Building a reliable, efficient, next-generation power system in rural America

Home / Our Solutions / Smart Grid

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.
Project and Construction Management
You’re doing more than building a new broadband network, you’re beginning a new and complex business venture. Our project and construction management teams are committed to ensuring your business is designed and deployed to meet your needs. We carefully manage the work being done in your community to verify everything is done correctly and on schedule.
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.
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

MVEA on How NRTC's Smart Grid Technology Planning Helped Guide the Future of Its Growing Cooperative

MVEA on How NRTC’s Smart Grid Technology Planning Helped Guide the Future of Its Growing Cooperative

Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) is a growing electric cooperative in Southern Central Colorado. The cooperative, like all electric cooperatives, faces its distinctive challenges based on its unique geography, membership needs and existing infrastructure.

RUS’s Berke: Funding Programs Provide a Look Into the Rural Electric Cooperative Future

RUS Administrator Andy Berke told a TechAdvantage audience that he has seen the future of rural electric cooperatives and the transition to clean energy after reading through funding proposals to the New ERA program. RUS staff provided updates on the USDA New ERA and PACE programs.

Annual Meeting Themes: Increased Competition and Possible AI Futures

NRTC CEO Tim Bryan and Board Chairman Jimmy Todd both focused their remarks on the rising level of competition for rural providers. They discussed ways that NRTC assists members facing competition, such as business feasibility evaluation, network design and construction, marketing, customer service and many others. During the meetings for telephone members in Tampa and for electric members in San Antonio, Bryan also shared financial results for a successful 2023. Todd announced the results of the 2024 Board Elections. The meeting also featured a demonstration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Subscribe for more insights from NRTC