“SP AusNet is installing a highly capable smart grid communications system,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president of GE Energy Services’ transmission and distribution business. “This smart grid solution will help the utility enjoy the immediate benefits of smart metering, while providing them with a powerful platform to readily adopt additional smart grid technologies to further improve energy efficiencies, improve reliability, empower consumers with information and integrate cleaner energy sources.”
Because the solution is based on open standards, GE was able to work with a consortium of leading, open standards-based technology companies to deliver this holistic solution to SP AusNet. GE is providing the meter communications technology across the entire network, while supplying half of the project’s smart meters. GridNet supplied the PolicyNet network management system software suite to manage the meters, controllers, switches and other devices throughout SP AusNet’s smart grid network. Motorola is providing the communications infrastructure.
The Victoria state government has mandated its entire service area be upgraded to smart meters by 2013. In addition to meters, future functionality is an important benefit for Australian utilities. Australia’s Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts expects the country to have 10 million households in 2020, resulting in a 56% increase in energy demand. At the same time, the Australia government aims to reduce carbon emissions by 10% and increase renewable generation to 20% by 2020. The GE smart grid infrastructure being installed today will help meet those goals while improving reliability in the face of increasing demand.
GE’s WiMAX smart grid solution will give SP AusNet the option to provide variable pricing throughout the day, enabling consumers to manage their energy usage and save money by moving energy-intensive activities to lower-cost, off-peak periods. With the right rate structure, SP AusNet could spread demand more evenly throughout the day and offset the need for new power generation.
This solution also will enable utilities to monitor the health and status of smart grid devices in real-time, helping ensure consistent reliability for customers. As one of the industry’s most secure, standards-based, scalable 4G technologies for smart grid, the GE solution will lay the foundation for a host of advanced smart grid applications, from plug-in vehicles, to advanced grid control, to alternative energy sources, such as solar on rooftops.
In addition to offering advanced protection and tampering prevention, the technology also will exceed industry standards to deliver “government-grade” security benefits, based upon requirements and standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Defense, to help maintain the effectiveness of computer security and computer system controls.
“The smart grid requires secure, proven, scalable, open standards-based solutions,” said Ray Bell, chief executive officer and founder of GridNet. “We are delighted to collaborate with our smart grid ecosystem partners to bring this industry-leading, open market, smart grid solution to utility customers, worldwide. SP AusNet’s decision to standardize on this infrastructure is powerful validation of its capabilities.”
“Smart grid applications are a great example of the power and flexibility of WiMAX technology,” said Bruce Brda, senior vice president and general manager of wireless networks for Motorola’s Home & Networks Mobility business. “By teaming with SP AusNet, GE and GridNet, Motorola’s WiMAX solution provides an innovative way for SP AusNet to implement an advanced metering infrastructure.”
Smart meter installation begins over the coming months and runs through 2013.
