Smart grid projects

Detroit Edison advanced implementation of energy storage technologies

Detroit Edison will design, construct, and install an aggregated 1 MW Community Energy Storage (CES) System in their service territory at the HAGER substation in Michigan to demonstrate the potential of CES systems to strengthen grid reliability. The performance data of the CES devices and control systems under in-service operating conditions will be analyzed and used to identify gaps and facilitate how the devices can be standardized for use across the U.S. The project will also integrate the utility-owned 500 kW solar system to the energy storage device; provide proof of concept testing for an integrated, centralized communication system; and test the use of secondary-use electric vehicle batteries as CES devices. Get details >>

Detroit Edison SmartCurrents project

Detroit Edison’s SmartCurrents project includes deployment of distribution automation assets, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and various customer systems. Distribution automation includes 55 circuits and 11 substations upgraded with automated switches and monitors a voltage ampere reactive (VAR) control. AMI includes 600,000 smart meters with customer systems including in-home displays, smart appliances, and programmable communicating thermostats (PCTs). A time-based rate program pilot will assess demand response and customer acceptance. Overall, the project improves distribution system reliability, operational efficiency, and power quality, and assists customers to make more informed decisions about electricity usage to control costs and bills. Get details >>

Whirlpool smart appliance project

The smart appliance project in Whirlpool's headquarter state of Michigan seeks to develop and commercialize home appliances with wireless communications and advanced control software. The objectives are to (1) develop a wireless communications protocol for home appliances; (2) design appliance control and interface software optimized for demand response and time-based rate programs, and (3) produce cost-effective communications hardware for appliances. With the development of the new appliances and systems, Whirlpool aims to provide cost-effective options for residential customers that can enhance the effectiveness of time-based rate and load management programs to reduce peak demand. Get details >>

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SmartSynch lands contract with Mich. utility provider

Michigan includes commercial utility usage in its 700 MHZ waiver request

Officials in the state of Michigan recently asked the FCC to grant a 700 MHz broadband waiver in the state to build a shared LTE network for first responders that also would support commercial utility users as part of a public/private partnership. Read more from Urgent Communications >>

Michigan alternative-energy firms miss out on loan guarantees

Unlike Solyndra, the bankrupt California solar panel maker, the handful of companies trying to get alternative-energy projects off the ground in Michigan have so far failed to obtain any loan guarantees from a controversial federal program slated to end Friday. The inability to get the guarantees has squashed plans for a renewable-energy park at Ford's former Wixom assembly plant, significantly delayed the building of a $300-million cellulosic ethanol plant in the Upper Peninsula and stalled efforts to build a $250-million solar cell factory in the Saginaw area. Read more from the Detroit Free Press >>

Coalition wants Michigan incentives for electric vehicle charging stations

A coalition of businesses, non-profits and environmental groups are working to get more electric vehicle charging stations located in Michigan. The group “Built by Michigan” is asking voters to petition Governor Rick Snyder to create incentives for installing charging stations. It’s also pushing for the state to buy more electric vehicles and tougher regulations requiring “clean fuel standards." Read more from Michigan Radio >>