Mark Rose, CEO, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative

Redwood City, CA, U.S.A. --- (METERING.COM) --- January 29, 2010 - Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative has selected smart grid solution provider Silver Spring Networks to provide the network infrastructure as well as smart grid applications and hosting services for its Sustainable Grid™ initiative.  

The program is part of Bluebonnet’s larger initiative to use next generation smart grid technologies to network homes and businesses across 14 central Texas counties. Silver Spring’s Smart Energy Platform will allow Bluebonnet to empower members with more information to help manage their energy use and save money, as well as help the company maintain competitive electricity rates and continue to deliver reliable service.   

“We’re proud to be working with the progressive management team at Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative to move them closer to their goal of building sustainable communities that have a net zero impact on the Texas state energy grid,” said Scott Lang, chairman, president and CEO of Silver Spring. “By deploying our energy awareness and demand response solutions, Bluebonnet will empower its membership with one of the key benefits of an intelligent energy grid – greater control over their energy use and bills.”

In addition to supplying the Smart Energy Platform, Silver Spring will host Bluebonnet’s smart grid applications via Software as a Service (SaaS) to speed implementation and lower costs. The network administration software allows for over-the-air device configuration, upgrades and management. Roll out is slated to begin this year.

“Silver Spring’s smart grid platform offers an efficient and effective communications network for our rural service territory, meeting a unique challenge for a utility like ours,” said Mark Rose, Bluebonnet CEO. “We know our members don’t want to be surprised by their energy bills. This initiative is critical to empowering our members to conserve energy and lower their bills.”