Changing times. New solutions.
Consumer expectations are changing. The digital age, with its increased use of information technologies, computers, and consumer electronics, has lowered the tolerance for outages, fluctuations in voltages and frequency levels, and other power quality disturbances. To address these changes, CenterPoint Energy is looking at transforming the way it operates with the use of "smart grid" technology.
Creating a smart power delivery system
CenterPoint Energy, in collaboration with IBM®, has developed a Distribution Grid Automation Strategy involving implementation of a smart grid, which will provide on-demand data to enable a "step change" to improve grid planning, operations and maintenance. This will lead to fewer and shorter outages, better customer service, reduced operations costs, improved security and more effective use of the workforce.
Current Status
Following a pilot in 2005, CenterPoint Energy executed a limited deployment of smart grid technology in Houston, installing 10,000 smart electric meters and 500 smart natural gas meters by 2007. In December 2008, the company received approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to deploy 2.4 million smart electric meters over five years, beginning in March 2009.
On Aug. 1, 2009, CenterPoint Energy reached a significant milestone when it completed the installation of 45,000 smart meters and started delivering enhanced smart meter functionality to Retail Electric Providers (REPs), including 15 minute interval energy usage data as well as remote meter reading and remote service connection and disconnection. This new metering technology is the first step in moving the electric grid into the digital age.
On Aug. 5, 2009, CenterPoint Energy applied for a $200 million federal stimulus grant to accelerate the current smart meter project and begin building a self-healing "intelligent grid" to improve operational efficiency and electric reliability.
On Oct. 27, 2009, CenterPoint Energy announced that it has been notified by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that it has been granted a $200 million award for its advanced metering system and intelligent grid projects. Pending completion of negotiations with the DOE, CenterPoint Energy will use $150 million of the grant to accelerate its current smart meter and associated equipment installation that make up its Advanced Metering System (AMS). The remaining $50 million will be used to accelerate the installation of the first phase of CenterPoint Energy’s Intelligent Grid that utilizes the AMS and other technologies to build a self-healing grid, and improve operational efficiency and reliability.
