[...] it plays out in a mix of realism, mysticism and caricature, and of dramatic tension and social satire that varies from engrossing to confounding. Freddie (Joe Estlack) is a dreamer — a novelist and poet who’s always been immersed in his writing and has little more than contempt for the world of tech and digital social media. Joie (Marilee Talkington), his wife, is the high-powered and tightly strung chief executive of a Bay Area tech company, passionate about “connecting people virtually” and proud of having acquired one-fifth of San Francisco — and not at all interested in Freddie’s literary skills (Nobody reads poems). All of this — the characters, their situation and relationships — are pretty faithfully borrowed in updated terms and condensed format from Henrik Ibsen’s “Little Eyolf,” one of the Norwegian master’s last dramas (1894) and one of his least often revived. [...] too, is the play’s mystical element, the curious character of the Rat Wife, a mysterious peripatetic cleaning woman with a pied-piper skill for ridding homes of bothersome rats, and, perhaps, unwanted children. Jackson makes it seem more concrete, particularly as embodied in the captivating performance of Wilma Bonet as a weary, proud Latina housekeeper and in the reactions to her strange charisma by a charming and physically deft young Jack Wittmayer as the badly crippled child Erik. Not to mention the accompanying supernatural sound effects of Matt Stines and watery video projections by Wolfgang Lancelot Wachalovsky. [...] given unavoidable resemblances to certain current presidential hopefuls — names like Trump and Fiorina are bound to spring to mind — the zeitgeist may put Joie in a more disadvantageous position than Jackson intended. She’s already been simmering with long-building anger over losing her once passionate lover to their son and the constant presence of his sister, who’s developed a closer bond with Erik than has either of his parents. Jackson and his cast do a terrific job of evoking and playing upon the themes of sexual frustration and incestuous undertones that scandalized audiences and critics when Ibsen’s “Eyolf” first appeared. If Jackson has cut back quite a bit on Ibsen’s frank depiction of Joie’s sexual appetite — which contemporary audiences are more likely to assume as a given anyway — he’s raised the bar in terms of Freddie and Andi’s mutual attraction, to riveting effect.
Reported by SFGate 11 hours ago.
Opposites attract in ‘Little Erik’ at Aurora — or do they?
↧
↧
The Columbus Zoo's baby polar bear finally gets a name
The votes have been tallied and the Columbus Zoo's baby polar bear's name is officially Nora.
Naming the baby bear, which was born on Nov. 6, was no easy task. In order to ease the responsibility, the Zoo set up a vote allowing participants to choose between Desna, Nora, Kaya or Sakari. In total, 88,061 votes were cast from 115 different countries
In the end, however, the name Nora prevailed. It's a combination of Nanuq and Aurora, her parents' names.
Jerry Rice goes undercover as Lyft driver in San Francisco and nobody notices
Siri is a beatboxer's best friend
Life-altering stroke leads woman to David Lynch in powerful Netflix doc
This egg smashing prank has a brutal twist ending Read more...
More about Viral Videos, Watercooler, Videos, Polar Bear, and Viral Video Template Reported by Mashable 11 hours ago.
Naming the baby bear, which was born on Nov. 6, was no easy task. In order to ease the responsibility, the Zoo set up a vote allowing participants to choose between Desna, Nora, Kaya or Sakari. In total, 88,061 votes were cast from 115 different countries
In the end, however, the name Nora prevailed. It's a combination of Nanuq and Aurora, her parents' names.
Jerry Rice goes undercover as Lyft driver in San Francisco and nobody notices
Siri is a beatboxer's best friend
Life-altering stroke leads woman to David Lynch in powerful Netflix doc
This egg smashing prank has a brutal twist ending Read more...
More about Viral Videos, Watercooler, Videos, Polar Bear, and Viral Video Template Reported by Mashable 11 hours ago.
↧
Two men in custody after Aurora armed bank robbery
Two people are in custody after an armed bank robbery in Aurora that led to a police chase on Friday morning.
Reported by Denver Post 10 hours ago.
↧
Avitus Group Officially Cuts Ribbon; Dignitaries, Aurora Economic Development Council & Aurora Chamber of Commerce Recognize Opening of Company's Corporate Headquarters
Official Ribbon Cutting & Champagne Toast Event Recognize HR Company’s Commitment to Hire Nearly 500 in Colorado & Boost State Economy; Event Headlines Top Officials from the Offices of Congressman Mike Coffman, U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Aurora Economic Development Council and the Mayor of Aurora
Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) February 05, 2016
Avitus Group, a company that helps simplify, strengthen and grow other businesses by taking responsibility for necessary, yet burdensome administrative tasks, like payroll, accounting and taxes, marked the opening of its new Aurora Corporate Headquarters with an official ribbon cutting and champagne toast ceremony February 4, 2016. Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan led the toast and Aurora Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Kevin Hougen led the ribbon cutting. The event was packed with more than 100 attendees from the business community, including multiple local and state dignitaries.
"Today marks an important day in our company history as we open our corporate headquarters in Aurora," says Avitus Group CEO and Chairman of the Board, Willie Chrans. "Avitus Group exists to help businesses simplify, strengthen and grow. Today, our business is growing. We are one of the top co-employers in our industry nationwide, and our growth projections have us hiring an estimated 500 internal staff members in this corporate office in the next decade to keep up with our growth."
Avitus Group has 10 regional offices located throughout the United States, serving clients nationwide and worldwide. Company officials say growth plans, in addition to hiring efforts at the new corporate headquarters in Aurora, include maximizing hiring efforts in regional offices as well, particularly the company's Billings, Montana Operations Center, which currently employs 158.
"We are investing in our future, and that means investing in all of the local communities we call home. Each city is critically important to our overall growth plans and ability to serve our clients. In Billings for example, we've recently added more square footage to accommodate plans to hire an additional 80 staff in the near future. In Aurora, the hiring is already underway, and we're excited to add so many new jobs to the local economies across the United States," says Avitus Group Public Relations Manager, Dianne Parker.
Internally, Avitus Group has 262 employees across the U.S. Currently, 32 of those are located in the Colorado market, with 10 new hires set to join the team by the end of February. Chrans addressed Colorado staff members at the ribbon cutting event, announcing they will be joined by an additional 40-50 employees by this time next year and some 40-50 more each year after that for the foreseeable future.
"This means opportunities for advancement within the company for you, as well as good-paying jobs for those who are out there looking for employment," commented Chrans.
Avitus Group's Corporate Headquarters is located in one of Aurora's most prominent and visible buildings along the I-225 corridor, Cherry Creek Place. February 1st, following a custom build out of the office space, employees moved into 3131 S. Vaughn Way, Suite 400. The prime office space boasts 11,000+ square feet with room to nearly double the square footage by 2018. Members of the business community toured the new space during the ribbon cutting event, and speakers included: Avitus Group CEO & Chairman of the Board, Willie Chrans; President Avitus Payroll Services, Inc. & President Avitus Business Services, Inc., Ken Balster; President Avitus, Inc, Don Reile; Aurora Mayor, Steve Hogan; Director of Business Development for the Aurora Economic Development Council, Yuriy Gorlov; Chief of Staff for Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman, Ben Stein; Regional Director for U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, Annie Larson; Aurora Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Kevin Hougen and Business Liaison for U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Derek Dash.
"It is exciting to see the support pour out from the Colorado business community. From several high-ranking local and state officials, to our outstanding clients and association partners. Colorado is committed to us, and we want Colorado to know we're committed to helping businesses simplify, strengthen and grow, which in turn will help grow the local and state economy," says Avitus Group, Inc. President, Don Reile. "We're excited about what's ahead in Colorado, and at all of our regional offices across the U.S. as our company grows and expands."
Avitus Group wrapped up the official ribbon cutting ceremony with a check presentation to the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight organization. President of Avitus Payroll Services & Avitus Business Services, Ken Balster, who is a Navy veteran, announced the company's support for veterans. Balster kicked off the company's Colorado 2016 giving campaign by sending 3 WWII veterans on the next (May, 2016) honor flight to D.C. to see their memorial. He also announced the company's involvement with the Warrior to Work Program, as well as additional veteran hiring efforts in Colorado.
"Thank you to the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight for all the exceptional work you do to make the state of Colorado a better place to live for our veterans. You give so much, and the recipients of your program have given so much. This is the least we can do to support the communities that support our business," commented Balster.
Avitus Group is a worldwide company that simplifies, strengthens and grows businesses by providing 'back office' support (Payroll, accounting, taxes, recruiting, information technology, etc.). When a business uses Avitus Group, all of the necessary yet burdensome functions of the business become Avitus Group's responsibility, so the business can focus on what it does best. Avitus Group serves clients nationwide through regional office locations from coast to coast. The company also serves international clients through partner locations in Europe, Canada, China, England, India, Japan and Singapore. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.
Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) February 05, 2016
Avitus Group, a company that helps simplify, strengthen and grow other businesses by taking responsibility for necessary, yet burdensome administrative tasks, like payroll, accounting and taxes, marked the opening of its new Aurora Corporate Headquarters with an official ribbon cutting and champagne toast ceremony February 4, 2016. Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan led the toast and Aurora Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Kevin Hougen led the ribbon cutting. The event was packed with more than 100 attendees from the business community, including multiple local and state dignitaries.
"Today marks an important day in our company history as we open our corporate headquarters in Aurora," says Avitus Group CEO and Chairman of the Board, Willie Chrans. "Avitus Group exists to help businesses simplify, strengthen and grow. Today, our business is growing. We are one of the top co-employers in our industry nationwide, and our growth projections have us hiring an estimated 500 internal staff members in this corporate office in the next decade to keep up with our growth."
Avitus Group has 10 regional offices located throughout the United States, serving clients nationwide and worldwide. Company officials say growth plans, in addition to hiring efforts at the new corporate headquarters in Aurora, include maximizing hiring efforts in regional offices as well, particularly the company's Billings, Montana Operations Center, which currently employs 158.
"We are investing in our future, and that means investing in all of the local communities we call home. Each city is critically important to our overall growth plans and ability to serve our clients. In Billings for example, we've recently added more square footage to accommodate plans to hire an additional 80 staff in the near future. In Aurora, the hiring is already underway, and we're excited to add so many new jobs to the local economies across the United States," says Avitus Group Public Relations Manager, Dianne Parker.
Internally, Avitus Group has 262 employees across the U.S. Currently, 32 of those are located in the Colorado market, with 10 new hires set to join the team by the end of February. Chrans addressed Colorado staff members at the ribbon cutting event, announcing they will be joined by an additional 40-50 employees by this time next year and some 40-50 more each year after that for the foreseeable future.
"This means opportunities for advancement within the company for you, as well as good-paying jobs for those who are out there looking for employment," commented Chrans.
Avitus Group's Corporate Headquarters is located in one of Aurora's most prominent and visible buildings along the I-225 corridor, Cherry Creek Place. February 1st, following a custom build out of the office space, employees moved into 3131 S. Vaughn Way, Suite 400. The prime office space boasts 11,000+ square feet with room to nearly double the square footage by 2018. Members of the business community toured the new space during the ribbon cutting event, and speakers included: Avitus Group CEO & Chairman of the Board, Willie Chrans; President Avitus Payroll Services, Inc. & President Avitus Business Services, Inc., Ken Balster; President Avitus, Inc, Don Reile; Aurora Mayor, Steve Hogan; Director of Business Development for the Aurora Economic Development Council, Yuriy Gorlov; Chief of Staff for Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman, Ben Stein; Regional Director for U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, Annie Larson; Aurora Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Kevin Hougen and Business Liaison for U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Derek Dash.
"It is exciting to see the support pour out from the Colorado business community. From several high-ranking local and state officials, to our outstanding clients and association partners. Colorado is committed to us, and we want Colorado to know we're committed to helping businesses simplify, strengthen and grow, which in turn will help grow the local and state economy," says Avitus Group, Inc. President, Don Reile. "We're excited about what's ahead in Colorado, and at all of our regional offices across the U.S. as our company grows and expands."
Avitus Group wrapped up the official ribbon cutting ceremony with a check presentation to the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight organization. President of Avitus Payroll Services & Avitus Business Services, Ken Balster, who is a Navy veteran, announced the company's support for veterans. Balster kicked off the company's Colorado 2016 giving campaign by sending 3 WWII veterans on the next (May, 2016) honor flight to D.C. to see their memorial. He also announced the company's involvement with the Warrior to Work Program, as well as additional veteran hiring efforts in Colorado.
"Thank you to the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight for all the exceptional work you do to make the state of Colorado a better place to live for our veterans. You give so much, and the recipients of your program have given so much. This is the least we can do to support the communities that support our business," commented Balster.
Avitus Group is a worldwide company that simplifies, strengthens and grows businesses by providing 'back office' support (Payroll, accounting, taxes, recruiting, information technology, etc.). When a business uses Avitus Group, all of the necessary yet burdensome functions of the business become Avitus Group's responsibility, so the business can focus on what it does best. Avitus Group serves clients nationwide through regional office locations from coast to coast. The company also serves international clients through partner locations in Europe, Canada, China, England, India, Japan and Singapore. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.
↧
Review: Aurora Theatre's 'Little Erik' -- the end of the world as we know it?
Mark Jackson's 'Little Erik,' adapted from a Henrik Ibsen play, packs plenty of suffering and eerie mystery into its 80 minutes; it plays at Berkeley's Aurora Theatre through Feb. 28
Reported by San Jose Mercury News 7 hours ago.
↧
↧
9News: Restaurant chain abruptly closes 3 Colorado locations, 74 nationwide
Three of 9 Country Buffet's locations in Colorado have abruptly closed their doors. The locations affected are in Aurora (1026 S. Sable Blvd.), Lone Tree (7475 Park Meadows Drive) and Fort Collins (118 W. Troutman Parkway). Other locations in Arvada, Colorado Springs, Denver, Englewood, Pueblo and Westminster remain open, along with stores in . The buffet-style eateries closed Thursday. The parent company of Country Buffet is Ovation Brands, which was acquired by San Antonio-based Food Management…
Reported by bizjournals 5 hours ago.
↧
Aurora lane closures wrapping up early, mostly
Lane closures on Aurora Avenue just north of downtown are wrapping up early, though at least a short part of the right lane will continue to be closed until late February.
Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 hours ago.
↧
Former Aurora Resident Found Guilty of Attempted Murder
Patch Montgomery, IL -- The 40-year-old man is also facing another charge for an attempted home robbery in Montgomery.
Reported by Patch 23 hours ago.
↧
DPS, Aurora add help for students new to U.S. schools
A small but growing number of kids entering Denver and Aurora schools need more help than learning English as they sit in American classrooms for the first time.
Reported by Denver Post 22 hours ago.
↧
↧
One Killed When Car Crashes Into Aurora Home
Patch Batavia, IL -- The crash happened early Sunday on Farnsworth Avenue in Aurora.
Reported by Patch 5 hours ago.
↧
Lawyers for Arts expands fundraiser
Sandra Cassidy has a soft spot for lawyers. She realizes there are attorneys out there who fail to get recognized for the sometimes thankless job they do. She has lived through it herself and has had fellow lawyers confide in her about difficult experiences. So to see her peers feeling good and expressing themselves through music and art brings joy to the owner of Cassidy Legal of East Aurora. To her, music is what gives life meaning and it is the language of all cultures. She is chairman of the…
Reported by bizjournals 16 hours ago.
↧
These Ohio restaurants received AAA’s top ratings
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, AAA has revealed the restaurants worthy of its Five Diamond and Four Diamond ratings. These eateries are said to be the tops in each state. Ohio’s sole Five Diamond restaurant was Orchids at Palm Court in Cincinnati. Yet Ohio had eight Four Diamond restaurants. Just 2.3 percent of the restaurants reviewed get a Four Diamond rating. The Ohio ones are The Leopard Restaurant (Aurora), Boca Restaurant (Cincinnati), Nicola’s (Cincinnati), The Celestial Steakhouse…
Reported by bizjournals 19 hours ago.
↧
Here are Ohio's 9 best restaurants, as judged by AAA
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, AAA has revealed the restaurants worthy of its Five Diamond and Four Diamond ratings. The eateries are said to be the tops in each state. Ohio’s only Five Diamond restaurant was Orchids at Palm Court in Cincinnati. But the state had eight Four Diamond restaurants, a distinction won by just 2 percent of the restaurants reviewed: M at Miranova (Columbus) Refectory Restaurant & Bistro (Columbus) Leopard Restaurant (Aurora) Boca Restaurant (Cincinnati) Nicola’s…
Reported by bizjournals 17 hours ago.
↧
↧
Illinois' Top Two Youth Volunteers Selected in 21st Annual National Awards Program
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jungin Angie Lee, 17, of Naperville and Nicolas Ramkumar, 14, of Champaign today were named Illinois' top two youth volunteers of 2016 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. Angie was nominated by Metea Valley High School in Aurora, and Nicolas was nominated by Franklin Middle School in Champaign. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, now in its 21st year, is conducte
Reported by Business Wire 17 hours ago.
↧
Blue Pillar Expands its Award-Winning Aurora® Energy Network of ThingsTM Platform to Address Needs of Utilities and Energy Providers
This next generation release dramatically simplifies behind-the-meter connectivity and control of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) which has seen a 400% increase since 2010
(PRWEB) February 09, 2016
Orlando, FL DistribuTECH 2016 [Booth #2141] Blue Pillar, provider of the world’s first self-configurable Energy Network of Things platform that connects and controls distributed energy assets, announced the next generation of its award-winning Aurora platform with expanded features specifically designed to address the needs of energy service providers and utility grid operators. This next generation release brings utility grade enhancements that build upon the Aurora platform’s existing ability to dramatically simplify behind-the-meter connectivity and control of distributed energy resources and generation assets.
In conjunction with the announcement of this new Aurora platform, Blue Pillar has also made available a comprehensive Facility of the Future™ Framework, a blueprint for addressing the energy needs of Commercial and Industrial (C+I) customers. This framework showcases how assets, services, and applications can utilize open Energy Network of Things connectivity and control in order to create new opportunities for providing energy efficiency, resiliency, and self-sufficiency solutions to the largest of facilities. This ability to apply simplified behind-the-meter connectivity and control, combined with a market-facing customer engagement approach, is valuable for energy solution providers who are turning to Blue Pillar’s Aurora Energy Network of Things platform in order to help differentiate their services and engage their largest (C+I) customers.
“Blue Pillar started with the vision to disrupt the way C+I energy assets are connected and controlled, in order to help the world’s most complex facilities become more energy efficient, resilient, and self-sufficient. It’s a vision that has propelled us to deploy hundreds of the world’s most complex facilities and connect thousands of energy assets,” said Tom Willie, CEO of Blue Pillar. “When we began working with these C+I customers, two things became clear to us. First, grid-focused utilities looking to manage Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) needed information and insight into these behind-the-meter energy assets, almost like an extension to their SCADA network. Second, there was a significant opportunity for our energy solution provider customers like NRG to create facilities of the future. Because of our unique ability to offer ubiquitous behind-the-meter connectivity and control, we can meet the aspirations of C+I customers, energy service providers, and grid-focused utilities like no other company in this industry.”
"According to GTM Research’s DER Management Systems 2014 Report, the proliferation of distributed generation is having an undeniably profound effect on the utility industry, not only threatening to disrupt existing business models, but also jeopardizing grid stability,” said Omar Saadeh, Senior Grid Analyst at GTM Research. “With behind-the-meter connectivity, distribution utilities can gain a heightened level of control and flexibility to more effectively manage the technical and economic challenges posed by an increasingly distributed grid, while offering C+I customers more differentiated services."
In addition to helping energy service providers, Blue Pillar’s Aurora platform can solve some of the biggest challenges facing regulated utilities as well. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, distributed generation assets among the C+I sector grew 400% from 2010-2015 (solar, wind, microturbines, fuel cells and conventional natural gas-fired CHP). This exponential proliferation in distributed generation is increasing utilities’ need for real-time insight and control that starts behind-the-meter. Utilities need standards-based open networks for connectivity, data aggregation and control. Similar to how the rollout of millions of smart meters created the need for Advanced Meter Infrastructures (AMI), the proliferation of microgrids and DERs create a need for Distributed Generation Infrastructure (DGI). Aurora creates a secured DGI network between the utility and their C+I customers’ distributed energy resources, which can ultimately become an extension of the utility’s grid. With this new level of visibility and control starting behind-the-meter, utilities can leverage Aurora to optimize DERs in a way that will increase grid efficiency, ensure higher levels of reliability and protect safety.
Simplifying Chaos Behind-the-Meter – The Aurora Platform Difference
Historic approaches to connecting disparate behind-the-meter distributed generation assets required customized SCADA development. This became inordinately expensive, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and left behind many stranded assets. Additionally, the challenge of trying to connect dispersed facilities and distributed generation fleets meant aggregating and collecting data in real-time, when most systems could not scale time zones or make data accessible to third-party applications. With Aurora, Blue Pillar has been able to create DGI networks to connect energy assets that scale to the needs of both energy providers and grid operators. Because the platform is self-configurable, it can be deployed in a manner that works with existing legacy equipment with no onsite programming. By centrally connecting and gathering distributed generation data, a grid operator or energy service provider gains accurate insights and control of any asset that generates, consumes, switches or measures electricity.
New Utility Grade Aurora Platform Enhancements
This next generation Aurora platform includes expanded functionality, specifically designed for energy service providers and grid operators, including:· Availability of new interface and control protocols including DNP 3.0, OpenADR 2.0a VEN, and ICCP to be combined with existing support for OPC UA, Modbus, SNMP, LONWorks, and BACnet.
· Data aggregation into a public or private cloud-based service, which allows for a robust backend data management platform with distributed data storage and support for multiple time zones. This provides the scalability needed to support multi-site deployments in geographically dispersed regions.
· An extensive pre-integrated library of energy efficiency, resiliency, and self-sufficiency software applications, which can be utilized by energy service providers as turn-key offerings to C+I facility customers.
· Unified architecture and open-API support, which allows for plug-and-play integration to third-party facility focused energy applications or DERMS applications solutions, such as grid balancing, load shedding, voltage optimization or demand-side management.
· An auto-configuring Blue Pillar Aurora gateway for equipment connectivity, managed via an automated survey tool, which avoids the programming and customization typical of costly energy equipment integrations.
· Platform cyber security support from sensor to cloud, providing the most advanced security supported with third party authentication of industry best practices.
Demonstrations at DistribuTECH Booth 2141
Blue Pillar will demonstrate its Aurora Energy Network of Things platform in Booth 2141 at DistribuTECH. For more information, contact info(at)bluepillar(dot)com.
About Blue Pillar
Blue Pillar is the leading Energy Network of Things provider for distributed energy networks. Our award winning Aurora platform, and patented deployment methodology is the first solution to connect behind-the-meter distributed energy resources by self-prescribing secure IoT networks that enable real-time control of assets and collection of energy data. Using Aurora, hundreds of the world’s most complex facilities operators have increased their energy resiliency, efficiency or self-sufficiency efforts including Duke University Medical Center, Tenet Healthcare and Houston Methodist. Energy service providers have been able to offer new services to their Commercial and Industrial (C+I) customers by centrally monitoring, managing, and dispatching behind-the-meter assets with Aurora. Blue Pillar was recognized as one of the 15 fastest growing energy tech companies in North America by the Deloitte Fast 500™. Learn how Blue Pillar can help you take control of your energy future faster and more affordably by visiting http://www.bluepillar.com or on Twitter at @bluepillarinc.
### Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
(PRWEB) February 09, 2016
Orlando, FL DistribuTECH 2016 [Booth #2141] Blue Pillar, provider of the world’s first self-configurable Energy Network of Things platform that connects and controls distributed energy assets, announced the next generation of its award-winning Aurora platform with expanded features specifically designed to address the needs of energy service providers and utility grid operators. This next generation release brings utility grade enhancements that build upon the Aurora platform’s existing ability to dramatically simplify behind-the-meter connectivity and control of distributed energy resources and generation assets.
In conjunction with the announcement of this new Aurora platform, Blue Pillar has also made available a comprehensive Facility of the Future™ Framework, a blueprint for addressing the energy needs of Commercial and Industrial (C+I) customers. This framework showcases how assets, services, and applications can utilize open Energy Network of Things connectivity and control in order to create new opportunities for providing energy efficiency, resiliency, and self-sufficiency solutions to the largest of facilities. This ability to apply simplified behind-the-meter connectivity and control, combined with a market-facing customer engagement approach, is valuable for energy solution providers who are turning to Blue Pillar’s Aurora Energy Network of Things platform in order to help differentiate their services and engage their largest (C+I) customers.
“Blue Pillar started with the vision to disrupt the way C+I energy assets are connected and controlled, in order to help the world’s most complex facilities become more energy efficient, resilient, and self-sufficient. It’s a vision that has propelled us to deploy hundreds of the world’s most complex facilities and connect thousands of energy assets,” said Tom Willie, CEO of Blue Pillar. “When we began working with these C+I customers, two things became clear to us. First, grid-focused utilities looking to manage Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) needed information and insight into these behind-the-meter energy assets, almost like an extension to their SCADA network. Second, there was a significant opportunity for our energy solution provider customers like NRG to create facilities of the future. Because of our unique ability to offer ubiquitous behind-the-meter connectivity and control, we can meet the aspirations of C+I customers, energy service providers, and grid-focused utilities like no other company in this industry.”
"According to GTM Research’s DER Management Systems 2014 Report, the proliferation of distributed generation is having an undeniably profound effect on the utility industry, not only threatening to disrupt existing business models, but also jeopardizing grid stability,” said Omar Saadeh, Senior Grid Analyst at GTM Research. “With behind-the-meter connectivity, distribution utilities can gain a heightened level of control and flexibility to more effectively manage the technical and economic challenges posed by an increasingly distributed grid, while offering C+I customers more differentiated services."
In addition to helping energy service providers, Blue Pillar’s Aurora platform can solve some of the biggest challenges facing regulated utilities as well. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, distributed generation assets among the C+I sector grew 400% from 2010-2015 (solar, wind, microturbines, fuel cells and conventional natural gas-fired CHP). This exponential proliferation in distributed generation is increasing utilities’ need for real-time insight and control that starts behind-the-meter. Utilities need standards-based open networks for connectivity, data aggregation and control. Similar to how the rollout of millions of smart meters created the need for Advanced Meter Infrastructures (AMI), the proliferation of microgrids and DERs create a need for Distributed Generation Infrastructure (DGI). Aurora creates a secured DGI network between the utility and their C+I customers’ distributed energy resources, which can ultimately become an extension of the utility’s grid. With this new level of visibility and control starting behind-the-meter, utilities can leverage Aurora to optimize DERs in a way that will increase grid efficiency, ensure higher levels of reliability and protect safety.
Simplifying Chaos Behind-the-Meter – The Aurora Platform Difference
Historic approaches to connecting disparate behind-the-meter distributed generation assets required customized SCADA development. This became inordinately expensive, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and left behind many stranded assets. Additionally, the challenge of trying to connect dispersed facilities and distributed generation fleets meant aggregating and collecting data in real-time, when most systems could not scale time zones or make data accessible to third-party applications. With Aurora, Blue Pillar has been able to create DGI networks to connect energy assets that scale to the needs of both energy providers and grid operators. Because the platform is self-configurable, it can be deployed in a manner that works with existing legacy equipment with no onsite programming. By centrally connecting and gathering distributed generation data, a grid operator or energy service provider gains accurate insights and control of any asset that generates, consumes, switches or measures electricity.
New Utility Grade Aurora Platform Enhancements
This next generation Aurora platform includes expanded functionality, specifically designed for energy service providers and grid operators, including:· Availability of new interface and control protocols including DNP 3.0, OpenADR 2.0a VEN, and ICCP to be combined with existing support for OPC UA, Modbus, SNMP, LONWorks, and BACnet.
· Data aggregation into a public or private cloud-based service, which allows for a robust backend data management platform with distributed data storage and support for multiple time zones. This provides the scalability needed to support multi-site deployments in geographically dispersed regions.
· An extensive pre-integrated library of energy efficiency, resiliency, and self-sufficiency software applications, which can be utilized by energy service providers as turn-key offerings to C+I facility customers.
· Unified architecture and open-API support, which allows for plug-and-play integration to third-party facility focused energy applications or DERMS applications solutions, such as grid balancing, load shedding, voltage optimization or demand-side management.
· An auto-configuring Blue Pillar Aurora gateway for equipment connectivity, managed via an automated survey tool, which avoids the programming and customization typical of costly energy equipment integrations.
· Platform cyber security support from sensor to cloud, providing the most advanced security supported with third party authentication of industry best practices.
Demonstrations at DistribuTECH Booth 2141
Blue Pillar will demonstrate its Aurora Energy Network of Things platform in Booth 2141 at DistribuTECH. For more information, contact info(at)bluepillar(dot)com.
About Blue Pillar
Blue Pillar is the leading Energy Network of Things provider for distributed energy networks. Our award winning Aurora platform, and patented deployment methodology is the first solution to connect behind-the-meter distributed energy resources by self-prescribing secure IoT networks that enable real-time control of assets and collection of energy data. Using Aurora, hundreds of the world’s most complex facilities operators have increased their energy resiliency, efficiency or self-sufficiency efforts including Duke University Medical Center, Tenet Healthcare and Houston Methodist. Energy service providers have been able to offer new services to their Commercial and Industrial (C+I) customers by centrally monitoring, managing, and dispatching behind-the-meter assets with Aurora. Blue Pillar was recognized as one of the 15 fastest growing energy tech companies in North America by the Deloitte Fast 500™. Learn how Blue Pillar can help you take control of your energy future faster and more affordably by visiting http://www.bluepillar.com or on Twitter at @bluepillarinc.
### Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
↧
Westell Technologies Announces New “Trade-Up” Program
AURORA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSTL), a leading provider of in-building wireless, intelligent site management, cell site optimization, and outside plant solutions, today announces that, effective immediately, it is offering a manufacturer’s rebate on the purchase of select in-building wireless products. As part of the Company’s first ever “Trade-Up” program, Westell will award a rebate of up to $500 per qualifying product when a customer returns a comparable
Reported by Business Wire 16 hours ago.
↧
Aurora police union shocked by lesser convictions for man who shot cop
The Aurora Police Association expressed shock and dismay at the lesser convictions for a 21-year-old man who shot and critically wounded an officer in 2014.
Reported by Denver Post 16 hours ago.
↧
↧
Dr. Lisa Walinski, family medicine physician, joins EMG in Aurora
Patch Naperville, IL -- Dr. Walinski is accepting new patients at Edward Medical Group’s office at 1222 N. Eola Rd.
Reported by Patch 14 hours ago.
↧
Aurora police find woman's body in condo; homicide case ongoing
Police officers in Aurora responding to a welfare check on Tuesday morning found the body of a woman inside a condo, as well as a man who they describe as a "person of interest.
Reported by Denver Post 5 hours ago.
↧
Residence Inn by Marriott Denver Airport Welcomes Guests with New Park and Fly Package for Denver International Airport
Premier Denver Airport hotel invites guests to park their car, take the shuttle and avoid the headache with convenient new park and fly package
Denver, Colo. (PRWEB) February 10, 2016
Guests are invited to park their car while traveling at Residence Inn Denver Airport with the convenient Park Here, Fly There Package. Package includes the ability for guest to leave their car safely in the lot for up to 10 days, free shuttle service from the hotel to and from the Denver Airport and complimentary buffet breakfast daily. Conveniently located just 10 minutes west of Denver International Airport, the Residence Inn Denver Airport offers homelike amenities, free shuttle and daily breakfast buffet. For more information or to book the package, please visit http://deals.marriott.com/residence-inn/usa/co/aurora/parkandfly or call (303) 459-8000 and mention the Park Here, Fly There package.
Enjoy the comfort of the newly renovated, award-winning Residence Inn Denver Airport located a short 10 minutes from Denver International Airport. Guests may enjoy a free hot breakfast daily, an indoor pool and spa, 24-hour fitness center, fully-equipped kitchens in each suite, high-quality bedding, evening socials Monday through Wednesday with free beer, soft drinks and light eats, free shuttle and much more. Guests may book one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio suites, as well as accessible rooms, available upon request.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit http://www.residenceinndia.com or call (303) 459-8000. The Residence Inn by Marriott Denver Airport hotel is proudly managed by Stonebridge Companies in Denver, Colo.
Founded in 1991 by Navin C. Dimond, Stonebridge Companies is a privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer headquartered near Denver. Its diverse listing of properties includes select-service, extended-stay, mid-scale and full-service hotels in markets throughout the U.S. For detailed information, visit http://www.sbcos.com. Reported by PRWeb 13 hours ago.
Denver, Colo. (PRWEB) February 10, 2016
Guests are invited to park their car while traveling at Residence Inn Denver Airport with the convenient Park Here, Fly There Package. Package includes the ability for guest to leave their car safely in the lot for up to 10 days, free shuttle service from the hotel to and from the Denver Airport and complimentary buffet breakfast daily. Conveniently located just 10 minutes west of Denver International Airport, the Residence Inn Denver Airport offers homelike amenities, free shuttle and daily breakfast buffet. For more information or to book the package, please visit http://deals.marriott.com/residence-inn/usa/co/aurora/parkandfly or call (303) 459-8000 and mention the Park Here, Fly There package.
Enjoy the comfort of the newly renovated, award-winning Residence Inn Denver Airport located a short 10 minutes from Denver International Airport. Guests may enjoy a free hot breakfast daily, an indoor pool and spa, 24-hour fitness center, fully-equipped kitchens in each suite, high-quality bedding, evening socials Monday through Wednesday with free beer, soft drinks and light eats, free shuttle and much more. Guests may book one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio suites, as well as accessible rooms, available upon request.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit http://www.residenceinndia.com or call (303) 459-8000. The Residence Inn by Marriott Denver Airport hotel is proudly managed by Stonebridge Companies in Denver, Colo.
Founded in 1991 by Navin C. Dimond, Stonebridge Companies is a privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer headquartered near Denver. Its diverse listing of properties includes select-service, extended-stay, mid-scale and full-service hotels in markets throughout the U.S. For detailed information, visit http://www.sbcos.com. Reported by PRWeb 13 hours ago.
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
