Abstract

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s (REC) Smart Grid Initiative project involves deploying smart meters, distribution system infrastructure and a communications network to support the new smart grid assets. The project is focused on the portion of REC’s service territory recently acquired from Allegheny Power. As part of this project, REC is deploying smart meters throughout its service territory. Full coverage allows REC to introduce and test advanced pricing programs and a pre-pay program. The project includes a meter data management system (MDMS) to assist in managing all the increased data available from the smart meters. The project also deploys distribution automation equipment including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and automated controls on distribution voltage regulators to improve power quality, reduce line losses, and reduce operations and maintenance costs through monitoring and control of distribution voltage.