RALEIGH, NC - December 12, 2012
Peace River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PRECO) has successfully completed initial installation of a Sensus FlexNet™ utility network with iConA® electric meters and will begin system wide deployment in early 2013. The new advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system will serve more than 34,000 members across a nearly 6,000 square mile service territory that spans ten counties in central Florida.
PRECO, which began an extended pilot of FlexNet in May 2012, selected the licensed spectrum, point-to-multipoint technology to replace the limited capabilities of an existing power line carrier system. According to PRECO vice president of technical services, Paul Roberts, the higher bandwidth and interval data from FlexNet will allow for future expansion, including the introduction of multiple applications such as distribution automation and load control for demand side programs.
“The Sensus system presents us with a reliable, full solution that helps establish the ability to accomplish our future energy initiatives,” said Roberts. “We’ve had excellent system performance thus far, with meter reading range as far as 16 miles.”
Roberts went on to explain that the FlexNet system architecture fit well with PRECO’s existing infrastructure as its asset base already included towers for base station and antenna placement. The FlexNet technology, which is based on open standards, integrated seamlessly with a Milsoft outage management system to speed up restoration to PRECO’s dispersed customer base.
PRECO expects to complete its AMI project by the end of 2015.
About Sensus
Sensus is a leading utility infrastructure company offering smart meters, communication systems, software and services for the electric, gas, and water industries. Sensus technology helps utilities drive operational efficiency and customer engagement with applications that include advanced meter reading, data acquisition, demand response, distribution automation, home area networking and outdoor lighting control. Customers worldwide trust the innovation, quality and reliability of Sensus solutions for the intelligent use and conservation of energy and water.
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