Minnesota Power: Smart Grid Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project
June 30, 2014
U.S. Department of Energy
Minnesota Power's Smart Grid Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project deployed 8,030 smart meters, two-way communication network infrastructure, and a new web portal to help customers better understand and manage their energy usage. It also implemented 1,571 direct load control (DLC) devices and piloted distribution automation (DA) equipment on one circuit. Minnesota Power leveraged the new AMI system to conduct a rigorous consumer behavior study to measure and validate demand responses to a time-based rate and education program.
The project aimed to improve customers understanding of their electricity usage, reduce operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, and improve awareness of and response to distribution system outages.
