Smart Grid Monitoring and Metrics

Utilites embracing "Smart Grid" projects will quickly discover that their AMI and networking equipment are electronic devices more akin to a personal computer than to the meters of the previous century. Not only are the electronics of unknown durability and quality - inter-operability of software and firmware/microcode are equally unknown.

Because this is a new frontier, the DOE deliberately required recipients of funds from the ARRA programs (SGIG and SGDP) to provide extensive reporting as a condition of funding. The elements for measurement required by the DOE are not arbitrary or frivolous. Any utility would do well to consider developing the systems to monitor these points for their own management and interaction with stakeholders.

The specifics required (document dated December 7, 2009) are a natural fit with the methodology used by TekTrakker. TekTrakker automatically conforms disorganized asset descriptions into a single format ideal for reporting to the DOE.  Reporting the "Build Metrics" sections of all product lines is greatly enhanced by using pre-conformed data produced by TekTrakker.

Similarly, Impact Metrics cannot be calculated without knowledge of the repairs made (truck rolls) in the new environment as compared to the repairs made in the original environment. These comparisons are made automatically by TekTrakker as part of our historical tracking of all reporting.

Most utilities will find that the data required to create such reporting already exists but is trapped in disparate systems and cannot be easily coordinated without investment in new programs and procedures. The costs and challenges of process change are avoided by using TekTrakker. 

TekTrakker organizes disparate reporting systems externally so that clients can begin with a Baseline analysis of their current environment. O&M costs can be easily associated with particular products or types of activity. As the project evolves and the environment changes over time, all changes are captured and tracked by TekTrakker, and reporting available instantly on demand to document the impact. 

SGIG Compatible Reporting is a basic function of TekTrakker with no additional fees.

Click HERE for a PDF breakdown of SGIG Reporting Requirements Met by TekTrakker.