The City of Griffin was seeking a smart metering system capable of meeting the needs, while avoiding the future risk of technology obsolescence. Additionally, they chose not to spend excess capital to own and operate a private communication network to support smart grid applications.
SmartSynch claims that its offerings utilize secure, reliable public wireless networks that already exist, due to which, they are automatically IP-enabled directly to each endpoint device.
The company said that its smart metering system will enable the City of Griffin to automate processes for all electric meters. Functionality includes remote disconnect/reconnect; providing customers with optional rate designs, such as time of use, demand management rates and pre-paid service; and providing or interfacing with an automated outage management system to help reduce outage periods.
Griffin Power customers will be able to monitor and regulate electricity usage via the internet and home devices. SmartSynch claims that its technology will also help Griffin Power better address customer service requests and power outages in a safe and timely manner, while reducing meter reading, work order costs and overall carbon footprint resulting from decreased truck rolls.
Stephen Johnston, CEO of SmartSynch, said: ”It’s cost-efficient for a municipality to deploy public wireless smart metering technology opposed to more complex, expensive and proprietary alternatives.
“With smart meter deployments on the rise and the benefits of leveraging public wireless networks becoming a clear value proposition for utilities, we are confident that today’s announcement will be the first of many to come.”
