posted March 25, 2008
EPB crews pulled fiber optic lines across the Tennessee River on Tuesday morning, as part of the construction of a Smart Grid to benefit all customers. EPB expects to have this initial stage of build out – fiber that will connect every substation – finished this summer.
Smart Grids are modern electric systems that are made up of sophisticated communications components that link the grid, the customer and the power company’s operations together in real time.
Officials said this will enable EPB’s Smart Grid to offer numerous benefits to all customers. Since the Smart Grid will be self-healing, performing constant self-assessments of the electric system, it will respond as needed to occurrences.
The Smart Grid’s advanced, real time communication will help EPB identify potential issues before they occur as well as help restore power faster in the event of an outage.
Another benefit to the electric customer is the Smart Grid’s ability to offer customers tools to help offset the rising cost of energy, such as Time of Use rates which allow customers to use power when it is most cost effective.
Leaders in energy production, distribution and policy are now exploring the benefit of Smart Grids; through the United States Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the US House and Senate have encouraged the construction of Smart Grids to better meet demand for now and the future.
Officials said Tuesday's fiber pull is an important step in the construction of such a Smart Grid, positioning EPB on the leading edge of building a modern electric system that will meet energy needs of customers and the community.
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