Dawson PPD Chooses Landis+Gyr for Advanced Metering Network

ATLANTA, July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr announced Dawson Public Power District (PPD) has selected the Gridstream(TM) RF network to implement advanced metering and grid automation applications.

Dawson PPD plans to deploy Gridstream advanced meters to all of its residential and commercial accounts over the next two years. The utility will deploy the E350 FOCUS® AX-SD meter with integrated service switch and ZigBee® communications for residential accounts, and E330 FOCUS AX Polyphase and E-650 S4e meters for commercial applications.

After evaluating different options, Dawson chose Landis+Gyr because of the scalability and flexibility the Gridstream network provides for adding applications such as distribution automation, load control and prepay programs.

”The advanced metering network will allow the district to become more efficient with internal operations which should translate into positive benefits for our customers,” says Robert Heinz, General Manager of Dawson PPD. “We expect cost savings from lower line losses, efficient management of load control and proactive preventative maintenance programs to reduce outages.”

In addition to upgrading meters, Dawson PPD is looking at automating distribution infrastructure, such as capacitor banks and voltage regulators in the future.

“Utilities like Dawson PPD are identifying a number of drivers for advanced metering technology,” said Dave Connaker, Vice President of Sales at Landis+Gyr. “Along with reducing operational costs and improving reliability of service, Gridstream helps manage power costs in ways that directly benefit consumers.”

Based in Lexington, NE Dawson PPD is one of the largest rural electric systems in the state of Nebraska. The utility serves about 23,000 electric meters and maintains 5,740 miles of power lines in south central Nebraska, along the Platte River Valley.