SAIC Helps Vermont Build a Smarter Grid

Central Vermont Public Service Corporation (CVPS) and Green Mountain Power (GMP) are working with SAIC to support their collaborative advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) acquisition and deployment project. The two utilities — the largest electric utilities in the state — are working together as part of the eEnergy Vermont project, which is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy's Smart Grid Investment Grant program.

SAIC was also selected by Vermont Electric Power Company and the Vermont Distribution Utilities to provide grant administration and technical support for its eEnergy smart grid project, which will expand the deployment of smart meters in Vermont from 28,000 to 300,000 by the end of 2012. SAIC will help evaluate and recommend smart grid technologies, communication systems, and provide regulatory support for all the Vermont utilities.

Integrating Hardware, Software, and Business Processes

Integrating the hardware, software, and business processes to deliver the benefits of a secure smart grid requires unique capabilities. SAIC delivers end-to-end smart grid solutions to power utilities through skilled systems engineering, power engineering, information technology, communications, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

These capabilities are designed to enable consumers with rate incentives to proactively change their energy usage patterns during peak demand periods when wholesale electricity prices are much higher or when grid reliability may be threatened. In addition, smart grid systems provide other benefits, such as outage detection from each premise so that utilities can detect and restore outages more quickly and effectively.

"SAIC combines business acumen with technical expertise in smart grid to offer in-depth experience in helping implement ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) grants and build the grid of the future," said Allen Stamp, eEnergy Vermont Program Manager, "We look forward to working with them to expand the smart grid in Vermont."

Advanced Technology Brings New Options

The work proposed will support the utilities through evaluation of vendor responses, selection of prime contractors, and contract negotiation with selected contractors. eEnergy Vermont projects are designed to enhance and expand the utilities' secure control systems for substations, the electrical distribution grid, and field test customer systems such as in-home displays and energy-focused home area networks.

"Our AMI system will have a major impact on the utilities' future," said Gary Belock, AMI project manager with CVPS. "SAIC's extensive understanding of smart grid technologies and strong business acumen will help guide both utilities during this complex decision-making process."

Smart grid and AMI systems will affect everything from system operations to utility management and consumer satisfaction. Because of the breadth of the implications, the transition can be one of the most significant investments that utilities can make over the next decade. Forthright consideration of all project phases provides assurance that crucial elements related to selecting, deploying, and operating a smart grid system are addressed objectively.

Distinct Capabilities Balance Utility Objectives

SAIC supports utilities across the country as they transition to smart grid systems. We deliver a blend of business and technical foresight that helps our clients better understand the widespread implications of integrating a smart grid to their overall distribution strategy.

“SAIC has provided valuable insight throughout the project.”

"SAIC has provided valuable insight throughout the project, and we look forward to working with CVPS and SAIC on the next step to bringing meter automation to our customers," said GMP Smart Grid Leader Brian Otley.