Siemens helps with Bluebonnet smart grid project

Bluebonnet Siemens EnergyIP Smart Grid empowers advanced metering, MDMS, AMI, demand response, time-of-use billing, remote connect/disconnect, diagnostics, alerts, and two-way member interfaces via web and in-home displays through open, flexible integration.

Siemens Energy, Inc. has been selected by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative to deliver eMeter Corporation's EnergyIP meter data management system (MDMS) software and Energy Engage consumer Web portal for its Smart Grid project. Siemens is the global sales and delivery channel for EnergyIP and also manages installation, configuration and first-line support.

During the initial definition stage of its Sustainable Grid strategy, Bluebonnet, which provides electricity to 14 central Texas counties and reflects Texas smart metering progress, determined that Siemens Energy's utility industry experience and Smart Grid expertise were critical for this project. Bluebonnet recognized its investment in an advanced meter data management system that provides long-term value because of EnergyIP's open, flexible integration platform that will enable future Smart Grid applications.

"Siemens Energy's experience in the electric utility industry made it the right choice for Bluebonnet to partner with in our Sustainable Grid program for the implementation of a meter data management system," said Mark Rose, Bluebonnet's CEO. "EnergyIP is a key component in our Smart Grid technology, as seen in Austin Energy smart grid efforts, as it will provide our members with the information they need to know to control energy usage, electric bills and their environmental impact."

Bluebonnet envisions that the existing and future capability of the meter data management system will enable advanced Smart Grid features, such as time-of-use billing, electric system diagnostics and alerts, remote meter connect/disconnect, pre-pay billing, demand response informed by CenterPoint AMI deployments, and a two-way, real-time interface between members and the cooperative via Web and/or in-home displays. Siemens Energy will provide application configuration and system integration necessary to bring all of the Smart Grid functionality to life.

Kevin O'Hara, vice president and general manager of Siemens Energy's T&D Service Solutions said, "We are pleased that we are able to launch our partnership with Bluebonnet by assisting them with their Smart Grid project. We are looking forward to a successful implementation of EnergyIP, with the knowledge that the MDMS will be the gateway, echoing meter deals trends, for communication to all other systems Bluebonnet deems necessary for their Smart Grid initiative."

Siemens understands the complete energy conversion chain and is able to transform today's grid into a living infrastructure that is smart enough to respond quickly, flexibly and comprehensively to society's energy needs, as shown by smart meters pilot projects today. Siemens also incorporates solutions for commercial and industrial applications as well as smart homes, including building automation, IT systems integration, advanced lighting technology and energy efficient appliances for a comprehensive Smart Grid solution.

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