Pedernales Electric Cooperative Selects DVI for Volt/VAR Optimization Platform to Offset Load Growth

- Pilot deployed in strategic locations to validate technology, measure energy/cost savings
- Program expected to offset expected a portion of load growth through voltage conservation
- Members to benefit from program without change in usage behavior

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Voltage Inc. (DVI), a grid optimization subsidiary of Dominion Resources Inc. (NYSE: D) announced today it was selected by Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), the largest electric distribution cooperative in the United States, to participate in an innovative Volt/VAR optimization pilot program in response to continued load growth in central Texas.

"Pedernales Electric Cooperative, serving one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, is meeting the strategic objectives of smart growth by implementing technologies that provide further savings and better value for our membership," said John Hewa, CEO of Pedernales. "For example, we expect DVI's EDGE® AMI-based VVO platform to generate energy savings for our members and lower PEC's wholesale charges by reducing demand during the Four Coincident Peak summer season."

"Pedernales is using a smart approach to meet increased demand through the use of grid optimization and voltage conservation," said Todd Headlee, DVI's executive director. "DVI's EDGE® technology leverages the investment they've already made in metering for use as a voltage sensor for the purposes of voltage optimization. DVI's patented technology controls voltage to its optimum level, saving the end user between 2 percent and 4 percent by operating loads behind the meter more efficiently. The best part is that it is all possible without sacrificing power quality or requiring customers to change their behavior."

The EDGE® pilot will be strategically deployed in select locations to allow PEC to validate the benefits of optimizing their distribution system voltage and measure energy efficiency, Volt/VAR optimization, and voltage stabilization.

Work on the PEC project began in June and implementation is expected in October of this year.

 

About DVI

DVI is a leading provider of grid analytics and control technology, providing solutions for energy efficiency, demand response, volt/VAR control, and system reliability. DVI's patented approach plans, manages and validates utilities' investments in grid optimization programs while delivering significant savings to both utilities and their customers (U.S. patents 8437883 and 8577510, and other U.S. and foreign patents pending). For more information about DVI, visit www.dvigridsolutions.com.

About Dominion

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 24,600 megawatts of generation, 12,200 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,455 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 928 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves utility and retail energy customers in 13 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com or Dominion Energy Solutions at www.DominionEnergy.com

About Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative, based in Johnson City, Texas, is the largest distribution electric cooperative in the country, serving more than 271,000 meters in an 8,100-square-mile service area. Founded in 1938 with the help of then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, PEC provides safe, reliable and fairly priced electric service to all or parts of 24 Central Texas counties.

 

Sign up to receive Dominion news via email: http://dom.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=26682

SOURCE Dominion Voltage Inc.

For further information: Janell Hancock, DVI, (804) 771-6115, janell.m.hancock@dom.com; Bradley Hicks, PEC, (830) 868-5135, Brad.Hicks@peci.com