Alternative Power

Silver Spring Networks (SSN) announced that it has signed an agreement with Modesto Irrigation District (MID), which is a California-based agency that provides irrigation water, electric service and drinking water. SSN will be providing an advanced, two-way Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking communication infrastructure called as Smart Energy Network, in support of MID’s system-wide Smart Grid initiative.

 

For those who are unfamiliar with Smart Grid, it is a transformed electricity transmission and distribution network/grid that utilizes robust two-way communications, advanced sensors, and distributed computers to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of power delivery and use.

 

According to the agreement, SSN will provide the network, meters, application and network management software to MID’s Smart Grid initiative/project.

 

Silver Spring Networks’ Smart Energy Network is based on the Internet Protocol (IP) suite, which addresses the challenges of running multiple applications and devices on a common networking infrastructure using multiple transport technologies. This helps in improving efficiency, lowering costs and as well ensures the reliable delivery of services, says company.

 

MID’s Smart Grid project will support all of the agency’s residential and commercial metering needs that includes more than 108,000 distribution points.

 

Silver Spring Networks has partnered with Landis+Gyr for accelerated AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) deployment, says company. As a metering partner of SSN, Landis+Gyr will be providing advanced electronic electric meters that are enabled with SSN’s IP-networking communications.

 

Modesto Irrigation District has also picked Landis+Gyr’s FOCUS AXSD meter, which will be equipped with service switches in support of agency’s Smart Grid project.

 

“Modesto Irrigation District has a long-history of innovation in providing the highest-quality services to its customers,” said Scott Lang, president and CEO of Silver Spring Networks. “We are delighted to support this commitment by providing MID the most advanced and proven networking platform in an integrated, end-to-end solution.”

 

“Leading U.S. utilities increasingly recognize that smart meters will form the foundation for a national, energy-efficient smart grid distribution network needed to secure, protect and conserve power supply,” said Richard Mora, president of Landis+Gyr North America. “We are pleased to partner with Silver Spring Networks in building a next generation AMI network for MID.”

 

MID’s Smart Grid project is expected to be completely installed and will be operational by the first quarter of 2009, says company.

 

“Silver Spring Networks will allow MID to not only improve operational efficiency, but offer our customers new services for years to come,” said Tom Kimball, assistant general manager of MID. “I believe utilities of all types and sizes will benefit from open, standards-based networking to deliver advanced automation and the capability for real-time communications with all of our customers. I am really excited that this project will be fully deployed within six months.”

 

The Modesto Irrigation District (MID) is a public agency formed in 1887 under the California Water Code. MID claims that it provides power to over 112,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties in California.

 

Landis+Gyr provides integrated energy management solution. It also delivers end-to-end advanced metering solutions. The company claims to have workforce of 5,000 people and annualized sales of more than US$1.25 billion.

 

Silver Spring Networks was named a 2008 Technology Pioneer at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The company was also a recipient of the GoingGreen and Brilliant (News - Alert) Innovation Awards in 2007, Going Green Top 100 and AlwaysOn Global 250 in 2008.