News

6/4/2009

Midwest selects Tantalus for smart grid metering

Tantalus Systems Corp. announces that Midwest Electric, Inc., St. Marys, Ohio, has selected TUNet® (Tantalus Utility Network) for its Smart Grid communications network. Tantalus technology will support Midwest's plans for a fully automated metering solution. It provides a scalable platform on which the utility can incorporate new capabilities that lead to optimized power supply, better control over demand and streamlined operations.

Midwest chose TUNet because it provides extensive, cost-effective radio coverage throughout a largely rural service area, and serves as a single platform on which data collection, monitoring and control capabilities can be delivered anywhere on the electric network.

TUNet deployment will begin in June 2009, targeting accounts where the greatest benefits can be achieved. Initially, Midwest plans to surgically deploy TUNet at areas of highest benefit like commercial and industrial accounts and low density residential areas on the fringes of its service territory where meters are currently self read.

Another priority is to alleviate service interruptions caused by severe weather, which accounts for up to 400 outages of varying size each year.

"Lightning and thunderstorms are a fact of life," says Midwest CEO Rick Gerdeman. "Now our operations personnel will be alerted automatically when an event occurs. We can instantly gauge the extent of an outage and gain full perspective on the situation. Visibility and in-field knowledge allows us to prioritize response and dispatch crews directly to critical areas, track restoration in real time, and more rapidly re-establish service."

"Data collection, reliability and accuracy will all improve with deployment of TUNet," adds Gerdeman, "This is a comprehensive upgrade to the way we manage the distribution network, one that gives us the tools we need to improve customer service and utility efficiency on every front."

"Small utilities face much the same business and operational challenges as large utilities, plus some truly unique ones," says Tantalus President Eric Murray. "Extreme environmental conditions, low customer densities and long customer service drive times, coupled with restricted cash flow and resources all factor into the financial, technical and deployment priorities. Midwest has mapped out a clear path to a cost-effective Smart Grid strategy that enables the utility to quickly realize a high level of automation, add functionality as needs arise, and deliver long term value to its members."

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