AMI Deployments and Systems, Stimulus Funds and Lessons Learned Discussions Excel at Utilimetrics Regional Learning Lab
Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tenn. hosted the first Utilimetrics Regional Learning Lab March 8. AEC covers over a 2,520 mile region of remote farms and rough terrain. The utility began a surgical AMI deployment in 2005 and uses a wireless system to cover its service territory. Two radio towers enable two-way communications throughout the area to speed up outage reporting and monitor power quality.
Attendees learned about the AMI deployment at AEC from the project engineer, metering technician, billing manager, and IT systems integrator. They also provided a tour of the facility. AEC has a state-of-the art control room, equipped with a SCADA system, GIS mapping, large models of its distribution network, and multi computer stations to serve its 45,000 customers.
The Learning Lab was an excellent opportunity to examine AEC’s step-by-step deployment, review lessons learned and hear about future plans for the installation of an outage management system.
Jody Wigington, general manager, Morristown Utilities described his utility’s AMI system which serves a mostly industrial population. While the systems are similar, the customer bases are very different, causing differing peak load times and customer needs.
Kirby Parr, energy services manager, Pulaski Electric, described his company’s communications system use of a fiber optic network to supply phone, TV and internet as well as electric power.
Clint Wilson, manager of special projects, EPB Chattanooga, discussed the use of a stimulus grant to fund EFB Chattanooga’s turnkey smart grid project. Chattanooga has the country's most powerful fiber optic network to improve power quality and reliability, and provide incentive for industry investment in its community.
Comparing and contrasting all of these projects provided a variety of technologies and solutions to apply to developing a business case for AMI.
Sandy Bacik, a consultant with Enernex and an expert on cyber security, presented on risk management in utility companies. Her thorough review of NIST guidelines provided an excellent resource for more information on standards. There was a great deal of interaction between attendees and panelists, as Dick Preston, MW Consulting, led a discussion of lessons learned throughout the day.
Thanks to all of the panelists and presenters for making the first Utilimetrics Regional Learning Lab a success. A very special thanks to AEC for hosting the learning lab and to Tantalus for sponsoring the event.