Callum

The Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) has signed a US$2.3 million ($164.5 million) contract with the United States company, Trilliant Networks Inc., to set up an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for its approximately 6,000 commercial and industrial customers.

Trilliant Networks Inc., described as a leader in AMI, demand response, and grid management solutions in addition to installation, programme management and meter revenue cycle services, announced yesterday that it had reached an agreement with the JPS to develop and implement the system, which is to provide real-time reporting on the delivery and consumption of electricity among priority commercial and industrial customers.

Done over two phases

JPS's head of communications, Winsome Callum, said the power company had signed the contract with Trilliant on October 11, to implement the new system, which is to be done over two phases.

The automated system will use Trilliant's SerViewCom Data Acquisition and Processing Platform in combination with CellReader Advanced Communications Modules integrated with Itron SENTINEL meters to remotely collect time-of-use data, which is expected to allow JPS to improve service, reduce costs and provide better revenue assurance.

More important, it will also enable JPS to make real-time detection of metering anomalies and tampering; service outages particularly related to major tropical storms; and improve the accuracy and timely dispensation of customer billing.

Ms. Callum said 1,722 'smart' meters are to be installed during phase one of the project, by February 2008, which is valued at US$871,000.

US$1.43 million phase two

She said an additional 4,278 'smart' meters are to be installed during phase two of the project by December 2008. This phase is to cost US$1.43 million and will only be executed by Trilliant upon the successful completion of phase one.

The implementation of the AMI forms part of efforts by the JPS to reduce electricity theft and other system losses which account for about 22 per cent of production.

Trilliant has more than 100 utility customers, including: Duke Energy, E.ON US (Louisville Gas & Electric), Hydro One, Hydro Quebec, Milton Hydro, and Union Gas. The company is privately owned.