Cooper Power Systems and Cisco are teaming up to incorporate Cisco's IP-based smart grid technology into Cooper Power Systems' next-generation substation and distribution automation solutions for electric utilities.

The agreement will allow Cooper Power Systems to include Cisco's rugged routers and switches, the Cisco 2010 Connected Grid Router and the Cisco 2520 Connected Grid Switch in Cooper Power Systems' substation and distribution automation solutions. This component of the evolving end-to-end IP-based smart grid infrastructure will help enable utility customers to lower operating costs, support new sources of distributed energy and increase reliability, while simultaneously automating and improving outage management.

“Both companies share a smart grid vision of integrated networks and have complementary offerings” said Tom Pitstick, vice president and general manager of Energy Automation Solutions, a strategic business unit at Cooper Power Systems focused on smart grid solutions.

“This integrated solution will play a central role in furthering that vision by providing utilities with secure standards-based solutions to integrate smart grid devices and systems into the next generation of smart grid utility solutions,” said Pitstick. “Cooper will bring its domain and applications systems expertise across a range of utility systems and will take advantage of Cisco's extensive networking experience to help utilities integrate their systems and deal with the increasing volume of data and complexity of interconnectivity brought by the move to a smart grid.”

Cooper Substation and Distribution Automation solutions already occupy leading positions in the smart grid market. Cooper is actively involved in projects using IEC 61850, GOOSE and advanced networking technologies. These efforts will benefit from Cisco's leadership and vision in building the smart grid into an integrated network platform.

Visit www.cooperpower.com.