TWACS deployments maintain momentum
This continues the momentum built by AclaraÂ’s premier power-line communications system over the past three years.
Thirty-six utilities implemented TWACS technology in 2010, almost doubling the total from 2009, when 20 clients deployed it. Aclara is part of the Utility Solutions Group of ESCO Technologies Inc.
Utilities have found TWACS technology to be cost-effective and reliable in installations of all sizes. It is known for its effectiveness in rural areas where population is spread out or in areas with rough terrain, but it has also been successfully deployed in urban environments. PPL Electric Utilities, Wisconsin Public Service, and Idaho Power are utilities with rural and urban mixes that have effectively deployed TWACS AMI systems.
The technology employs existing power-line infrastructure to deliver read rates over 99 percent as reported by customers. Its technology seamlessly integrates into existing substations without adding additional points of failure to the system such as towers, repeaters, or line conditioners.
In addition, Aclara invests heavily in research and development to ensure that its technology continues to meet customersÂ’ increasing demands. For instance, recent developments in the technology employ concurrency and multiplexing to deliver the bandwidth needed to handle millions of meter data points without the latency issues of some mesh radio-frequency technologies.
“TWACS technology has proven to be one of the most durable and effective AMI systems in existence today. Customers deploying TWACS are extremely loyal to the system and our research and development team has made steady improvements designed to address the expanding requirements of our customers,” says Gary Moore, chief operating officer of Aclara. “We see continuing growth in the deployment of TWACS technology well into the future.”
Related News

Avista Commissions Largest Solar Array in Washington
SPOKANE - Official commissioning of the Adams Nielson solar array located in Lind, WA occurred today. The 28 Megawatt DC array is comprised of 81,700 panels that span 200 acres and generates enough electricity to supply the equivalent of approximately 4,000 homes annually.
“Avista’s interest in the development of Solar Select, a voluntary commercial solar program, is consistent with the Company’s ongoing commitment to provide customers with renewable energy choices at reasonable cost,” said Dennis Vermillion, president, Avista Corporation. “In recent years, an increasing number of Avista customers have expressed their expectations and challenges in acquiring renewable energy. Avista is pleased…