More Robust Smart Meter System Will Improve CMP Storm Response

New resiliency measures will help to improve network visibility during outage events 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUSTA, MAINE — August 1, 2018 — Central Maine Power (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), has completed several steps to enhance the performance of its smart meter system during and after major storms.


“Our smart meter system has been serving CMP and its customers well for the past several years. It helps our company to operate more efficiently and cut greenhouse gas emissions, while giving our customers tools to better manage their energy use,” said Doug Herling, president and CEO of CMP. “At the height of the October wind and rain storm, the smart meter system gave us excellent data on the scope of damage, and as repairs progressed, it allowed us to confirm restoration more efficiently.”


Herling noted that during a post-storm review, CMP identified several opportunities to make the smart meter system more resilient in outage situations. The Company advised the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the Maine Legislature’s Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology of its plans earlier this year. Among the measures that have been completed:

  • Key AMI network communication devices are now wired for back-up generators. 
  • CMP has increased the number of mobile generators available for use during extended outage situations.
  • CMP has enhanced its ability to perform minor repairs to smart meter equipment during a storm.
  • Feasibility study of an alternate communications solution for use during extended telecommunications outages is complete.

In addition to the above measures, CMP will launch a pilot program using solar generation and extended battery backup as an alternative to traditional back-up generators by the end of 2018.


Combined with other planned enhancements to the system, CMP expects these measures to markedly improve smart meter network visibility during a major storm or outage event.


“Our commitment to innovation and a smarter grid does not end when we launch a new system,” said Herling. “Technology is constantly changing, and we will always seek ways to make good technology work even better for us and our customers.”


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About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with $31 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving 3.2 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates 7.1 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, with a presence in 22 states across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,500 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainability Development Goals, received a Climate Development Project climate score of “A-,” the top score received in the utilities sector, and has been recognized for two consecutive years by Ethical Boardroom as the North American utility with the “best corporate governance practices.” For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

About CMP: Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., is Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. Established in 1899, CMP operates approximately 23,500 miles of distribution lines and 2,900 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 624,000 customers across 346 communities in central and southern Maine. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com. 

 

Media Contact:

Gail Rice 
gail.rice@avangrid.com
207.622.NEWS

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