Benton Rural Electric Association (Benton REA) has entered into an agreement with smart grid technology provider Landis+Gyr to introduce new grid edge sensing technology for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and energy management.
The move aims to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to changing energy demands across Benton REA’s region in south-eastern Washington, where the utility supplies electricity to approximately 17,000 member accounts.
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Under this arrangement, Benton REA will deploy Landis+Gyr’s Revelo grid sensors as well as a hybrid communication network that blends Gridstream RF Mesh IP and cellular technology.
This approach is designed to extend network reach, particularly for remote and mountainous areas, where traditional connectivity has proved challenging.
Benton REA intends to use the Revelo platform’s capabilities to improve system planning, maintenance and reliability, while offering more flexible demand management for members.
Benton REA lead project manager Aaron Welling said: “Our primary goal is ensuring we can maintain reliability, manage costs and provide flexible demand management options for our members.
“The Revelo platform expands our options with sensing capabilities that support load disaggregation, smart switching and power quality applications to improve system planning and maintenance.”
As new types of loads, including electric vehicle charging points and agricultural irrigation, are added to the grid, Benton REA plans to leverage high-resolution data from these systems to monitor and balance appliance loads throughout its distribution system.
This real-time data will also help identify rising demand, address potential constraints and support the delivery of reliable and cost-effective power.
Landis+Gyr stated the Revelo platform combines metering with grid sensing, allowing utilities such as Benton REA to access detailed usage patterns and operational issues at the distribution edge.
Landis+Gyr distribution sales director Mark Ortega said: “Rural utilities are being asked to manage increasingly complex demands on the grid while maintaining the reliability and affordability their members depend on.
“By combining advanced sensing, grid edge intelligence and flexible communications, Benton REA is building a stronger foundation for managing growth, improving visibility and making more informed operational decisions.”
The deployment will use both mesh and omni-carrier cellular communication, enabling the utility to connect even its most remote endpoints.
Landis+Gyr’s Revelo platform also supports different communication standards, including Wi-SUN protocol and private LTE networks.
