Dive Summary:

• Before installing any smart meters, CenterPoint Energy and vendors launched a proprietary wireless radio frequency (RF) communications network. In turn, the utility has successful read rates of 99.91 % on daily register reads and 99.65 % on 15-minute interval reads which testify to the reliability of the network.
• Further, two-way digital communication has allowed for five million remote electric service connections and disconnections, saving consumers $24 million in eliminated fees, reducing the company’s vehicle fuel consumption by about 500,000 gallons, and avoiding 4,500 metric tons of carbon emissions.
• The installation of 394 intelligent grid switching devices (IGSDs) and automation of 21 substations through 2012 has created a 21% improvement in outage response, with 70% of affected customers gaining back electricity in minutes rather than a half hour or more. By the end of the 2013, CenterPoint would have installed 600 IGSDs in Houston and automation equipment at 31 substations.

From the article:

“A key success factor was bringing the radio field technicians now responsible for servicing cell relays into the cell relay system design and deployment project team. The cell relay and radio enclosure are mounted to an aluminum conduit in the warehouse before attachment on a distribution pole to save time in the field.” ...