Building a reliable, efficient, next-generation power system in rural America
Smart Grid
We bring smart grid and communications together to help you make informed decisions and implement efficient, cost-effective solutions through technology planning, demand response, distributed generation, advanced metering and more.
Technology Planning
Investing in replacement technologies for grid infrastructure requires careful planning. Decisions made when replacing systems such as AMI, LMR, or SCADA will impact your options for future technology and your ability to meet changing energy demands.
AMI and Grid Communications
NRTC has deployed nearly 3.5 million AMI endpoints, using a variety of technologies and solutions. We continuously assess the marketplace to make sure we’re offering the best metering solutions. Our team of experts can help you analyze your current situation and determine the approach that best meets both your current needs and long-term strategic plan.
Solar, Storage and Wind
Cooperative utilities are responsible for meeting a continually growing demand for energy. Managing costs has become challenging with load growth, peak demand periods, aging power plants and intermittent production of renewable energy.
Microgrids and Resiliency
Fully integrated distributed energy solutions to help businesses, asset managers and utility operators control their costs and minimize their environmental impact. Expert engineers design every energy system in-house — from autonomous microgrids to emergency backup power to end-to-end energy efficiency improvements.
Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS)
NRTC offers an effective, affordable software solution to control distributed energy resources throughout the electric distribution chain. AutoGrid, a leading provider of Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) software, has developed the Flex platform with tools to control and/or reduce kw demand for maximum efficiency during peak demand events.
Volt-VAR Optimization
Smart Grids help you bring reliable power to the rural homes you serve. With improved communication thanks to a faster flow of data with advanced metering infrastructures (AMI), you’ll know how and where your customers are using electricity. This knowledge reduces outages, gets power back online faster when outages do occur, and helps you run a more efficient utility.
Funding
Federal and State governments are unleashing a tidal wave of grant funding programs to bridge the digital divide. Our funding experts can help you build a competitive, sustainable, low-risk business plan to win funding and provide a better life for your community.
Insights
Suwannee Valley Begins AMI Project
NRTC and Itron representatives gathered last week in the offices of Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, Live Oak, FL, to kick off a major advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project. The multi-year deployment will eventually link about 28,500 electric meters, including more than 27,000 rural residences.
Resources
The Latest News in Smart Grid
Powder River Energy Corporation AMI Story
Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp) is an electric cooperative that serves about 12,000 members in rural, northeast Wyoming. Its service area, while stunningly beautiful, is among the most challenging regions in the nation to provide with safe, reliable power.
Faced with upgrading an aging advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system, PRECorp turned to NRTC for guidance. This is its PRECorp’s AMI story.
TechAdvantage Notes: Benchmarking, DERMS/ADMS, Fiber Tips and More
Sessions on smart grid software platforms, fiber optic network construction tips and going the extra mile for member engagement were among the sessions that drew large crowds at NRECA’s TechAdvantage Conference. It also was another chance for cooperatives to learn more about broadband construction preparation through NRTC/NRECA’s “Rural Electric Cooperative Broadband Benchmarking Report.”
CEO Tim Bryan: “We Have to Build Solutions”
During his speech to the NRTC Annual Meeting earlier this week, CEO Tim Bryan focused on the in-house expertise that is now available to help members meet the current generation of technology challenges. “Whatever it takes for you to evaluate, build and manage a network is what we’re doing at NRTC,” he said. He gave specific examples of broadband, smart grid, mobile and internet products and services that go beyond NRTC’s capabilities of a decade ago. To meeting those challenges, “we have to build solutions,” he said.