Stearns Electric Association has joined Arcadian Network's 700 MHz communications network to monitor and manage meter information across its dispersed customer base.
Stearns Electric Association serves 24,000 customers in the Central Minnesota region and is a member of the Great River Energy (GRE) electric co-op. GRE is the second largest wholesale electric power supplier in Minnesota and the fifth largest generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative in the United States, serving approximately 1.7 million people. Arcadian Networks launched its 700 MHz network with GRE as its anchor tenant in April 2006.
Tim Weir, staff engineer of Stearns Electric Association stated, "Stearns Electric is deploying a two-way AMR system to increase both billing and operational efficiencies. Arcadian Networks is enabling next-generation AMR applications at the most cost-effective price point. Their offering is unique and will make Stearns Electric Association more able to meet tomorrow's energy demands."
Ed Solar, senior vice president, sales and marketing, commented, "Arcadian Networks' 700 MHz platform is designed specifically to enable electric utilities to easily integrate a wireless solution into their communications infrastructures. In effect, they can more efficiently utilize critical information to enhance day-to-day operations."
