Xcel Energy has selected Arlington, Va.-based GridPoint's SmartGrid Platform for its SmartGridCity in Boulder, Colo. The platform applies information technology to the electric grid to provide utilities with a network of distributed energy resources that controls load, stores energy and produces power.
Xcel Energy's advanced, smart grid system – estimated to be a $100 million effort when fully implemented over the next few years – will provide customers with a portfolio of smart grid technologies designed to provide environmental, financial and operational benefits.
Xcel Energy's Smart Grid Consortium, bringing together leading technologists, engineering firms, business leaders and IT experts, will provide guidance, products and services needed to bring Xcel Energy's smart grid vision to life. Consortium members include Accenture, Current Group, GridPoint, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Ventyx.
The platform's modular, scaleable and upgradeable architecture enables Xcel Energy to deploy proven technologies while creating a practical path for integrating new technologies. Xcel Energy says it will be evaluating a variety of technology and system capabilities from GridPoint in conjunction with its SmartGridCity in Boulder.
SOURCE: GridPoint
