Consumers Energy opts for cellular-based smart grid

Rather than building its own private communications network for a 1.8-million-customer smart-meter rollout across Michigan, Consumers Energy is opting for a cellular-based system.

Its decision to deploy the system with SmartSynch makes it the largest utility yet in the US to choose cellular-based communications for a smart-grid deployment.

Consumers Energy plans to begin installing SmartSynch meters in Muskegon County in August 2012, with the rollout continuing in phases through 2019. It’s also evaluating communications options for some 600,000 gas meters in areas where it provides customers with both electricity and natural gas.

“We’re excited about installing these meters because of the benefits it will bring to our customers,” said John Russell, president and CEO of Consumers Energy. “As we develop our program, it will allow us to offer new options to customers and allow them to use our system to integrate new technology — such as smart appliances and plug-in electric vehicles — into their daily lives.”

The advanced metering system is also expected to help the utility identify power outages and restore service more quickly.

Stephen Johnston, CEO of SmartSynch, said the decision by Consumers Energy suggests more utilities will be likely to adopt cellular communications for their smart-grid projects.

“Only cellular networks offer the bandwidth to support the smart grid applications of today and those that will inevitably surface as smart grid technology rapidly evolves,” he said.