National Grid Selects Itron and Cisco's Smart Grid Solution Project

National Grid is to increase its smart meter roll-out in the Worcester, Massachusetts from 5,000 to 15,000. National Grid said they will start deploying the additional 10000 meter early this year.  To support the project they have assembled some of the biggest names in smart meter and smart grid sector to implement the latest technology solutions. National Grid said the smart grid pilot will evaluate the integration of home automation, dynamic pricing and distribution automation.

Cisco’s GridBlocks architecture and Cisco Connected Grid routers based on a highly secure IPv6 communication network were selected as part of the project, along with Itron’s back office smart meter data management application and collection engine. Itron’s reporting software will integrate with Cisco’s Grid Network management system plus other third party applications to offer a complete solution.

“We have been very pleased with the results of the early field trial. Our goal from the beginning has been to test and validate the smart grid solution before we fully deploy it to our customers”, said Cheri Warren VP Asset Management for National Grid.

Other partners includes General Electric, who is providing WIMAX high speed communication between devices and the electricity distribution systems; IBM is implementing legacy system integration; Verizon Enterprise Solution is implementing advance IP and wireless communication services.

By installing 10,000 more meters, National Grid plans to improve service reliability and save customers money through increase energy awareness. The pilot will provide customers access to detailed energy usage information, which customers can access online, with cell phone app or through a variety of technologies installed in their homes and business. National Grid will begin deploying the full pilot early 2013.