Duke Energy Indiana proposes sweeping modernization of power delivery system
May 27, 2008 by admin
Filed under Business News, Community News
PLAINFIELD, Ind., — Duke Energy Indiana (NYSE: DUK) today proposed a sweeping modernization of its power delivery system including the installation of more than 800,000 new digital “smart meters” — one for virtually every home and business in each of the 69 counties served by the state’s largest utility.
The five-year initiative — called “Smart Grid,” referring to the power delivery system — would employ extensive digital and other advanced technology to save energy, bolster system reliability and improve customer service.
The multi-pronged initiative would allow the company to reduce voltage levels along its power delivery system with no customer service impact, saving enough energy to power 40,000 homes for a year.
The initiative also would allow the company to potentially lessen the frequency and duration of power outages.
In addition, the Smart Grid initiative includes a proposed demonstration project that would place electricity-generating solar panels or other renewable energy sources on the property of interested customers.
“The entire electric utility industry nationwide is moving in the direction Duke Energy hopes to move in Indiana,” said Jim Stanley, president of Duke Energy Indiana.
“Smart Grid would replace less efficient analog technology with advanced digital technology, bringing our electricity delivery system in Indiana into the 21st century,” Stanley said.