North Carolina-based electric cooperative Piedmont Electric has selected Landis+Gyr to update its metering system and provide supporting technology for grid management and member engagement.
 
The cooperative will deploy Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream Connect platform with an RF mesh network and 35,000 meters to replace its existing power line carrier AMI system. The new network will enable secure communications with meters, load control and distribution automation devices, while improving reliability and support for flexible billing options such as prepay metering services.
 
Additionally, Landis+Gyr is providing software-as-a-service (SaaS) for system software, including grid analytics that will assist the utility with voltage management, planning and preventative maintenance.
 
“We’re looking forward to expanding our member service offerings, improving outage response and load management across our distribution system,” said Chuck Lee, manager of energy services at Piedmont Electric. “We also expect to see an increase in efficiency and our ability to manage power costs, which will directly benefit our members.”
 
Piedmont Electric also plans to leverage Gridstream connectivity for distribution automation and load management in the future.
 
“This project will showcase many of the advantages a modern grid management system provides for both the utility and consumers,” said Jay Lasseter, vice president at Landis+Gyr. “Not only does the increased level of data and automation benefit utility operations, but it also provides many more options to consumers looking to manage their energy use and save on electric bills.”
 
The Gridstream Connect platform uses Wi-Sun certified components that enable end-to-end interoperability and IoT capabilities to the grid. Combined with meters, sensors and software applications, the system allows seamless operation of smart grid and consumer-side energy management programmes.
 
Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative based in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The non-profit electric utility serves 32,000 members in parts of Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties.
 
With sales of $1.7bn, Swiss firm Landis+Gyr employs approximately 5800 people in more than 30 countries across five continents.