BPL Global provides Integrated DER Solution to Jersey Central Power & Light

Smart grid technology company BPL Global has collaborated with Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) to deploy an Integrated Distributed Energy Resource (DER) management system to demonstrate energy efficiency and reliability as well as customer satisfaction in JCP&L's service area.

The project combines JCP&L distribution design and operations expertise with BPLG software solutions and device technology. Smart grid technology will support JCP&L's efforts to coordinate the management of distributed generation, renewables, energy storage and demand management.

According to JCP&L, the DER management pilot will exemplify the value and viability of targeted peak load management as a source of system reliability and energy efficiency for distribution circuits.

The Integrated DER project will deliver a projected eight megawatts of direct load control consisting of five megawatts from about 3,500 residential customers and three megawatts from 30 to 90 commercial and industrial customers.

The technology allows real-time management of the energy delivery system based on the changing conditions of the distribution network. The system can be configured to respond differently based on the condition of the grid, whether operations are normal, or under high load. Using the DER management solution can result in energy, operational, capital and environmental efficiencies that have the potential to create significant value for electric customers and utilities.

The pilot programme incorporates smart grid technology and is also consistent with demonstrating alternative means of cost-effectively addressing critical goals related to demand response in the New Jersey Energy Master Plan, said Steve Morgan, president, JCP&L, a subsidiary of Akron, Ohio-based FirstEnergy Corp.