Eastern Nebraska Public Power District Consortium selects ABB for Smart Grid-based distribution system

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, today announced that the Eastern Nebraska Public Power District Consortium (ENPPDC), with the support of Boreas Group LLC, has selected ABB to implement an advanced Smart Grid-based SCADA and distribution automation system to monitor and control two electrical systems in Cuming County Public Power District and Stanton County Public Power District. This world-class distribution operations network will allow the Consortium to modernize their distribution networks and to increase customer service with a high-speed, future-proof infrastructure, enabling customers to benefit from reduced outages, improved grid reliability and enhanced energy efficiency and cost savings. ABB's scope of supply includes the MicroSCADA software solution to manage the distribution network and IEC 61850-based substations; the COM600 communication gateway for utility distribution substations; the GridSync wireless sensors for distribution optimization; and other advanced distribution technologies and project oversight. ABB is subcontracting on this project with RuggedCom to deploy a new communications and wireless-enabled infrastructure. "Stanton and Cuming Counties are committed to becoming a Public Power Smart Grid leader in advancing our distribution network infrastructure," said Elwood Moore, general manager, Cuming County Public Power District. "We are excited about partnering with ABB and tapping into their Smart Grid expertise and advanced technologies to help us on this journey." "ABB is excited about the opportunity to partner with the Cuming County and Stanton County Public Power Districts to deliver a world class Smart Grid system," said Bill Whitehead, director of business development for ABB's Smart Grid Center of Excellence. "Once completed, CCPPD and SCPPD will have one of the most advanced distribution grid systems in North America, enabling them to address all kinds of future technology challenges facing all utilities today, such as renewable energy integration, energy storage and demand response." Earlier this year, the Consortium purchased from ABB more than 75 intelligent GridShield reclosers with advanced RER620 controller capabilities for Smart Grid applications using wireless communication. The RER620 is part of the Relion® family of protection and control devices, with advanced smart grid features to deliver full functions from the IEC 61850 standard for communication and interoperability between grid devices. The new distribution system will be thoroughly evaluated and tested as part of ABB's new, world class, first-of-its-kind Smart Grid Center of Excellence. This Center of Excellence, a testing and demonstration lab based in Raleigh, provides a single point of contact for ABB customers with a need for an integrated solution to optimize power distribution, maintain power quality, improve efficiency, ensure reliability and/or manage complexity. This announcement was made at GridWeek 2011, the preeminent smart grade conference held each year in Washington, DC. www.abb.com