Riverside Public Utilities Board Approves Utility 2.0 Fiber Plan

Riverside, Calif. – At its meeting on January 22, Riverside’s Board of Public Utilities voted to approve a plan that would expand use of Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) owned fiber optic cables for communications use.

“This plan will formalize our current fiber leasing program, as well as help lead the way with our Utility 2.0 plans for the future,” said RPU General Manager Girish Balachandran.

RPU currently operates a fiber network within its system to communicate between substations and control centers for the operation of its electric grid. This fiber optic cable comes in bundles of fibers and those fibers that are not used by RPU can be used by other businesses, including communications companies. RPU’s fiber plans include: formalizing the existing business to brand and market the fiber as an available service; develop a tactical plan to expand the fiber business through identifying opportunities; and strategic expansion of fiber offerings.

The first phase of the fiber plan will use $300,000 from current fiber leasing revenues of $455,000 that will help RPU document inventory and available assets, implement a fiber management system, and set pricing and policies.

For additional information please visit RiversidePublicUtilities.com
Established in 1895, Riverside Public Utilities is a consumer-owned water and electric utility that provides high quality, reliable services to over 108,000 metered electric customers and up to 67,000 metered water customers throughout the City of Riverside. The Utility is committed to increased use of renewable energy resources and sustainable living practices that help reduce environmental impacts within the City of Riverside and the state of California.