As OG&E begins implementing its Positive Energy Smart Grid program in Norman, Oklahoma, the company announced that The Structure Group was selected to continue supporting the implementation of its smart grid roadmap.

OG&E plans to install 42,000 new digital meters across Norman in 2010. During the same time, about 3000 Norman customers will be equipped with new programmable thermostats and energy-use devices to help them track and control their electricity use and costs.

OG&E started working with The Structure Group to develop an approach to transform the electric utility to meet the changing demands associated with smart grid. Work with The Structure Group has included collaborating on the business case to support the Positive Energy Smart Grid program, creating "day in the life" scenarios that detail how smart grid technology could be used most effectively, and developing requests for proposals for other partners to support implementation of the program. By integrating areas such as distribution automation, advanced metering, demand response, cyber security and compliance, OG&E foresees the development of an integrated solution that enhances the customer experience while reducing overall operating costs.

The team moves now to the next phases of the program, which includes implementation planning, business process reengineering, system deployment /integration and field deployment for Norman.

"Our program will integrate in-home technology, such as communicating programmable thermostats, with advanced technology on our electric distribution system," said Ken Grant, Managing Director for OG&E's Smart Grid program. "The Structure Group has been a strong partner as we've developed plans for implementing smart grid technology in Norman, and we look forward to a continued relationship with them."