CenterPoint Energy Teams with GE on Advanced Metering System
CenterPoint Energy awards GE
Digital Energy contract to provide wireless network infrastructure to reach 2.4
million consumers
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Rochester, New York – March 30, 2009 -
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.’s (NYSE: CNP) electric transmission and distribution
subsidiary has selected GE Digital Energy as its provider of wireless
communications to support the electric utility’s Advanced Metering System (AMS)
that is designed to give Houston-area electric consumers the ability to better
monitor and manage electric use and cost in near real-time.
GE Digital Energy’s MDS Mercury 3650 radios along with engineering services,
network design, project management, and support services, will support the
transmission of electric utility meter data over the AMS network from consumers’
homes and businesses to CenterPoint Energy’s data center.
“The Advanced Metering System is our first step in developing a smart grid –
comprised of technology, automation and electrical infrastructure integration,”
said Kenny Mercado, Senior Vice President of Advanced Metering Deployment,
CenterPoint Energy.
“As one of the leading energy delivery companies in the U.S., CenterPoint
Energy understands the significant impact that innovative GE technology and
engineering services have on business performance,” said Larry Sollecito,
President and CEO, GE Digital Energy. “GE is committed to helping customers
transform and modernize today’s electrical grid to a more reliable, efficient
and intelligent system from a power plant to a consumer.”
In March 2009, CenterPoint Energy began replacing existing electric meters
with smart meters. More than 145,000 smart meters will be installed across the
Houston area by the end of 2009. The AMS will be deployed during the next five
years to over 2.4 million consumers within a 5,000 square mile service area
around metropolitan Houston.
“The reliability, ruggedness and long distance capabilities of the MDS
Mercury 3650 radios will be key in supporting CenterPoint Energy’s Advanced
Metering System,” said Sollecito.
Once the AMS, including the communications infrastructure, is installed
retail electric providers (REPs) would be able to offer new products and
services to their consumers, such as giving consumers the ability to monitor
their energy usage and energy prices in real-time from computer screens in their
homes. Consumers could know how much electricity their appliances are using as
well as what electricity rates they are paying at any given time. Additionally,
consumers could be able to remotely control their appliances via the Internet.
For example, consumers on vacation would now be able to turn on their lights at
night or adjust the air conditioner while they are away.
See what others are saying about CenterPoint Energy and GE MDS:
Treehugger.com:
GE Digital Energy Buidling Wireless "Smart Meter" Network For 2.4 Million Power
Customers Information
Week: GE Wireless Radios Power Houston Smart Grid Systems Greentech
Media: GE Offers WiMAX Smart Meter Solution RTT News: GE
Digital Energy to Support Advanced Metering System of CenterPoint Energy Green
Car Congress Blog: CenterPoint Energy Selects GE for Smart Grid Advanced
Metering System for Houston Ecosilly
Blog: CenterPoint Energy Selects GE for Smart Grid Advanced Metering System
for Houston, TX Seeking
Alpha Blog: GE to Offer WiMAX Smart Meter Solution Through CenterPoint
Energy
About GE Digital Energy: GE Digital Energy is part of GE Enterprise
Solutions, is a global leader in protection and control, communications, power
sensing and power quality solutions. Its products and services increase the
reliability of electrical power networks and critical equipment for utility,
industrial and large commercial customers. From protecting and optimizing assets
such as generators, transmission lines and motors, to ensuring secure wireless
data transmission and providing uninterruptible power, GE Digital Energy
delivers industry-leading technologies to solve the unique challenges of each
customer. For more information, visit http://www.gedigitalenergy.com.
About GE Enterprise Solutions:
GE Enterprise Solutions elevates customers' productivity and profitability
with integrated solutions using sensors and non-destructive testing; security
and life safety technologies; power system protection and control; and plant
automation and embedded computing systems. Enterprise Solutions' high-tech,
high-growth businesses include Sensing & Inspection Technologies, Security,
Digital Energy, and GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. The business has 17,000
problem-solving employees in more than 60 countries around the world.
Media ContactDonna Mirandola Communications Manager GE Digital
Energy 905-201-2407 [email protected]
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