As Chattanooga receives national recognition for the community’s Smart Grid, EPB technology partner Open Access Technology International, Inc. prepares to assist in launching the next phase of future-proofing the automated electric power system.
In August, EPB was chosen for this year’s POWER Smart Grid Award for two main reasons. The build-out of Chattanooga’s Smart Grid benefits the community by saving more than $50 million annually in lost productivity through an average 60 percent reduction of power outages, and this Smart Grid has enabled EPB to create a new business. EPB Fiber Optics offers Internet, television and telephone service to all electric power customers in its 600 square mile area and provides a new revenue stream that directly benefits customers and the community, officials said.
In October, EPB will launch a demand reduction management system powered by OATI’s webDistribute, which will empower the community’s Smart Grid to further increase efficiency, reliability and environmental compliance.
“With community support, Chattanooga is leading the country in developing next-generation electric power systems and communications that improve quality of life, and drive economic development,” according to EPB president and CEO Harold DePriest.