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Georgia smart grid projects

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Tri State Electric Membership Corp. smart grid project

Tri State Electric Membership Corporation’s (TSEMC) smart grid project involves the installation of new smart meters, supporting communication infrastructure, and advanced service programs for customers. The project implements two-way communication and utility applications to: 1) enable customers to view their energy consumption at their convenience through a web portal, 2) provide time-based rate programs to customers, 3) provide information and tools to improve outage management, and 4) reduce operations and maintenance costs. Get details >>

Cobb EMC smart grid program

The Cobb Electric Membership Corp (Cobb EMC) project includes the installation of a fully integrated advanced metering system across the service territory. The installation includes smart meters, enhanced communications infrastructure and availability of in-home displays and direct load control devices. The project aims to reduce peak electricity demand, overall energy usage, outage durations, and operations and maintenance costs. The project implements two-way communication and utility applications to: (1) allow customers to view their energy consumption at their convenience through the customer web portal and in-home displays, (2) allow Cobb EMC to manage, measure, and verify targeted demand reduction, and (3) provide the utility with automated notifications indicating the scope and location of customer outages. Get details >>

GSOC energy management infrastructure project

The Georgia System Operations Corporation’s (GSOC) energy management infrastructure project involves upgrades to the transmission operations communications and control system, along with new analysis tools for grid operators. GSOC is upgrading the software and hardware platform for its energy control system, which is used to manage the operation of its transmission system and the dispatch of generation resources. Advanced analysis software is also being implemented for improved monitoring, planning, and electricity cost analysis. GSOC expects enhanced transmission planning to reduce the need for ancillary services. GSOC also expects greater accuracy in allocating costs for transmission services. Reductions in generation costs are expected due to more efficient dispatch of resources. Get details >>

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MEAG smart grid distribution automation project

The Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG) project involves the implementation of information technology infrastructure to manage new automated or remotely controlled equipment deployed in the electric distribution system. This project aims to reduce operating and maintenance costs, while improving the reliability of the transmission and distribution assets owned and operated by MEAG. The communication systems and automation equipment being deployed within MEAG’s distribution substations reduce the frequency of system failures and associated maintenance activities. Furthermore, the new information technology infrastructure established as a result of this project supports future deployments of distribution automation and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) by municipal utilities served by MEAG. This project also implements remotely controlled motor operators to operate transmission switches, which reduces operations cost and improves outage response time. Get details >>

Energy news and trends in Georgia

Rural electric cooperatives in 14 states will get a piece of $900 million in loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help the utilities upgrade, expand, maintain and replace rural America's electric infrastructure. In Georgia, the Ocmulgee Electric Membership Corporation will receive $8,968,000 to build 238 miles of new distribution line, improve 33 miles of existing distribution line, and make other system improvements. Read more from Smart Grid News >>

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STC to start electrical utility technology program

Savannah Technical College will partner with area companies, including Georgia Power and the area cooperatives, to bring workers skilled in smart grid technology that will affect every aspect of the industry from generation at power plants, through transmission, substations and distribution across the region. Read more from the Effingham Herald >>

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Atlanta, Georgia's first solar EV charging station uses Mage solar modules

Mage Solar, part of the globally operating Mage Group, announced that its high-performance modules are powering a solar canopy adjacent to one of Atlanta, Georgia's most prominent landmarks, the Millennium Gate. Atlanta's first public solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station is part of Atlantic Station, one of CB Richard Ellis Investors' ambitious model communities for sustainable and energy-efficient metropolitan living. Read more at Solar Novus Today >>

Local churches going green

Two local churches are among scores of congregations across the state to already see their energy bills go down, and more are lining up to work with Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL). Established in 2003, GIPL conducts low-cost energy audits of religious facilities, prepares energy efficiency plans, and in 2009 began providing “Power Wise” grants for improvements that cut energy usage and save congregations money. Most recipients work to spread the conservation ethic among their membership and to larger communities, enabling the grant funds to effectively stretch much farther.   Read more at AthensPatch >>

Georgia Power, EPRI study solar's impact on distribution systems

Georgia Power and the Electric Power Research Institute are doing an 18-month study to evaluate the impact solar photovoltaic systems might have on the utility's distribution system.  PV systems are being installed in seven cities throughout the state with seven to eight small installations on one distribution line in each city. Read more from Smart Grid News >>