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News Release

Huntsville Utilities Monitors and Saves Energy with New Sensus Conservation Voltage Reduction Solution

Real-time voltage data accurate to one-tenth of a volt

(Click-to-Tweet) – As the summer heat forces air conditioning units into overdrive, our nation’s power grids are stressed to keep up with demand. With the help of the Sensus Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) solution, Huntsville Utilities is meeting customer demand without sacrificing service.

“The CVR package includes the newly-developed Voltage Insight analytics application software which provides actionable intelligence and illustrates our commitment to solutions that make a difference for our customers,” said Greg Myers, VP of marketing at Sensus. “Together with the electric meters and multi-application FlexNet™ communication network, we enable real-time voltage monitoring.”

“ANSI standards require voltage between 114 and 126 volts. With the Sensus system, we were able to get data every five minutes with accuracy down to the tenth of a volt,” said Jamie Patterson, AMI/DR engineer for Huntsville Utilities. “This monitoring enabled us to right-size voltage and conserve energy while meeting customer demand.”

Each day, there are times of peak demand that strain the grid and often require utilities to purchase power from outside sources. With CVR, utilities can reduce voltage and save energy during those peak times. In the case of Huntsville, their Demand Voltage Reduction (DVR) program decreased the amount of peak electricity the utility has to purchase from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

“Our first priority is providing reliable power to our more than 176,000 electric customers. By partnering with Sensus, we are able to conserve energy and maintain service dependability without sacrificing quality,” said Mike Counts, electric operations manager for Huntsville Utilities.

Using the Sensus Voltage Insight software, FlexNet communication network and iConA™ Generation 4 meter, Huntsville was able to prove that it can reduce voltage without compromising service to customers—data that enabled the utility to receive a grant for its DVR program from TVA. In addition to saving energy and money, the application reduces wear-and-tear on Huntsville’s electric infrastructure.

“The benefits that can be derived from the CVR application shed new light on how to build a business case for smart grid technology,” said Myers. “While some utilities begin with advanced meter reading and then add demand response applications, it’s clear now that CVR can be the foundation for other applications to follow.”

The Sensus CVR application monitors and controls voltage using the Sensus iConA™ Generation 4 electric meter or the new Sensus Stratus™ residential meter and FlexNet. The Sensus FlexNet system is a long-range radio network that provides a scalable and reliable communications infrastructure that enables smart cities. The range of the point-to-multi-point network reduces the number of access points required to capture and transmit data. Public service providers using the FlexNet communication network can support multiple applications that increase operational efficiency and customer engagement. Sensus’ large investment in licensed spectrum ensures that customers have the bandwidth required to support future data requirements.

Summary:
  • With electric meters and the multi-application FlexNet communication network, Huntsville Utilities is able to monitor voltage in real time.
  • With CVR, Huntsville was able to reduce the amount of peak time electricity it has to purchase from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
  • In addition to saving energy and money, Voltage Insight reduces the wear-and-tear on Huntsville’s electric infrastructure.
  • Huntsville’s use of CVR shows that it can be the foundation for other applications to follow in building the smart grid.

"By partnering with Sensus, we are able to conserve energy and maintain service dependability without sacrificing quality."

Mike Counts

Electric Operations Manager, Huntsville Utilities

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