The Central Lincoln People’s Utility District, an Oregon electric utility, has signed an agreement with Landis+Gyr to deploy a voltage management solution designed to deliver improved grid-side energy efficiency.
The agreement establishes a demonstration project with Central Lincoln using EDGESM CVR software, from DVI, in conjunction with Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream RF advanced metering network to monitor and adjust distribution circuit voltage. Using detailed voltage information from Landis+Gyr meters, the EDGE software will allow the utility to reduce voltage levels, targeting the most efficient band of the required voltage range, thereby conserving electricity.
“After recently completing our Gridstream advanced meter deployment, we’ve been investigating ways to extend the value of our smart grid systems. Voltage management has a number of benefits as both a way to increase energy efficiency and improve power quality,” said Bruce Lovelin, chief engineer/systems engineering manager at Central Lincoln. “We look forward to demonstrating real energy and cost savings with this project.”
This voltage management solution allows utilities to automate control of voltage at the substation level using a SCADA system to control voltage regulators, load tap changers and capacitor banks via the Gridstream network. The EDGE software package also provides validation of energy savings using statistical analysis of baseline voltage data compared to voltage data for a managed voltage period under similar operating conditions.
The demonstration project was approved for funding by the Bonneville Power Administration, a federal nonprofit agency that markets wholesale hydroelectric power, operates high voltage transmission lines, and promotes energy efficiency in the Pacific Northwest. Central Lincoln is working with BPA to certify Central Lincoln’s proposed method for validating voltage savings with the Gridstream-enabled EDGE solution.
Central Lincoln People’s Utility District is Oregon’s fourth-largest electric utility, serving approximately 55,000 people in portions of Douglas, Coos, Lane, and Lincoln counties.
