Silver Spring picked for Bluebonnet smart grid initiative

Silver Spring Networks, a leading provider of smart grid solutions, announced January 27 that it has been selected by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative to provide the network infrastructure as well as smart grid applications and hosting services for its Sustainable Grid initiative.  

The program is part of Bluebonnet’s larger initiative to use next-generation smart grid technologies to network homes and businesses across 14 Central Texas counties. Silver Spring’s Smart Energy Platform will allow Bluebonnet to empower members with more information to help manage their energy use and save money, without compromising their lifestyles. The program will also help Bluebonnet maintain competitive electricity rates and continue to deliver reliable service to its membership.   

“We’re proud to be working with the progressive management team at Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative to move them closer to their goal of building sustainable communities that have a net zero impact on the Texas state energy grid,” said Scott Lang, Chairman, President and CEO of Silver Spring.  “By deploying our energy awareness and demand response solutions, Bluebonnet will empower its membership with one of the key benefits of an intelligent energy grid – greater control over their energy use and bills.”
 
In support of Bluebonnet’s efforts, Silver Spring will provide its Smart Energy Platform, comprised of a secure and field-proven IP network, smart grid applications and network administration software. The network platform supports the use of multiple transport technologies to address the coverage challenges of Bluebonnet’s rural service territory. Silver Spring will host Bluebonnet’s smart grid applications via Software as a Service (SaaS) to speed implementation and lower costs. The network administration software allows for over-the-air device configuration, upgrades and management. Roll out is slated to begin this year.

“Silver Spring’s smart grid platform offers an efficient and effective communications network for our rural service territory, meeting a unique challenge for a utility like ours,” said Mark Rose, Bluebonnet CEO. “We know our members don’t want to be surprised by their energy bills. This initiative and our partnership with Silver Spring are critical to empowering our members to conserve energy and lower their bills.”

About Bluebonnet
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is one of the largest electric cooperatives in Texas and has been serving its members since 1939. Bluebonnet serves 80,000 meters and owns and maintains 11,000 miles of power lines, located across more than 3,800 square miles within 14 Central Texas counties. Bluebonnet’s service area stretches from Travis County to Washington County and from Milam County down to Gonzales County.

About Silver Spring Networks
Silver Spring Networks is a leading smart grid solution provider that enables utilities to achieve operational efficiencies, reduce carbon emissions and empower their customers with new ways to monitor and manage their energy consumption. Silver Spring provides the hardware, software and services that allow utilities to deploy and run multiple advanced applications, including Smart Metering, Demand Response, Distribution Automation and Distributed Generation, over a single, unified network. Silver Spring’s Smart Energy Platform is based on open, Internet Protocol (IP) standards, allowing continuous, two-way communication between the utility and every device on the grid. Silver Spring has numerous deployments with leading utilities in the US and abroad, including Florida Power & Light, Pacific Gas & Electric, Pepco Holdings, Inc., Jemena Electricity Networks Limited and United Energy Distribution, among others.