PLC technologies are well suited for communications in remote and mountainous areas

ATLANTA, GA. --- (METERING.COM) --- November 11, 2008 – Over the next three years Poudre Valley will deploy an advanced two-way network combining RF Mesh and TS2 power line carrier (PLC) systems operating on a single software platform. This unique solution provides optimal coverage for meters in the utility’s suburban centers, as well as the mountainous and remote areas better suited to PLC technology.

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association has selected Landis+Gyr for an advanced metering solution covering its northern Colorado service territory.

Myles Jensen, Poudre Valley’s Member Services Manager, said the company’s ability to deliver a blend of proven advanced metering technologies to provide reliable coverage of all of its member accounts was a key factor in awarding the contract.

Based in Fort Collins, Poudre Valley provides electric service to an area covering 5,760 square miles between Boulder, CO and the Wyoming border. While portions of Poudre Valley's territory are already equipped with the Landis+Gyr TS1 PLC system for automatic meter reading, the installation of an advanced two-way communications network will allow them to move forward with load management and power quality initiatives, including time-based pricing, load control, and outage detection.

As distributed generation becomes more prevalent, the solution will also provide net metering capabilities and help the utility offset rising power costs by reducing peak loads. Landis+Gyr’s RF Mesh infrastructure also provides a communications backbone for distribution automation and home area networks.