FirstEnergy Services Corporation
Smart Grid Modernization Initiative
Abstract
FirstEnergy Services Corporation’s (FirstEnergy’s) Smart Grid Modernization Initiative (SGMI) involved deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), distribution automation (DA), volt/VAR optimization (VVO), time-based rate programs, direct load control (DLC) devices, and customer systems in parts of New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. SGMI’s Ohio footprint covered a 400-square-mile area southeast of Cleveland. Smart meters were piloted in Ohio, and a statistically rigorous study assessed load impacts and customer acceptance of time-based rate programs. DA equipment deployed in New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania included reclosers, capacitor banks and grid sensing devices. VVO equipment, deployed in Ohio and Pennsylvania, included capacitor banks and load tap changer regulator controls. Advanced load control devices were deployed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.Contact Information
Timothy M. Richard
SGMI Program Manager
FirstEnergy Services Corp.
richardtm@firstenergycorp.com
At-A-Glance
Recipient:
FirstEnergy
HQ State:
Ohio
NERC Region:
RFC
Total Budget: $115,383,649
Federal Share: $57,470,137
Funding Program:
- Investment Grant Program
Project Type:
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure
- Consumer Behavior Studies
- Customer Systems
- Pricing
Equipment:
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) / Smart Meters
- Automated Capacitors
- Automated Distribution Circuit Switches
- Automated Voltage Regulators
- Backhaul Communications
- Customer System Communications Network
- Direct Load Control Device
- Distribution Automation
- Distribution Automation Communications Network
- Equipment Condition Monitor
- In-Home Display
- Programmable Communicating Thermostat
- Smart Meter - Industrial
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Communications Network
Targeted Benefits:
- Reduced Operating and Maintenance Costs
- Reduced Electricity Costs for Customers
- Improved Electric Service Reliability and Power Quality
- Reduced Costs from Equipment Failures, Distribution Line Losses
- Reduced Greenhouse Gas and Criteria Pollutant Emissions
