Small utilities are exposed, more or less, to the same challenges as larger utilities: increasing return on investment (ROI), reducing total cost of ownership (TCO), and improving overall operation efficiency while meeting regulatory requirements. The small utility solution delivers industry-specific solutions based on standard technology, tailored to the needs of small-sized utilities, and supporting key business processes. GE Energy�s Smallworld Small Utility Solution* is available for utilities with up to 80.000 meters and includes industry applications, mobile, Smallworld Internet Application Server* (SIAS), and other components. A recent example of a European gas customer implementing the Smallworld Small Utility Solution based on Smallworld Gas Distribution Office* (GDO) showed a rapid implementation time of three months, including data acquisition. Many smaller utilities were unable to justify an investment in GIS technology and tried to build CAD type solutions which do not deliver expected value. Now, with the Smallworld Small Utility Solution in place tailored to this particular type of customer, small utilities are able to invest in GIS technology, and as a result, are able to gain the same benefits as larger utility companies.

* trademarks of General Electric Company.