Guam Power Authority Selects Tropos Networks for Wireless Smart Grid Communications
SUNNYVALE, Calif. & TAMUNING, Guam–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Tropos Networks®, the leading provider of reliable wireless IP broadband networks for the smart grid, today announced that Guam Power Authority (GPA) has selected Tropos® as the network communications vendor for the utility’s smart grid rollout across the island of Guam. Tropos and GPA have begun implementing the Tropos GridCom® network to support GPA’s smart grid rollout in 2012.
As part of GPA’s overall smart grid project, the utility is implementing a reliable, multi-application Tropos GridCom network that meets their existing needs and future requirements as they move to a comprehensive smart grid deployment. GPA will use their Tropos GridCom network to backhaul smart meter data, automate switches and reclosers in their distribution system, provide connectivity for communicating faulted circuit indicators and deliver critical data to field workers.
GPA selected the Tropos GridCom wireless communication system to achieve maximum benefit from its investment in AMI and other smart grid technologies. GPA’s GridCom network will transfer data between smart meter data collectors and intelligent distribution automation devices in the field and smart grid application software located in GPA’s corporate data center and its system control center.
“We chose a Tropos GridCom network because it supports communications for many smart grid applications simultaneously and its coverage enables connectivity for all of the smart grid devices we plan to deploy in the field,” said Joaquin C. Flores, P.E., GPA General Manager. “We were also impressed with Tropos’ track record of successful smart grid projects and their team’s deep understanding of smart grid communications and applications.”
“Guam Power Authority is taking a modern approach to their smart grid program by implementing a standards-based wireless IP network that supports many different smart grid applications. GPA is creating a reliable foundation for high quality power delivery that will support economic growth and a better quality of life for everyone on Guam,” said Tom Ayers, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tropos Networks. “We’re pleased that GPA selected a Tropos GridCom wireless communications network and look forward to working with their team.”
GPA is accelerating the modernization of its electric grid infrastructure through deployment of smart grid technologies to support the strategic delivery of energy saving services to their customers. With financial support from a Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), GPA’s integrated solution provides automation to the island’s electric distribution system, smart electric meters to more than 45,000 customers, and the infrastructure necessary to support two-way flow of energy and information. Half of the initiative’s overall $34 million cost is being underwritten by SGIG funds with the remainder contributed through bond financing. The purpose of the project is to:
- Improve reliability and stability of electric system, including outage management
- Reduce operating costs and manage peak demand
- Inform and educate consumers in retail and wholesale electricity markets
- Accommodate distributed generation
The Tropos portion of the broader $34 million GPA smart grid program is expected to pump more than $1 million into Guam’s economy through the purchase of goods and services from local companies. The Tropos GridCom network implementation is projected to create up to 10 full-time jobs on the island.
About Guam Power Authority
Guam Power Authority (GPA) is a component unit of the Government of Guam governed by the Consolidated Commission on Utilities, which has an elected board of five members. GPA is subject to the regulations of the Public Utilities Commission of Guam and has adopted the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. GPA provides power to over 47,000 residences and business on Guam. Its headquarters are in Harmon, Tamuning. For more information, visit http://guampowerauthority.com/home.html.
About Tropos Networks
Tropos Networks develops technology and products used to create reliable, secure and scalable wireless IP broadband networks for the smart grid and other outdoor industrial applications. The company has more than 850 customers in over 50 countries. Tropos Networks was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. To learn more about Tropos, visit www.tropos.com and follow us at twitter.com/troposnetworks.