Spanning more than 1000 miles, this advanced fiber communications network will connect transmission substations to Vermont’s distribution utilities, delivering reliable electric service and the capabilities required for the state's future Smart Grid.
"As the transmission provider for the state of Vermont, VELCO is committed to improving power grid reliability and security," said Chris Dutton, President and CEO of VELCO. “Our collaboration with IBM to construct a network that both strengthens system reliability and enables Vermont utilities to execute our collaborative statewide Smart Grid initiative provides an innovative model for the rest of the country to build a 21st century Smart Grid."
IBM will provide project management and networking services, part of its Intelligent Utility Network solution, to help VELCO improve the state's electric infrastructure. This new system provides the communications capability to relay information back to the utility about usage, voltage, existing or potential outages, and equipment performance. Fiber transport and Carrier Ethernet systems will ensure reliability and security of the transmission network and allow utilities to improve power quality and avoid power outages or resolve them faster.
The communications network is based on Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Transport platform and its extensive family of Carrier Ethernet Service Aggregation and Delivery switches. With its unique peer-to-peer architecture, the new network will meet the demanding reliability and security requirements necessary for Smart Grid, as well as provide additional bandwidth to support the eEnergy Vermont initiatives in progress throughout the state.
“This exciting partnership between our statewide transmission company VELCO, and IBM, a global Smart Grid leader whose Vermont campus is a model in energy efficiency, is an excellent example of how our state innovates,” said Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin. “This network will increase grid reliability, enable Smart Grid communications and help build the economic development platform necessary to create sustainable jobs.
“It’s another concrete step toward our long-term goal to make Vermont a national model for energy policy – a source of best practices and technical assistance as the smart grid rolls out nationwide,” Shumlin said.
Guido Bartels, General Manager of IBM's Global Energy and Utilities Industry, said the new high speed network will allow VELCO to enhance and adapt its services as customer and requirements change.
“This goal is consistent with our Smarter Planet initiative to help utilities around the world transform their systems to improve customer service deliver,” he said. “We see Vermont utilities and their customers as ideal partners to build the power grid of the future due to the strong commitment by all the stakeholders in the state on a common vision.”
IBM's Essex Junction, Vermont campus has been a model for advances in Smart Grid technologies for nearly a decade; the site's Smart Grid has helped it effectively reduce electricity usage by 19 percent during a period of increasing production capability.
IBM is involved in more than 150 smart grid engagements around the world, in both mature and emerging markets.
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