Russia, the world’s fourth-largest electricity market, with a population of over 140 million and stretching across 9 time zones, has seen an unprecedented demand for reliable power over the last decade. Few significant investments in the grid have been made since the Soviet era with the current activities being spurred by a considerable increase in electricity consumption, coupled with the 2008 energy markets deregulation and the government’s push for grid modernisation.Against this background, the 2011 Smart Utilities Russia conference and exhibition will provide a timely platform for key players in the Russian smart utility industry to exchange ideas and insights on how to take their business to the next level. What to expect at Smart Utilities Russia?• Meet, interact and establish business links with 200+ industry experts in the increasingly dynamic and opportunity-rich Russian smart grid arena • Debate with 25+ high level industry expert speakers and gain insights into the deregulated markets and opportunities it presents, regulatory framework and investment strategies • Understand what makes a grid smart through the following themes: o Smart meters: what can be learnt from existing rollouts? o Network technologies and how they can improve quality and continuity of supply o European experiences and their applicability in the Russian space o Financing and investment mechanisms o Advanced communication infrastructure and how it can help balance generation and consumption o Data protection cyber security: the threats to and vulnerabilities of open and interoperable networks o Intelligent data: how to gather it and what is its practical potential