Over the next four years, the utility will deploy 1,900 smart thermostats and software applications to enable load shedding on specific feeder circuits to protect transformers and other distribution equipment, while maintaining reliable electric service.
The smart thermostats are equipped with Gridstream® communications technology and will utilize the utility’s existing smart grid network to communicate with sophisticated load management software. During peak power events, the software will use accurate load information to determine the number of customer thermostats to control. If a customer opts out of a control period, the software automatically adjusts to find replacement load curtailment to ensure load shedding requirements are met. Consumers who participate in the program will have access to a mobile device application to monitor thermostat settings and make decisions about participation during a peak event.
“This is a unique application of load management technology because our main objective is managing our distribution infrastructure during peak, as opposed to dealing with supply constraints,” said Angie Thoma, Smart Grid Project Manager at Colorado Springs Utilities. “The smart thermostat option provides greater flexibility and extends the value of our existing smart grid infrastructure beyond meter reading. The available consumer engagement tools also play an important role in promoting the program’s success.”
This program is an extension of Colorado Springs Utilities’ smart grid relationship with Landis+Gyr that began in 2005 with deployment of a Gridstream advanced metering network to communicate with electric, water and gas meters. In addition, Landis+Gyr provides cloud services for data and software hosting, as well as maintenance of network assets as part of a long-term services contract with the utility.
“This is an excellent example of the added benefits utilities are realizing from advanced metering infrastructure,” said Prasanna Venkatesan, Landis+Gyr’s Executive Vice President for the Americas. “The foundation is there to address challenges like distribution infrastructure capacity in a creative and efficient way.”
Located at the base of Pikes Peak on the front range of the Colorado Rockies, Colorado Springs Utilities is the fourth largest four-service utility company in the United States with more than 600,000 combined metered customers.
__________________________________________________