Smart Grid Initiative
The concept of a “smart grid” is characterized chiefly by two-way communications between energy utilities and devices at power delivery end points (such as meters and appliances). That communications capability underpins projects now underway across the country that are designed to modernize the nation’s power grid. Much of that activity is being fueled by federal Smart Grid Investment grants, which were awarded at the end of 2009.
As a recipient of one of those grants, REC has begun its Smart Grid Initiative to lay the groundwork for a host of devices to provide usage and cost information to both the Cooperative and its members.
A first step
In the fall of 2010 REC began installing smart meters throughout the portion of our service territory that was recently acquired from Allegheny Power. (This technology is already in place in our "legacy" territory.) This meter upgrade process will take several months.
More detailed information about this meter upgrade process and about smart meter technology is available under the Additional Information section of this page. We appreciate our members' patience as we make these system improvements. We are excited about the benefits the new meters will provide.
