| ATLANTA, GA.—May 21, 2009—GE today announced that it has completed the installation of smart grid technologies to help Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) overcome the two major challenges of power interruptions: restoration and customer communications. The newly installed GE PowerOn Outage Management System (OMS) helps CSU respond more quickly to power outages, while providing consumers with updated restoration-time estimates when outages do occur. The system improves customer service by providing network analysis tools to identify outage locations on the CSU electrical network and efficiently dispatch crews, speeding the repair process. PowerOn also provides restoration time estimates for consumers who call in, keeping them updated until restoration is complete. Leveraging these GE smart grid tools, CSU can significantly reduce the overall impact of service interruptions. Without automation technologies, utilities are dependent on manual processes to identify failed network components and manage the restoration process. However, with smart grid technologies, utilities are able to pinpoint failed devices within seconds, automatically dispatch crews and restore power quickly—while keeping their customers informed of the status of the power outage. The result: improved reliability and customer satisfaction. “We’re excited to be able to track outages in a more real-time manner and keep our customers better informed when we do have outages,” said Mathew Wells, operations superintendent at CSU. “We look forward to moving into our next phases of implementation with GE to enhance and maximize our service to customers.” GE is currently enhancing the system with PowerOn Mobile, which will put more real-time information and communications capabilities in the hands of crews in the field. A future project phase will integrate the OMS with CSU’s new smart meters and automated metering infrastructure, which will help detect outages sooner and restore service faster. “CSU has a history of striving for outstanding customer service levels and responsiveness,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president, transmission and distribution at GE Energy. “Their service commitment to several military bases and to the United States Air Force Academy within their territory extends to all of their customers. We’re pleased they selected GE Energy’s OMS product suite to raise their standards even higher.” Through industry collaborations, GE will deliver one of the broadest portfolio offerings in the industry to modernize the electrical systems from the power plant to the consumer. From smarter appliances to technologies for plug-in hybrid vehicles, to providing renewable technologies and smart meters, GE has the breadth and knowledge needed to increase energy productivity all the way up and down the power lines. About GEGE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work. For more information, contact:
Margaret Chapman |
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