Summary: I have made my way around Europe, and my steps around the U.S. are growing thanks to my following solar events. But I still lack travels in many major U.S. cities: Boston, Seattle, etc. But I did get to cross Chicago off my list as I had the opportunity to attend Schneider Electric's editor's event this week. The contrast of the skyscrapers to the colored leaves in Millennium Park was beautiful and I came back with a much better understanding of what the city is all about. I can say the same about my understanding of Schneider. From my work in wind and solar I mainly knew Schneider as an inverter manufacturer, but it was fascinating to learn about the company's other markets. For instance, the sign you see on the highway telling you how long it will take to get to the next exit could very well be the work of Schneider. The company has also released several new software suites as a part of its StruxureWare software. These suites are helping data centers, electric grids and healthcare and water applications become more efficient and sustainable. Schneider had lots of news to share at its Invest event, including: -Promoteing Energy Savings and Environmental Responsibility with the Conserve My Planet Program -Introducing its Energy University, an Online Professional Energy Manager Certification -Investing in Energy Education Advancement -Achieving ISO 50001-Certification at the Smyrna, Tenn. Facility -Cutting the Energy Consumption of its own sites by 25% -Having its EVlink Indoor EV Charging Station selected by Pecan Street Inc. -Investing in New Product Technologies and Innovation Below is some audio from the event concerning renewables. Allen Breeze, SVP of Schneider's U.S. Power Business, has some interesting comments on the future of homes as energy control centers. And Jeffrey Drees, President of Schneider Electric U.S., answers some questions on Schneider's solar business and shale gas as a threat to renewables.
