Lead Organization:

HQ Location:

Project Contact Information:

Avenida Ponce de León 17 1/2
Santurce, PR 00909

Project Summary:

The Puerto Rico based power company, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has announced to launch its smart grid pilot program by joining hands with the Alabama based Broadband over Power Line (BPL) technology provider IBEC (International Broadband Electric Communications) [1, 2]. During the implementation of the pilot project, IBEC and PowerNET International (“PowerNET”), another partner in the pilot program, are jointly responsible for "coordinating and managing the participation of any necessary third-party, Smart Grid enabling vendors utilizing IBEC’s BPL communications network for the purpose of demonstrating alternative Smart Grid technologies" [3].

According to [4], the smart grid project being implemented in the PREPA service area includes the deployment of smart meters that allow remote turn on and shut off of end-user loads and detect areas where theft is prevalent. First smart meter replacements start in early 2010. PREPA is already using TWACS (Two way automated communications system) provided by Distribution Control Systems, Inc. for its automatic meter reading modules [5].

References:

[1] TD World, February 2010. URL: http://tdworld.com/smart_grid_automation/puerto-rico-smart-grid-bpl-0210/
[2] Metering.com, February 2010. URL: http://www.metering.com/node/17066
[3] IBEC Press Release, "PUERTO RICO APPROVES HIGH VOLTAGE BROADBAND OVER POWER LINES TRIAL", February 2010. URL: http://www.amperion.com/Amperion%20IBEC%20PREPA%20press%20release%20Nove...
[4] Eng. Miguel A. Cordero, "Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority: Company Overview and Project Development", presented at the Puerto Rico Credit Conference 2010, Feb 26, 2010. URL: https://gdbapp.gdb-pur.com/prcreditconference/documents/2010PRCC-PREPA.pdf
[5] Metering.com, December 2007. URL: http://www.metering.com/node/11298