Harnessing the power of wireless technology for AMI transport

AT&T Inc. and Itron have come up with a solution that will enable utilities to use proven standards-based cellular technology for their Smart Grid AMI initiatives to transport device data and control messaging more efficiently.

Itron’s advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) solution will be delivered over a cellular network. The communications holding company’s cellular data network will be integrated with Itron’s OpenWay local-area networking to give utilities two-way communications for access to data from meters throughout their systems.

According to the companies, this combination allows utilities to quickly collect, measure and manage energy usage and provide a more reliable and affordable supply of power without having to build and operate costly, proprietary communications networks.

The solution will help utility companies to streamline operations while gathering the critical information required to serve their customers, said Regina Egea, senior vice president, Business Marketing, AT&T Global Business Services.

The two companies will jointly market Itron’s OpenWay AMI solution to utility companies in the US.

The benefits for utility companies would include ubiquitous coverage required for AMI data transmission; timely data needed to promote energy management, demand response, detect outages and deliver more accurate billings statements to customers; time-based pricing, prepaid power options and the ability to remotely switch service on or off; allowing utilities to self-manage the deployment of AMI and Smart Grid devices through AT&T’s ordering, activation and management systems for high-volume customers.

GE Energy acquires Kelman Limited

GE Energy has strengthened its smart grid product portfolio with the acquisition of Kelman Limited, a provider of advanced monitoring and diagnostics technologies for transformers.

Post this acquisition, Kelman’s employees are now part of GE’s transmission and distribution operations.

The acquisition will expand GE’s smart grid portfolio by providing utility customers with a more comprehensive product offering.

Kelman says it is currently breaking new ground in transformer monitoring with the implementation of new Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) techniques, which are a vital part of the decision making processes for strategic plant. The company is also counting on other breakthroughs in transformer gas analysis and more sophisticated data analysis software programmes to enhance its reputation in this field.

According to GE Energy, which helps utilities to increase their productivity and reliability, Kelman’s advanced DGA capability delivers a new level of predictive maintenance for the utility industry allowing utility operators to have greater line of sight into the health and longevity of their transformer fleets.

The company’s advanced DGA technology provides critical condition monitoring for high power electrical transformers. This technology enables Kelman to deliver state of the art multi-gas portable and on-line DGA equipment.

After this deal with Kelman, General Electric Co. has indicated that its energy transmission and distribution equipment business is expected to reach $5 billion in annual sales within five years, up from about $2 billion now.

“That’s going to require a lot of investment in the business,” Bob Gilligan, GE’s vice president of transmission and distribution told Reuters. “It will also require acquisition of additional business.”

Gilligan added that GE is focused on buying “technology-driven companies” whose products will help modernise and improve the efficiency of power grids worldwide.