Chattanooga chooses Tantalus smart grid network

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Tantalus Systems Corp. (Tantalus) announces that Chattanooga EPB has signed a contract to fully deploy the Tantalus Utility Network (TUNet) using the cityÂ’s fiber optic Smart Grid for automatic meter reading, outage management and other applications.

EPB is building their fiber optic Smart Grid in order to provide more options for customers to manage their energy use while improving EPBÂ’s operational efficiency and reliability. Tantalus will provide the software and communications equipment to operate an automated meter system for EPBÂ’s Smart Grid. EPB will be able to quickly and cost-effectively roll out an advanced metering system that is also adaptable for future applications such as Demand Response and Distribution Automation.

Installation is scheduled to start this summer at houses located in the initial fiber optic Smart Grid footprint. EPB will implement a 1000-meter pilot test to ensure that TUNet is delivering maximum performance for their customers. Within five years, EPB expects that all of its 168,000 residential and business customers will receive smart meters.

TUNet uses a wireless Local Area Network to communicate with endpoints not directly connected to the fiber network. Data delivered via TUNet can be integrated into utility applications including billing, outage management, forecasting and a host of customer service systems.

“EPB’s vision for the future is a system that provides rapid, two-way communication with every meter, home and device,” said David Wade, Senior Vice President of EPB’s Electric System. “This communications backbone network will enable EPB’s electric system to be smart, self-healing and make it possible and practical for the company and consumers to interact in cost and energy efficiency programs. With TUNet, we can get more value from our Smart Grid by using it to optimize operations, efficiency and service to our customers.”

Wade cited a variety of other ways that customers will benefit from TantalusÂ’ Smart Grid technology including its ability to continuously monitor and manage meters and other endpoints to deliver a reduction in outages, faster restoration if there is an outage, and additional billing flexibility to customers.

“EPB is one of only a handful of utilities to take full advantage of the possibilities available with a fiber optic Smart Grid. It’s a natural fit,” said Eric Murray, President of Tantalus. “The aim of Tantalus and our technology is to improve the way energy is distributed, monitored and used. Chattanooga has set a strong example of how it will use technology to become a more efficient and responsive utility while getting additional value from its investment.”

Related News

California electricity pricing changes pose an existential threat to residential rooftop solar

LOS ANGELES - The California Public Service Commission has proposed changes in electricity pricing for residential customers who produce electricity through their rooftop solar panels. In a recent New York Times op‐​ed, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger argued the changes pose an existential threat to residential rooftop solar. Interest groups favoring rooftop solar portray the current pricing system, often called net metering, in populist terms: “Net metering is the one opportunity for the little guy to get relief, and they want to put the kibosh on it.” And conventional news coverage suggests that because rooftop solar is an obvious good development…

READ MORE

Overturning statewide vote, Maine court energizes Hydro-Quebec's bid to export power

READ MORE

texas electricity

Texas produces and consumes the most electricity in the US

READ MORE

uk windpower

How offshore wind energy is powering up the UK

READ MORE

globe

Is The Global Energy Transition On Track?

READ MORE