Building Smarter Cities: A Utility Case Study on How to Manage Public Service and Surveillance Devices on Poles

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PT

Location: CC - 203 B

Speaker(s)

Brett Heather Freedson, Esq. (she/her/hers)

Member
Lerman Senter PLLC
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Julie Leininger

Senior Contracts Administrator
Orlando Utilities Commission
Orlando, Florida, United States
Anthony F. Suppa, Jr., P.E.

Project Manager
Public Service Electric & Gas
Boonton, New Jersey, United States

PDF

Moderator(s)

Brett Kilbourne

Senior Vice President of Policy and General Counsel
Utilities Technology Council
Arlington, Virginia, United States

In recent years, law enforcement and municipal authorities have requested utility companies to collaborate on, and to participate in “smart city” initiatives intended to serve the public interest. Such initiatives involve the operation of devices that monitor public activity, such as surveillance cameras, license plate readers, gun shot detectors, and even sensors that record environmental conditions, pedestrian activity, and automobile traffic. This updated case study will focus on the development and implementation of one utility’s program, the lessons learned, the potential pitfalls, and most importantly, how to navigate through the difficult technical, financial and political landscapes. This presentation will also discuss the risks and benefits of such relationships with municipalities and law enforcement, and the unique legal concerns that arise from the use of surveillance equipment.