The project aims at modernizing the electric grid and improving the distribution system as well as empowering electric customers about the power usage.
DTE Energy will install 800,000 Itron OpenWay meters while 300,000 OpenWay meters have already been installed, under the first phase of the programme, which covers a 500 square mile area.
The program also allows installation of Itron’s OpenWay Integrated Cell Router, which features Tropos wireless communications technology and Tropos Mesh Routers.
The router will simplify operations and provide visibility across the wireless networks, aggregating configuration, performance and network fault monitoring.
The SmartCurrents project also involves rollout of 180 DA applications and upgrades to 11 substations and 55 distribution circuits to reduce outage time and to better manage distribution power flow.
The smartcurrents project is being funded through an $84m U.S. Department of Energy smart grid investment grant with matching funds from DTE Energy.
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