RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elster Solutions announces that Cooperative Light & Power (CLP) has selected the EnergyAxis® Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solution to replace an obsolete Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) system. CLP is a member-owned electric cooperative providing electricity to 6,000 members in Northeastern Minnesota.
CLP began its selection process after learning that its one-way, power line carrier-based AMR would no longer be supported by the manufacturer. According to CLP, the Elster solution was chosen after careful consideration of project costs, hardware functionality and strategic concerns. The EnergyAxis system will replace the old technology with modern smart meters and a robust AMI foundation leveraging an RF mesh communication network that is ideal for the unique needs of rural utilities.
"The new technology was chosen to help our cooperative run more efficiently, restore power quicker and provide our member customers with tools to manage their energy bills," commented Steven Wattnem, CLP General Manager. "It will also improve system reliability and save our electric cooperative time and money when it comes to performing a variety of in-the-field services."
CLP is deploying the new AMI via Elster's hosted Managed Services model, which includes a full-functional meter data management (MDM) system and whose cloud-based Utility Energy Portal provides operations staff detailed meter reading, analysis and reporting capabilities.
"Elster is proud to be working with CLP on this AMR to AMI conversion initiative," said Mike Caranfa, Senior Vice President, Sales & Strategy, Elster Solutions. "It's another example of how cooperatives can benefit from both cloud-based managed services model and from the ability of RF mesh to meet the communications challenges of a rural environment."
About Elster
Elster delivers complete Smart Grid and Energy Management Solutions that drive energy efficiency, operational improvements and cost savings for utilities, commercial and industrial customers and consumers. Elster uses its speed and agility to drive interoperability and open standards and strategically collaborates with customers and partners.
Its end-to-end electricity, water and gas offerings include advanced meters/sensors, secure communications, and data collection, management and analytics. Elster is dedicated to customer success in more than 130 countries through Elster's professional integration services, technical support and training. For more information about Elster, please visit www.elstersolutions.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ElsterSolutions.