The program seeks to demonstrate how wireless communications between meters in the home and the utility’s network management and control systems can improve efficiency and reliability for all.
GE has collaborated with a number of utilities globally, including Consumers Energy and American Electric Power (AEP) in the US, to fine-tune smart meter capabilities using this technology.
Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Plan requires improvement in the communications infrastructure to modernize the electric grid. GE’s pilot falls in line with the plan’s call for an integrated infrastructure to strengthen America’s energy future, the company said.
GE added that data from its advanced metering infrastructure smart meters, when coupled with back-office distribution management systems, can give network managers and utility information systems a picture of grid operating status at all times.That information helps identify problems before they occur and enables a response when problems do occur.
Wayne Longcore, director of enterprise architecture and standards at Consumers Energy, said: “This infrastructure solution could be significant in its ability to provide far more real-time information and updates to distributed intelligent metering devices over utility equipment lifespans.”
GE said that its use of this technology also gives Consumers Energy the ability to provide variable pricing for electricity throughout the day, enabling consumers to save money by choosing to move energy-intensive activities to lower-cost, off-peak periods.
