Poudre Valley REA - Smart Grid AMI Project

Poudre Valley REA Is Building
One Of Colorado’s Largest Smart Grid Projects

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association has contracted with Landis & Gyr for the installation and deployment of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) on the cooperative’s 3,600 miles of power lines. The system components are a major part of Poudre Valley’s efforts in moving toward “smart grid” technology.

The project will include automated energy monitoring and control capabilities to help achieve greater efficiency and detect surges and interruptions in the power supply. AMI hardware and software will enable real-time grid diagnostics across the 2,000 square mile PVREA service area.

Portions of the AMI system went online in the third quarter of 2009. By the end of 2010 more than 5,000 meters will be online. Projected completion date for the project is 2014.

Adapting the Poudre Valley REA grid to this new technology will have benefits for consumers in reduced costs and enhanced reliability of the electricity delivery system. The reaction time to outages will be reduced and the efficiencies gained from more effective power management are projected to result in reduced carbon emissions from electricity generation. It will also enable remote meter reading. Future applications of smart grid concepts will allow for development of in-home displays for monitoring energy use and remote service connection.

The value of smart grid technology relative to national security issues was codified in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which recognized smart grids are better able to react to component failures, caused by natural disasters or acts of sabotage that can lead to widespread cascading power outages and blackouts.

Click on this button to access a powerpoint presentation designed to explain the basics of Smart Grid technology for electric consumers

While you're here take a minute to check out Gary the Energy Guy's tips and advice on how you can save energy and money. Gary is our Certified Home Energy Auditor who can help you stop wasting energy and tell you all about direct rebate programs that can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW DETAILS OF ALL OUR ENERGY CONSERVATION AND REBATE PROGRAMS

*Limit 80 CFL lightbulbs per winner. You must be a Poudre Valley REA member to win. Enter as often as you like but no more than one entry per day, please.

For more information on this and other energy conservation programs offered by Poudre Valley REA call the Member Services Department at 970-226-1234