Dickson Electric System Nears Completion of Sensus FlexNet Utility Network and iCon-A Electric Meter Deployment

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dickson Electric System is finalizing installation of a Sensus FlexNet^TM utility network and iCon A^® electric meters with remote disconnect for its more than 30,000 residential and commercial customers across a five-county service territory southwest of Nashville, Tennessee.

“The licensed spectrum, point-to-multipoint network requires minimal maintenance and was an ideal choice for our rural and diverse terrain.”

Following more than 100 years of analog meter service, Dickson Electric chose to implement the Sensus advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system in 2011 to increase reliability, accelerate response rates and provide the foundation for future energy initiatives including distribution automation, SCADA, and direct load control. The meter automation project began in earnest in early 2012 and is expected to be completed in the fall, accounting for eight months in total installation time.

“We chose to implement the Sensus technology because it presented us with the best platform from which to continue updating and improving our system,” said Dickson Electric general manager Darrell Gillespie. “The licensed spectrum, point-to-multipoint network requires minimal maintenance and was an ideal choice for our rural and diverse terrain.”

In addition to meter automation, Dickson Electric plans to build upon this system with a distribution automation pilot program in conjunction with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that will be centered on voltage reduction and peak load management. Dickson is able to execute advanced applications by virtue of the FlexNet’s fast data throughput speed and a recently installed fiber optic backhaul network.

The FlexNet system, which is based on open standards, will also provide future capabilities for time of use reporting and direct load control. The updated system comprises six base stations and antennae broadcasting to Dickson, Hickman, Cheatham, Houston and Montgomery counties.

About Sensus

Sensus is a leading utility infrastructure company offering smart meters, communication systems, software and services for the electric, gas, and water industries. Sensus technology helps utilities drive operational efficiency and customer engagement with applications that include advanced meter reading, data acquisition, demand response, distribution automation, home area networking and outdoor lighting control. Customers worldwide trust the innovation, quality and reliability of Sensus solutions for the intelligent use and conservation of energy and water. Learn more at www.sensus.com. To follow Twitter updates from Sensus, please visit http://twitter.com/sensussmartgrid.