JEA will begin deploying Landis+Gyr's Gridstream RF Network as part of a smart grid project aimed at enhancing customer service and helping consumers manage energy consumption.

Under the agreement with JEA, Landis+Gyr will install Gridstream technology to enable two-way communication with advanced meters. This technology also provides the capability to connect distribution devices and home area network equipment to the system through a single network. The project includes installation of 3,000 FOCUS AX-SD meters with integrated ZigBee communications and service switches.

Once the network is in place, the utility can strategically offer new programs to help consumers with energy management, such as an electric prepay program, an online consumer energy portal and variable time-based pricing. The technology upgrades also will provide automatic outage and event notifications to further improve outage-restoration response.

The Gridstream network enhancement is part of a broader smart grid initiative for which JEA received a stimulus grant from the Department of Energy. In addition to improving its advanced metering capabilities, JEA also will enact several upgrades to its data management and operational software, as well as adding customer engagement tools that, in addition to a web portal, will include testing outbound messaging and alerts.

Landis+Gyr currently manages an advanced meter network that collects and reports daily information from JEA's 730,000 electric and water meters. The new Gridstream infrastructure will be deployed and maintained under this managed services contract.

For more information, visit www.jea.com or landisgyr.com.