AEP Ohio AdaptiVolt™ Volt/VAR Optimization System Goes Operational
March 30, 2011
Gahanna, Ohio – AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP), finished the commissioning of PCS UtiliData’s AdaptiVolt™ Volt/Var Optimization system in northeast central Ohio as part of the company’s AEP Ohio gridSMART® Demonstration Project in February. AdaptiVolt™ has proven itself to be operating reliably for over a month and is now entering its Measurement and Verification period to quantify energy conservation and demand reduction levels.
“Volt/Var optimization is a Smart Grid application that provides immediate and measurable savings to AEP Ohio and its customers,” said Ron Decker, CEO of PCS UtiliData. “Using AdaptiVolt™ will allow AEP Ohio to leverage Smart Grid communication network infrastructures to reduce energy consumption and peak demand while increasing the efficiency of their electric distribution system.”
The AdaptiVolt™ system technology couples real-time measurement of voltage at critical points within the distribution system with the ability to adjust substation voltage levels within pre-established parameters to provide “real-time” Volt/Var Optimization. The AdaptiVolt™ system for AEP Ohio was deployed using “Mesh” RF Smart Grid communication networks.
The AEP Ohio gridSMART® Demonstration Project is in response to a request by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) to demonstrate how smart grid technology can enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of energy delivery on a regional and national level through the creation of regional smart grid demonstration projects.
AEP Ohio’s $150 million project is being deployed in northeast central Ohio. Deployment started in 2010 and will include the installation of approximately 110,000 advanced electricity meters; new distribution grid technology, including AdaptiVolt™; plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; smart appliances; and consumer systems and products to help customers manage electricity use and costs.
PCS UtiliData is a Smart Grid solutions provider, specializing in automated Volt/Var Optimization for utility and consumer applications to reduce demand and increase energy efficiency. For over 20 years PCS UtiliData has been committed to providing world class products and services to a wide range of satisfied clients in the energy and utility automation industry.