Electric transmission and distribution utility Versant Power will deploy advanced metering solutions and smart meters in Maine, in the US, with a view to modernize its electricity grid. Versant Power plans to initiate some project activities in 2021 and meter installations are scheduled to begin in 2022.
Versant Power said it will deploy 160,000 smart meters, in northern and eastern Maine. It is working with IoT specialist Itron, which has just announced a parallel deal with Pacific Northern Gas, for deployment of the Liberty Lake firm’s automated meter reading (AMR) solution to modernize its natural gas distribution system in British Columbia, in Canada.
Versant Power is looking to deploy advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for data management, analytics, grid performance, increased operational efficiency, and a better customer experience. Itron said the utility will be better equipped to manage outages, and to develop new customer-facing programmes.
John Flynn, president at Versant Power, said: “We are committed to being a progressive energy leader in our region by advancing solutions that improve the lives of our customers and communities… We will be able to continue to ensure that electricity is more acceptable, available and affordable to more people than before.”
John Marcolini, senior vice president of Networked Solutions at Itron, said: “Versant Power will be able to lay the groundwork for the utility’s smart grid program and deliver more efficient, reliable and resilient services.”
Meanwhile, Itron’s deal with Pacific Northern Gas is geared to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of natural gas delivery to 22,000 natural gas customers. Itron said its AMR solution will streamline the utility’s meter reading, and improve operational efficiency with the ability to remotely read usage data.
Dominic Feenan, director of operations and customer care at Pacific Northern Gas, said: “[Our] goal is to fulfill the energy needs of our customers in the safest, most reliable and most efficient manner… We will be able to continue to meet this goal, while improving customer satisfaction and employee safety.”
Marcolini at Itron added: “We look forward to collaborating… to deliver new value and better serve the utility’s energy consumers with our AMR solution.”
