CMP claims smart meter improvement are on the way

AUGUST, Maine - Central Maine Power has completed several steps to enhance the performance of its smart meter system during and after major storms, according to a press release sent Wednesday.

"Our smart meter system has been serving CMP and its customers well for the past several years. It helps our company to operate more efficiently and cut greenhouse gas emissions, while giving our customers tools to better manage their energy use," said Doug Herling, president and CEO of CMP. "At the height of the October wind and rain storm, the smart meter system gave us excellent data on the scope of damage, and as repairs progressed, it allowed us to confirm restoration more efficiently."

Herling noted that during a post-storm review, CMP identified several opportunities to make the smart meter system more resilient in outage situations. The Company advised the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the Maine Legislature's Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology of its plans earlier this year. Among the measures that have been completed:

• Key AMI network communication devices are now wired for back-up generators.
• CMP has increased the number of mobile generators available for use during extended outage situations.
• CMP has enhanced its ability to perform minor repairs to smart meter equipment during a storm.
• Feasibility study of an alternate communications solution for use during extended telecommunications outages is complete.

In addition to the above measures, CMP will launch a pilot program using solar generation and extended battery backup as an alternative to traditional back-up generators by the end of 2018.

Combined with other planned enhancements to the system, CMP expects these measures to markedly improve smart meter network visibility during a major storm or outage event.

"Our commitment to innovation and a smarter grid does not end when we launch a new system," said Herling. "Technology is constantly changing, and we will always seek ways to make good technology work even better for us and our customers."