A trial of domestic energy metering using a WiMAX network for data communications is being started in Michigan, USA. The trial is being carried out by utility firm, Consumers Energy along with GE supplied smart meters.
"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," said Wayne Longcore, director of Enterprise Architecture and Standards for Consumers Energy.
Data from GE's advanced metering infrastructure smart meters, when coupled with back-office distribution management systems, can give network managers and utility information systems an accurate picture of grid operating status at all times. That information helps identify problems before they occur and enables a quicker response when problems do occur. For example, meter information can help determine the scope and location of an outage, enable distribution automation systems to reroute power around the outage to minimize the number of customers affected and dispatch repair crews more precisely to restore power more quickly.
GE's 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.
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