Single Network for Multiple Smart Grid Services (ComEd)

With the passage of Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA), ComEd was required to improve its overall system reliability. In order to reach the goals outlined in the law, ComEd decided to leverage a common network for multiple applications, including advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), distribution automation (DA) and smart city programs. With a modernized communications infrastructure, the utility would be able to increase grid reliability by identifying problems faster, optimizing business processes, automating problem resolution and reducing truck rolls.

1. Advanced Metering (AMI) Solution ComEd’s integrated AMI solution provides two-way communications between customers and ComEd, enabling applications such as automated billing, remote disconnect and connect service operations, a customer web portal with near-real time consumption information, AMI-based outage management, meter hazard discovery, revenue assurance and dynamic pricing. 2. Distribution Automation (DA) Solution ComEd is implementing a five-year DA plan to improve outage management through better targeting of restoration crews to fault locations, enhanced asset tracking and faster power restoration through the automatic detection of faults and rerouting of power around the faults. 3. Small City Solution In 2015, ComEd began extending the use of its mesh network to support a smart street light pilot for 750 of the 176,000 ComEd owned fixtures in the Chicagoland area. The program equips energy efficient LED lighting fixtures with Silver Spring’s wireless monitoring and controls, leveraging the same smart grid network infrastructure used to support AMI and DA.

• [Process Optimization - Predictive Maintenance]
  Enhances discovery of meter tamper and theft, and improves asset tracking for critical DA hardware
• [Product Improvement - Customer Satisfaction]
  Enables customers to control usage and costs with innovative demand side management programs

• Fewer and shorter outages delivered societal savings of $1.1 billion,and improved reliability, now in the top 10%

• Accelerated storm recovery performance reduces outages by 44%

• Reduces electricity delivery rates by $66.7 million, and reduces the cost of street lighting by 65%