NEW YORK – March 12, 2009 – With deployment of a 700 MHz licensed wireless IP communications network, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative has found an innovative solution to a common problem for rural electric utilities: how to link widely dispersed substations with the fast, reliable two-way communications essential to all smart grid applications.
A smart grid is only as smart as its weakest link, and now with the issue of rural substation communications essentially solved, the co-op sees the Arcadian wireless network as key to unlocking their smart grid future.
“The DSL we used at most substations just didn't work for certain rural locations, so we decided to test the reliability and performance of the Arcadian Networks solution,” said Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative's Vice President of Corporate Services, Ryan Hentges. “It's turned out to be a very good fit.”
Hentges, who oversees IT, telecom, metering and other projects, sees several benefits:
“Without communications to substations, the technologies that provide the member benefits wouldn't be usable. AMI and SCADA, for example, are all made possible through strong two-way communications to substations. If we don't have strong communications to our substations, we don't get those benefits – like increased reliability and more detailed information for members to use to review their consumption. And we would have less data for system planning purposes. The Arcadian solution provides the infrastructure that serves as the building blocks of the solid communications to substations that deliver all these member benefits.”
Arcadian Networks' CEO Ed Solar commented, “We're happy to see our solution solving utility communications challenges with a flexible and reliable network. The smart grid requires smart communications, and our aim is to empower utilities to build smart communications with our 700 MHz licensed wireless IP network.”
About Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative
Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative, located in Jordan, Minnesota, serves about 32,000 members in Blue Earth, Carver, Dakota, LeSueur, Rice, Scott, Sibley, Hennepin, and Waseca counties. www.mvec.net
About Arcadian Networks
Arcadian Networks designs and delivers wireless broadband communication systems to the energy sector. The real-time, two-way communication networks provide the backbone of all “smart” energy solutions – delivering operating efficiencies, interoperability and security. Designed specifically for utility, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries, the IP converged networks are based on private, secured 700 MHz spectrum. Customized services range from blueprint to network deployment, systems integration, through customer service. For more information, please visit: www.arcadiannetworks.com.
