GridPoint announced that its SmartGrid platform has been selected by Xcel Energy for its SmartGridCity in Boulder, Colorado. The platform will be instrumental in applying information technology to the electric grid for the provision of utilities.
The intelligent network of distributed energy will have resources to control load, store energy and produce power. GridPoint is a clean tech company which supplies green smart grid platforms which will benefit electric utilities, consumers and the environment. Xcel Energy’s smart grid system is expected to provide customers with technologies designed for environmental, financial and operational benefits.
“GridPoint provides an intelligent platform to aggregate and control a variety of energy resources in the home or business,” said Michael Carlson, CIO of Xcel Energy. “We’ll be able to test and confirm capabilities to meet the individual needs of our customers while also deploying new capabilities for balancing supply and demand in a clean and efficient manner.”
Xcel Energy can use technologies like load control devices and advanced batteries as the platform is modular, scaleable and the architecture is upgradeable. New technologies can also be used like plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cells.
Xcel will be evaluating technology and system capabilities from GridPoint like Advanced Demand Management in measuring, controlling and verifying select loads and adjusting thermostats.
Supply Management will be included which provides capacity and energy by discharging power to the electric grid or solar systems at peak periods. Solar PV Integration and operation of residential and light commercial solar energy systems will be evaluated leading to commercial success of renewable energy.
The evaluation will also include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), single interface for control, online energy management, instant back up power, performance monitoring and customer support.
“Xcel Energy’s vision for the Smart Grid and commitment to implementation demonstrate its leadership in the electric utility industry,” said Peter Corsell, president and CEO, GridPoint. “We are very excited to be working with such an innovative utility.”
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy is a U.S. electricity and natural gas company providing energy-related products and services to customers. Xcel Energy’s Smart Grid Consortium including technologists, engineering firms, business leaders and IT experts will offer necessary guidance. The consortium members include Accenture (News - Alert), Current Group, GridPoint, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Ventyx.
Shamila Janakiraman is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shamila’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
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