EPB, an electric power distributor and communications provider, has partnered with Alcatel-Lucent to provide energy management options for customers in the US city of Chattanooga, Texas by developing techniques to help analyze energy usage.
Currently, EPB operates a high-speed optical fiber network which provides broadband internet access and other services to over 170,000 homes and businesses in metropolitan Chattanooga and surrounding rural areas.
The network is powered by Alcatel-Lucent’s gigabit passive optical network technology.
Currently EPB is building an advanced and automated smart grid networks which employs sensors and control devices coupled with pervasive broadband communications at locations throughout the grid.
The network offers the utility the ability to measure, monitor and control their electricity distribution network in real time.
Alcatel-Lucent’s Bell Labs is developing advanced analytical techniques and tools including supervisory control and data acquisition systems and other data to aid EPB in detecting anomalies in their distribution grid.
These innovations will help EPB’s customers manage energy costs, manage power consumption during peak consumption periods, and improve operational efficiencies.
It will also allow the utility to manage the power purchases from their energy supplier Tennessee Valley Authority during peak and off peak hours.