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September 11, 2012

As Texas Toasts, a New Smart Grid Saves Energy

Trilliant (News - Alert), a global smart grid communications provider based in Redwood, California, today announced the full scale roll-out of a smart grid deployment with the Victoria Electric Cooperative in Victoria, Texas.

The Victoria Electric Cooperative serves more than 14,000 ratepayers in Port Lavaca, Seadrift and Victoria, Texas. About 50 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, this is an area where energy efficiency is crucial, because the summer months put pressure on the grid—with high humidity and temperatures most days in the mid-90s. 


Image via Shutterstock 

Building on a successful 2011 pilot project, this deployment leverages the Trilliant Communications Platform and consists of Trilliant’s multi-tier SecureMesh solution to deliver advanced utility services to the Texas town. Trilliant’s SecureMesh multi-tier architecture facilitates not only advanced metering, but also advanced distribution automation and demand-side management applications.

“Trilliant was an ideal partner for our installation, as the technology provides a strong foundation for the smart grid system in Victoria today, while also leaving us with a range of options for future smart grid applications,” said Blaine Warzecha, general manager at the Victoria Electric Cooperative. “We believe that Trilliant’s multi-tiered SecureMesh technology will provide us with a robust, high-speed, low-latency communications network.”

Over the past year, the State of Texas has taken part in many initiatives that use smart metering technology to conserve energy and enable energy consumers to manage their consumption. Victoria Electric’s smart grid deployment will leverage Trilliant’s solutions to:

  • Improve operational efficiency
  • Provide interval data for critical peak pricing (CPP) and time-of-use (TOU) rates
  • Monitor the grid to enhance outage detection and response

“[This platform] is a perfect fit for this deployment, as it is a tailor-made solution for Victoria Electric’s energy needs,” said Arnie Liepa, Trilliant senior vice president. “[Our] communications technology provides the optimal tools for any smart grid application, and prepares communities for the future with a smarter, better grid.”

According to the company, the Trilliant Platform is the only purpose-built communications scheme that integrates disparate systems of smart grid communications technology into a unified whole.

The deployment will be completed by the end of 2014.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.




Edited by Brooke Neuman
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