Doing business the smart way. LES does that on a daily basis so its customer/owners can reap the benefits of some of the lowest electricity rates in the country and the peace of mind of having reliable electricity at the flip of a switch.

LES is continuing to make smart choices as it considers Smart Grid technology.

Smart Grid is the term used for an electricity delivery system that is integrated with modern digital and information technology to provide improved reliability, security, efficiency and ultimately lower cost to the user, according to the Department of Energy.

Smart for LES. Smart for our customer/owners.

LES submitted an application Aug. 6, 2009, for a grant to build infrastructure over three years to accommodate Smart Grid technology. LES applied for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to the Department of Energy's Smart Grid Investment Grant Program, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly referred to as stimulus funds.

LES has been working on a Smart Grid plan requiring about $67 million in infrastructure improvements, particularly in the area of AMI. The application seeks funds covering up to $33.5 million, or 50 percent of the cost.

Before any work could be started, it would be necessary for the project to be included in the LES Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that is submitted to the City as part of its budget, and approved by the LES Administrative Board and City Council.

The infrastructure changes would give customers two-way communications to enhance operating efficiency, increase service reliability and provide customers an interactive means to manage their consumption.

Smart meters would allow customers to view their electric usage and rates and change their use of electric energy through two-way communication with household appliances, equipment and electronics.

In addition, equipment would collect, sort and manage data from networked meters and distribution equipment. Two-way communication also would enable other interface capabilities such as net metering for on-site generation and pilot programs to charge electric vehicles.

For more information...

Take a look at the presentations and speaker bios from LES' Smart Grid Educational Forum Aug. 13, 2009. National and international energy experts spoke about their experiences implementing Smart Grid technology. read more »
 

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