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Silver Spring Networks Introduces New Load Control Solution
[September 18, 2012]

Silver Spring Networks Introduces New Load Control Solution


REDWOOD CITY, Calif. --(Business Wire)--

Silver Spring Networks, a leading networking platform and solutions provider for smart energy networks, today announced an innovative new load control solution providing utilities with fast Demand Response (DR) resources to help them reduce peak load and maintain grid reliability. Silver Spring's open, IPv6-based networking platform has connected more than 12 million homes and businesses worldwide and enables utilities of all sizes and across all geographies to deploy the broadest possible array of applications atop a common platform.

Silver Spring's Direct-to-Grid™ technology allows utilities to directly monitor and manage energy intensive assets such as air conditioners, electric heaters, water heaters, and pool pumps. With two-way communications capability, these new load control devices can be used to update legacy DR technology ahead of, or together with, advanced meter rollouts. Silver Spring's solution is unique in the ability to provide Direct-to-Grid, fast-DR without any need for existing AMI infrastructure. Load control switches from multiple manufacturers seamlessly integrate with Silver Spring's end-to-end demand response solution, helping utilities deliver increased benefits and unlock more value from their smart grid investments.

"We are now expanding our demand response solution to enable utilities to easily modernize their existing direct load control programs and to significantly increase overall program benefits," said Matthew Smith, Senior Director, Demand Side Business, Silver Spring Networks. "Load control programs are vital for grid stability and our Direct-to-Grid technology is a major step forward in upgrading these programs with the latest award-winning networking technology."

As part of the Silver Spring Partner Program, Silver Spring is working closely with Cooper Power Systems and EnTek to integrat its Gen4 Communications Module into their most advanced load control switches (the Cooper Power Systems LCR-6600-S and EnTek FC340-SSN). Silver Spring's Gen4 technology delivers increased data rates, with support up to 300 Kbps, enabling the devices to support increasingly demanding DR applications with rapid response requirements. With complete two-way communications, these devices deliver utilities real-time load shed verification data for better management of load control resources. The high connectivity rates afforded by the Silver Spring network assure utilities they can reliably reach high-value DR assets, maximizing the effectiveness of their load control programs. The load control switches also possess relay capability to strengthen the Silver Spring RF mesh, boosting performance for all smart grid applications.



"Customers are looking to leverage their existing investments to reduce peak load, ensure continued grid reliability, and expand their smart grid programs," said Mark Thurman, president, Cooper Power Systems, a division of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE). "Working through the Silver Spring Partner Program, Cooper Power Systems and Silver Spring are combining the best of standards-based networking infrastructure with leading Demand Response technology to deliver customers the industry's most advanced load control solution."

"Managing electrical load and ensuring grid reliability are crucial elements of utilities' smart grid strategies," said Glenn Davis of EnTek. "Integration of Silver Spring's two-way Direct-to-Grid networking technology with EnTek load control devices enables our customers to quickly and easily expand and modernize their load control programs."


For more information please visit www.silverspringnet.com/solutions/loadcontrol.

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About Silver Spring Networks

Silver Spring Networks is a leading networking platform and solutions provider for smart energy networks. With its pioneering IPv6 networking platform, Silver Spring has connected more than 12 million homes and businesses throughout the world with the goal of achieving greater energy efficiency for the planet. Silver Spring's innovative products enable utilities to gain efficiencies, integrate renewable energy sources, and empower customers to monitor and manage energy consumption. Silver Spring Networks is used by major utilities around the globe including Baltimore Gas & Electric, CitiPower & Powercor, Commonwealth Edison, Florida Power & Light, Jemena Electricity Networks Limited, Pacific Gas & Electric, Pepco Holdings, Inc. and United Energy among others. For more information please visit www.silverspringnet.com.


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