Using Data to Improve Operational Efficiency
Channel: The DRIVE/conference
Date: 19/03/2014

Distribution utilities similar to PenLight are deploying new technologies such as transformer and line monitors, SCADA and smart meters to improve system reliability and detect potential power anomalies. This proactive approach will also improve customer service, optimize business processes, and improve the operational efficiency of the distribution system. The challenge is finding a reliable communication channel (s) to move data from the field to the back office, integrating new technologies and analyzing and interpreting the data.

Amy Grice
Amy started in the utility industry in 1998 as an intern installing Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications. After graduating from Washington State University with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (2002) and a later a Master's in Engineering and Technology Management (2008), Amy has continued to work towards implementing the newest technologies available to the power industry. She is currently a System Engineer at Peninsula Light Company in Gig Harbor, WA where she is responsible for overseeing the SCADA, Outage Management System (OMS), protection and communications infrastructure and working towards integrating field data into office applications to improve the reliability and operation of the distribution power grid.

Jonathan White
Director of Marketing & Member Services, Peninsula Light Co.
Jonathan has been with Peninsula Light Co (PenLight) since 1989. During his career at PenLight he has served in various job capacities from energy conservation, key accounts, products & services, public relations and marketing. In 2006 Jonathan became the Director of Members Service & Marketing. Modernizing the billing and collections processes with the deployment of their smart metering system in 2006 was a huge accomplishment for the co-op. In 2010 PenLight received a four year, $1 million grant from the Dept. of Energy Grant for three smart grid projects on Fox Island; Jonathan's team is responsible for the Demand Response program for electric water heaters. Jonathan has been a key player in getting the co-op to adopt new smart grid technologies to improve reliability and outage response. He is a frequent contributor to the Northwest Public Power Association's Bulletin Magazine covering various utility industry issues and challenges. He serves on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Member Advisor Group for Energy Innovation that oversees and recommends research funding for the Cooperative Research Network.