grid2020-integrates-with-leading-ami-providers

Transformer Monitoring Leverages Existing Smart Grid Networks

Richmond, VA — GRID20/20®, Inc., a leading Distribution Transformer Monitoring (DTM) intra-grid sensor provider, formally announced integration of its devices with smart grid communication networks from industry leaders Landis+Gyr and Itron.

GRID20/20 is the only Distribution Transformer Monitor provider in the world now capable of deploying its intra-grid sensors within the Landis+Gyr Gridstream® network and the Itron OpenWay® smart grid network.

Scott Bussing, VP Sales GRID20/20 stated, “We have focused on positioning ourselves to actively address the distribution transformer monitoring opportunities where existing communication networks are already in place. Our field-testing has proven to be very encouraging and we now look forward to driving our valuable solution into these legacy AMI markets. Utility customers want to leverage their AMI platform investment. They are pulling us into their business as we offer a very unique ‘plug-and-play’ platform enhancement.”

Following recent testing at a Midwestern utility, GRID20/20 has satisfactorily proven that its OptaNODE® DTM devices can seamlessly integrate within an existing Landis+Gyr Gridstream advanced metering network. This deployment success enables GRID20/20 to offer intra-grid sensor capability for more than 6 million distribution transformers at utilities using the Gridstream network.

Similarly, the Itron OpenWay-enabled OptaNODE® DTM devices have tested well at several leading utilities in the western and southern United States. Integration with OpenWay further expands the market potential for GRID20/20 OptaNODE devices by approximately 4 million additional transformers which are currently serving Itron’s smart grid deployments.

Alan Snook, President of GRID20/20 commented, “In addition to our global network deployment capability using GSM communications, we are proud to be the only DTM provider in the world to have successfully integrated with both Itron and Landis+Gyr communications networks. Now we will enable utilities to leverage their existing smart meter infrastructures by seamlessly adding critical intra-grid sensors into their smart grid networks, or freely choose to operate autonomous networks using our GSM or RF Mesh enabled devices.”

Using global ‘plug and play’ GSM communications enabled devices, and now industry leading proprietary network enabled devices, the OptaNODE® DTM solution provides advanced grid intelligence to utilities worldwide. The list of valuable grid management enhancements includes asset management and condition monitoring (AMCM), preventive maintenance awareness, outage notification and restoration enhancements, power theft identification, demand response assistance, and conservation voltage reduction capabilities.

Real-time data access combined with historical information being gathered from within the heart of the grid will be fundamental to achieving a comprehensive smart grid outcome.

The US market alone represents approximately 2.2 million line miles and 50 million distribution transformers. This ‘heart of the grid’ network segment is the most vulnerable section of the distribution space, and is currently the least monitored. GRID20/20 continues to develop products and services to unleash the power of conservation techniques, cost savings, and operational efficiencies for utilities and their end users.

For more information about GRID20/20, visit www.grid2020.com.