Alliant Energy has selected the Sensus Metering Systems FlexNet AMI system to implement advanced metering infrastructure across its entire service territory, in the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. Subject to regulatory approvals, the deployment is set to begin in Wisconsin starting in the fourth quarter of 2007 and includes more than one million iCon smart electricity meters and 400,000 FlexNet AMI endpoints installed on existing natural gas meters.
The FlexNet system will allow Alliant Energy to leverage its prior investment in an extensive array of communications towers already in place for voice communications. In addition, the primary licensed frequency in which the FlexNet system operates provides the most protection over the long term, and enables Alliant Energy to transmit at up to 2 W of power, thus reducing the infrastructure needed to support its three state (54,000 sq. miles) service territory.
Alliant Energy will benefit from the system's flexibility and use of a single fixed base technology for areas within its service territory where it provides electric and/or natural gas services. In addition, because FlexNet is a tower-based AMI network, Alliant Energy will be prepared to accommodate future growth as it expands meter deployments.
