Kansas smart grid toolkit

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Kansas smart grid projects

Midwest Energy smart relays

Midwest Energy is deploying new smart relays at its Knoll transmission substation. These relays include synchrophasor measurement technologies that can increase grid operators’ visibility of bulk power system conditions in near real time, enable earlier detection of problems that threaten grid stability or cause outages, and facilitate sharing of information with neighboring control areas. Having access to better system operating information allows Midwest to improve power system models and analysis tools, increasing reliability of grid operations. Get details >>

Westar AMI, MDMS and DA

Westar Energy’s SmartStar Lawrence project deploys advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), a meter data management system (MDMS), and distribution automation equipment. AMI and MDMS systems are expected to reduce operating costs, improve reliability, and enhance customer services by improving enterprise systems, including billing, outage management, and load research. The AMI and MDMS also support a customer web portal that provides energy usage and billing information for customers. Distribution automation assets include automated reclosers, capacitor automation equipment, and fault indicators to speed up restoration of service following outages and reduce energy losses through improved management of circuit voltages. Get details >>

Kansas energy news and trends

Google fiber may help smart-grid efforts overcome price impediments

Turning utility lines into futuristic smart grids promises such perks as letting consumers turn on the air conditioner remotely before returning home or programming the washing machine to churn clothes when power is cheaper. Read more from the Kansas City Business Journal >>

Kansas City Board of Public Utilities picks Tropos for smart grid communications

The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities has selected Tropos Networks' GridCom as their communications infrastructure for aggregating multiple smart grid applications across their 127 square mile service territory. KCBPU, a publicly owned provider of electricity and water services in the Kansas City area, is deploying a smart grid for both power and water utilities. The utility's smart grid goals include improving operational efficiencies, increasing reliable delivery of power and water services and continuing to build customer satisfaction. Read more at Electric Light & Power >>

U.S. funds biomass plant in Kansas

A biomass plant getting federal funds from the U.S. Department of Energy highlights Washington's commitment to clean energy, an official said. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass of Kansas LLC was getting a $133.9 million loan guarantee to support a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant. Read more from UPI >>

Kansas governor touts renewable energy
Renewable energy development in Kansas could help lure businesses to the state, Gov. Sam Brownback said. "I want Kansas to be known as the Renewable State," Brownback said. "To get there, we have to balance the three E's: Energy, Economy and the Environment." Read more from Canadian Business >>

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