unable to develop this type of intellectual property by itself, etc. Plus, the revenue EPB makes from licensing will be used to improve our Fiber Optics services, which in turn benefits our customers."
In other news, EPB computes that the Smart Grid saved $1.4 million in restoration costs for the recent storm.
David Wade told EPB board members how the Smart Grid made a difference.
He said power was restored to everyone 34 hours sooner, 55% of affected customers saw nothing or a very short outage, and EPB avoided dispatching trucks to 500 locations.