meterpedia.com

Ecologic Analytics has been selected by United Illuminating to provide the Meter Data Management system (MDM) for its’ smart metering initiative.

The system will validate, estimate and edit meter data for the New Haven based utility, which serves over 324,000 customers in Connecticut.

Adding UI to the client portfolio for Ecologic Analytics brings the number of endpoints under contract to over 16 million. Other utility customers include Oncor and Austin Energy.

Original Coverage

From googlemap and  press releases

Working with SmartSynch to install up to 45,000 residential and 6,000 business smart meters using the municipal Wi-Fi. Using smart water meters from Itron, electricity meters featuring Trilliant communications modules.

Overall ‘smart grid’ budget is $70 million.

Using eMeters EnergyIP as MDM, and may use EnergyEngage as the home portal/display solution.

Have applied for $20m in stimulus grants to support the project.

From googlemap

Utility serving customers in metropolitan Phoenix and surrounding areas.

2006 – Installed 45,000 electricity smart meters. Aiming to raise volumes to 800,000 in next 5 years. Spending $500k per month, but not increasing customer bills to cover expense.

APS has been installing PowerOne Data’s AMI metering since 2007 and has installed approximately 160,000 P-1D smart meters to date.

2008 – Award  of meter supply contract for 800,000 electricity meters to Elster. Planning to use EnergyAxis systems.

Spending $500k per month, but not increasing customer bills to cover expense.

Has selected KORE Telematics to provide wireless communications services as part of the large scale expansion of the utility’s automated metering infrastructure (AMI). APS has contracted with Elster Integrated Solutions for 800,000 new meters, all of which rely on the KORE M2M network for two-way cellular data communications.

APS’s AMI deployment uses two-way wireless data communications to and from electric meters at consumer homes. Elster’s meters use data collection devices from Locate Technologies to gather data via a 900MHz wireless system, while M2M vendor Kore Telematics provides the network backhaul over which meter data is transmitted via a series of Hub Collection devices.

After considering all the alternatives, APS chose cellular GSM for its transport because it was ubiquitous and promised a better price, performance and time to market. APS had three distinct goals for the infrastructure. It had to be one that can read meters wirelessly, didn’t require batteries and one that was self-healing. The battery rationale was simply because of the high temperatures in Arizona that would mean constant maintenance and short life spans. The wireless, self-healing network requirement was designed to make the process as hands-off for APS as possible – wired networks require more maintenance, he said, and they also require permission from customers to install the telephone line. A self-healing network would maintain itself as more and more meters were added.

KORE has provided reliable wireless services to APS since 2005, when the utility began its initial AMI deployment of over 160,000 meters. The new 800,000 meter expansion began in December 2008.

Have selected Aclara to provide Meter Data Management Software

News Items:
metering.com T&D news

From old website

Consumers Energy, based in Jackson, Michigan, is investing $500 million is advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) that will allow its customers to take advantage of the latest smart meter technology. The system will integrate smart appliances into the system so customers have complete control over their energy consumption.

During times of peak pricing, a signal will be sent to a smart meter installed in the customer’s home. The smart meter, in turn, notifies the smart thermostat to turn down, or turn off, the air conditioner. Other appliances and lighting throughout the home could also be controlled in this fashion. Information detailing the current price of energy, as well as the level of consumption in the home will be displayed either on a display device or home computer that communicates with the smart meter. Consumers Energy will begin installing the new system over the next few months. “We want to give customers choices,” said Maureen Trumble, director of Consumers Energy’s AMI program in an interview with mlive.com. “They are going to have a lot more information.” Beth Fields, the program manager for the project, said that smart meters will provide the crucial communications link between consumer and energy provider – a link that has never existed before. “It helps customers understand what they are buying,” said Fields. Dan Bishop, spokesman for Consumers Energy, said the AMI system represents the company’s effort to comply with the 21st Century Energy Plan that has been submitted to state lawmakers. He also stressed the need to conserve energy and tap renewable energy sources. “This is to fulfil the promise we made to Michigan,” said Bishop. Beginning in February, Consumers Energy will install around 6,000 smart meters in Jackson County, Michigan in a project lasting until June. Customers destined to receive the devices will be notified of the scheduled installation by mail. Next year the devices will undergo testing and in 2011 smart meters will be deployed throughout the state. To educate the public on how the new system will function, the company has dedicated a Smart Services Learning Centre at its Jackson County office. The centre has been designed to depict a typical apartment complete with living room, kitchen, utility room, and appliances but with smart technology installed. Mark Lesiw, load management senior program manager, said that AMI will enhance the utility’s relationship with its customers. As more advanced technologies become available in the future, they could be integrated into the AMI system being deployed now. “We’re building the infrastructure to a new system like the Internet,” said Lesiw. “It’s a big change for the industry.” Customers will have the option to manage their own energy consumption or can allow Consumers Energy to do it for them. Participating customers can expect to save up to 10 percent off their energy bill. “You can set your home to react to all the different prices we have,” added Lesiw. The utility will no longer rely on its customers to report power outages either. The smart meters will send a “last gasp” signal, just before power goes out, in order to pinpoint the problem and find an alternative route for power. Customers can choose to ignore the new system, but they will still experience the enhanced customer service when they contact the company with inquiries regarding the bill. Precise answers will be available.

Other project notes:

IBM says it will implement advanced metering technology and a smart grid field pilot network that will start being built in 2009.

GE is talking with Consumers Energy about testing WiMax smart meters

Type/Role: Electricity and Gas Utility, Generator
Headquarters/Base: Wilmington, Delaware
Website: http://www.pepcoholdings.com
Smart Metering:
Markets: Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, District of Columbia
Parent: NA
Subsidiaries: Pepco, Delmarva Power, Atlantic City Electric

Pepco Holdings, Inc. is one of the largest energy delivery companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, serving about 1.9 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and New Jersey. PHI subsidiaries, Pepco, Delmarva Power and Atlantic City Electric, provide regulated electricity service; Delmarva Power also provides natural gas service. PHI provides competitive wholesale generation services through Conectiv Energy and retail energy products and services through Pepco Energy Services.

Smart Metering Updates

26 Feb 09 - Pepco Holdings, Inc. has selected Silver Spring Networks (SSN) to provide the networking products and services necessary to build a Smart Grid network that will eventually serve the utility’s 1.9 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and New Jersey. Initial deployment will occur in the Delmarva Power service territory in Delaware, with full deployment to all PHI customers anticipated by 2013, pending regulatory approvals. Under the multi-year agreement, Silver Spring Networks will provide network infrastructure, devices, software and a variety of services in support of PHI’s smart grid deployment.

26 March 09 – Announced deal with Landis + Gyr to supply the major portion of the smart meters for use in the deployment of PHI’s advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in the state of Delaware, with flexibility to expand usage of the smart meters in other areas of PHI’s service territory.

6 May 09 - Announced plans to implement GE meters in the Delaware implementation.

Type/Role: Communications/Infrastructure provider – software provider
Headquarters/Base: Redwood City, CA
Website: http://www.trilliantinc.com/
Smart Metering: http://www.trilliantinc.com/8_SmrtGrd/index.html
Markets: USA, Canada, Australia
Parent: NA
Subsidiaries:

Trilliant provides intelligent network solutions and software to utilities for advanced metering, demand response, and Smart Grid management. With more than twenty years experience solving meter communications needs, our company focuses on the adoption of open standards-based technologies for electric, gas, and water utilities. Our advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions enable utilities to develop time-of-use (TOU) metering and demand response programs, transforming the traditional customer-utility relationship through interval based consumption data and 2-way messaging. Also these solutions are used by utilities to drive down operational costs and improve customer satisfaction through much improved awareness and data on distribution system performance. Our Energy Services meet the needs of electric and natural gas utilities with meter reading services, utility data profiling, and online presentment. We have secured contracts for more than three million meters to be supported by network solutions and services.

Map of clients and partners: http://www.trilliantinc.com/1_Abt/Clnts.html

Type/Role: Metering Field Services & Software Supplier
Headquarters/Base: Montreal, Quebec
Website: www.olameter.com
Smart Metering:
Markets: Canada, USA, Mexico
Parent:
Subsidiaries:

From Olameter site:

Olameter is a leading independent meter services company and has been providing meter reading and associated services since 1989 (formerly as Utility Reading and Billing Ltd., or URB). Olameter acquired URB in 2002 to better service the growing needs of the utility industry, and we currently employ over 350 metering and telemetry specialists, servicing over 2.4 million meters.

Olameter offers a comprehensive suite of outsourced services, products and solutions. Our solutions are designed to maximize business returns through a proven implementation model that minimizes the associated cost and impact to your organization. A value-added partner, Olameter has helped over 65 utilities achieve deliverables such as improved cash flow, reduced costs and enhanced customer loyalty.

From googlemap submission – source chris.bull2@ukngrid.com – Smart Program Manager

Details of 4 new smart metering/smart grid trials by National Grid US have been provided via the googlemap submission form.

National Grid’s ‘About Us’ Page

The exercises will take place in Worcester, MA., Syracuse, NY., Albany, NY. and Newport, Jamestown and Portsmouth, RI.

They range in scale from 10,000 to 42,000 customers, and will all have the following schedule:

• Release 1 scheduled for July 2010
• Release 2 scheduled for Dec 2010
• Release 3 scheduled for Oct 2011

Details of the individual exercises:

• Worcester – 15,000 customers, $57m
• Albany – 42,000 customers, $57m
• Syracuse – 40,000 customers, $100m
• Newport, Jamestown, Portsmouth – 10,000 customers, $59m

Each of the trails will feature the following functionality:

• 2 Way Communications,
• Remote Connection/Disconnection,
• Tamper/Diagnostic Alerts,
• HAN Connectivity/Support,
• Smart Grid devices also

They will also be testing Mesh Radio, WiMax and ZigBee communications.

The technology partners will be “Various based on a developed Conceptual and Logical Technical Model, RFI process and Proof of Concept.”

Text of press release provided with submission:

National Grid Applies for $200 Million in Stimulus Funding for Largest Collective Smart Grid Project in the Northeast

August 6, 2009

National Grid (LSE:NG;NYSE:NGG), the nation’s second-largest utility, has applied to the U.S. Department of Energy for $200 million in stimulus funding to develop an “end-to-end” smart grid deployment that will include approximately 200,000 customers in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Through its smart grid program, National Grid is partnering with the three states to help them achieve their vision for a clean, efficient energy network of the future while creating new jobs and economic development opportunities for the region. The smart grid program will provide residential and business customers across the northeast with unprecedented ability to reduce their energy consumption, carbon emissions and utility bills.

Tom King, president of National Grid U.S., said, “Our smart grid program is highly consistent with and supportive of the purpose and goals of the DoE stimulus program and it will accelerate smart grid deployment.” King added, “The proposed project is a collaborative effort among National Grid, its customers and the leadership of New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Working together, we aim to demonstrate the transformative value and benefits of the smart grid to the northeast and the rest of the nation.”

National Grid’s project will demonstrate the benefits of combining “smart” and “green” technologies from end-to-end (transmission to consumer) including demonstrations of clean energy technologies such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and solar and wind power as well as energy storage technology. The result will be one of the most technologically advanced smart grid deployments in the U.S. This initiative will provide an increased understanding of the interface between the next generation of green energy supply and the smart grid to pave the way for the broader roll out of these technologies in the states where National Grid operates.

King added, “While our smart grid is focused on customers, it also acts as a catalyst to accelerate and accommodate the integration of renewable energy applications into the distribution network. Our intent is to create a flagship smart grid system and we hope the Department of Energy will support us in this important effort.”

National Grid’s plan has been endorsed by the governors of New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, as well as leaders from government and industry.

“Investment in the proposed advanced smart grid initiatives will provide an instrumental tool for accomplishing New York’s energy efficiency and renewable energy goals by enabling customer demand response through smart meters and appliance controls and by providing electric grid optimization to enable interconnection of renewable resources,” said New York Governor David A. Paterson. “It also will attract clean-technology businesses to the State, thereby creating green jobs, boosting the economy and protecting the environment.”

“These grants will support our own recent smart grid initiatives to modernize the electric grid in Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. “The goal is to save money and to give more control to both grid operators and consumers.”

“Federal stimulus support for the smart grid program will assist Rhode Island in moving forward with its renewable energy and energy efficiency programs,” said Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri. “Demonstrating the capability to store renewable energy will be a significant contribution to advancing these technologies.”

National Grid also is developing a state-of-the-art “Smart Technology Center” in Syracuse, New York, where it will test, assess and evaluate smart grid technologies and applications before they are deployed in the field. The center also will serve as a lab for testing new smart grid applications before they are rolled out to customers.

For more information on National Grid’s smart grid program, visit www.nationalgridus.com/energy

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.

Type/Role: Electricity Transmission and Distribution Utility
Headquarters/Base: Dallas, TX
Website: http://www.oncor.com/
Smart Metering:
Markets: Texas
Parent: Owned by Private Shareholders including Energy Future Holdings
Subsidiaries:

Oncor is a regulated electric distribution and transmission business. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, delivering power to approximately 3 million homes and businesses and operating more than 117,000 miles of distribution and transmission lines in Texas.

Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Energy Future Holdings corp.)

Oncor was originally part of TXU Electic Delivery

General Smart Metering Notes

Ecologic Analytics has been chosen as the MDMS for Oncor’s Advanced Metering System (AMS) project. The MDMS will manage AMS meter read data for more than 3 million electric meters in Oncor’s service territory. The utility is in the process of rolling out advanced meters and has made a commitment to complete its entire service territory by 2012 in one of the broadest deployments of AMS technology on an electric grid in the nation.

Initially, the Ecologic MDMS will load 15-minute interval data and daily meter reads from Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream advanced energy management solution, then validate, estimate, edit (VEE) the data, post billing determinants and deliver the information to the respective Oncor systems ready for billing and presentment to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the state’s settlement authority. By January 2010, the Ecologic MDMS will also be incorporated into higher order automated functions provided by the AMS.

The added value of Ecologic Analytics’ relationship with Landis+Gyr provides Oncor with a higher level of coordinated advanced metering expertise and functionality. The heritage of the relationship between Ecologic Analytics and Landis+Gyr began in 2001 with joint field deployments and was later expanded though Landis+Gyr’s strategic investment in the company in 2007.

Update

The Dallas-based utility Oncor has embarked on a $690 million project to install 3 million smart meters over the next four years. Jim Greer, Oncor’s senior vice president of asset management, has no doubt about their importance or effectiveness.

“Advanced metering systems are fundamental for our future and critical for the state as an economic engine,” he said.

Oncor households will pay for the program at the rate of $2.22 a month over the next 11 years — a cost recovery mechanism allowed by a 2005 Texas law. But Greer said he believes that if utilized properly, the new system will generate much higher conservation savings, ranging from 6 percent to 15 percent annually.

Greer believes the conservation savings alone could result in two to three fewer planned CO2-emitting coal-burning power plants to handle the expected energy demand increase over the next two decades.

But Long said Oncor and other smart meter advocates are pushing too far ahead of what consumers need and want. “If they are successful, I’ll be surprised,” he said.

Deal with Landis+Gyr

Jun 10, 2008 12:48 PM

Landis+Gyr has announced a major four-year advanced metering contract with Texas utility Oncor.

Under the agreement, Oncor will deploy a next-generation Landis+Gyr advanced meter system (AMS) to empower seven million Texas consumers, through 3 million points of delivery, to independently manage their energy consumption, cut their energy bills and protect the environment.

The $690 million Oncor project, which includes Landis+Gyr’s AMS solution and other project costs, is the largest AMS rollout undertaken in Texas and one of the largest in the U.S. The national demand for electricity is growing three times faster than power resources are being added.

Type/Role: Software Supplier
Headquarters/Base: San Mateo, CA
Website: http://www.emeter.com/

Smart Metering:

Markets: USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand

Parent:

Subsidiaries: eMeter Strategic Consulting

Products:  EnergyIP

Customers: Alliant Energy, Centerpoint Energy, Electralink, CPS Energy, JEA, Vattenfall, Ontario IESO, PEPCO, SP AusNet

With 23 million meters under contract, eMeter Corporation of San Mateo, California, provides Meter Data Management (MDM) software that enables electric, gas, and water utilities to realize the full benefits of their Advanced Metering and Smart Grid initiatives.

Sold by IBM in the US, Accenture in Europe.

Facts & Figures

Jan 09 – 5 million meters using EnergyIP, 23 million under contract, with full utilisation by 2013