Dairyland Power installs multifunction high-end meters and expanded wide area I/P communications for metering and real-time data collection

Abstract

Dairyland Power Cooperative is installing a new distribution automation/telecommunications system that will provide secure collection of substation meter readings, load profile billing information, real-time meter data, local alarms, and a secure communications path for member Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) systems. Dairyland Power is a generation and transmission cooperative located in La Crosse, WI that provides wholesale power to 25-member cooperatives and 19-member municipal electric systems. Dairyland Power was experiencing diminished analog cellular service with limited bandwidth, minimal security, and no guarantee of service beyond February of 2008. As a result, a comprehensive distribution automation and telecommunications project was approved in December 2004. Expansion of the existing digital microwave network, installation of point-to-multipoint I/P-capable spread spectrum radios, and installation of custom-designed metering, communications, and automation cabinets provides secure serial and I/P connections for real-time and billing metering data, distribution SCADA, load management, and AMR traffic.