Arcadian Networks, Inc. has signed Connexus Energy, Minnesota's largest electric distribution cooperative, as a new subscriber to the company's secure, IP-based, wireless broadband network. Connexus Energy will now be connected to Arcadian Networks' 700 MHz licensed broadband platform to manage and control mission-critical data and operations in real-time at three commercial, industrial locations.
Connexus Energy will use Arcadian Networks' platform to support activities, including:
- Customer generation control;
- Distribution automation;
- Substation automation;
- Outage management.
"Connexus Energy approached Arcadian Networks looking for a secure and reliable end-to-end solution for managing mission-critical data at key commercial, industrial and agricultural locations. Having a private, licensed wireless broadband network allowed us to efficiently and quickly meet their needs," said Ed Solar, president and chief executive officer, Arcadian Networks. "Arcadian Networks' rural, IP-based communications network offers more resilience, more security and a greater capacity to monitor, report on and control mission-critical infrastructures. Connexus' decision to utilize our 700-megahertz network leverages our ability to develop secure wireless systems to cover widely dispersed assets."
Connexus Energy is Minnesota's largest electric cooperative, providing electricity and related services to homes and businesses in portions of Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Sherburne, and Washington counties. Based in Ramsey, MN, Connexus Energy serves over 121,000 customers across 890 square miles. The new broadband network will cover strategic assets that include the Zimmerman Water Treatment Plant, Blaine City Hall, and the Blaine Water Treatment Plant.
"Arcadian Networks' IP-based broadband communication solution enabled us to quickly and cost-effectively upgrade our communications infrastructure network to accomplish next generation smart grid applications for our customers," said Ed Budde, Systems Engineer at Connexus Energy. "Not only does this network provide real-time management of dispersed operations, they provide the highest level of security for our customers. This initial deployment promises to impact other aspects of how we manage field information, facilitate remote site security, perform automated substation/generator operations, and ultimately better serve our customers."