FAQ's
News Releases
Westar Energy applies for smart grid funding (2009-8-4)
U.S. DOE selects Westar's smart grid application (2009-10-27)
Westar Energy has applied with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for up to $20 million in funding under the Smart Grid Investment Grant program.
The company's application calls for development of a smart grid concept town in Lawrence, Kansas. Called "SmartStar Lawrence," the project will include installation of "smart" meters, interactive Web access, technology enhancements and improved service in Lawrence.
The project is estimated to cost a total of $40 million and is contingent on DOE approval of funding for half of it, about $20 million.
The company chose Lawrence as the concept town for this technology due to its size and its wide range of customers, including many student residents, commercial and industrial customers and educational institutions.
While Lawrence customers will be the first to receive smart meters, the systems and equipment the company plans to install will enable the same technology throughout Westar's service territory.
Smart Grid technology is a state-of-the-art approach to managing electricity systems. In the event of a power outage, for example, Westar will more easily determine the cause and restore power more quickly. Customers with smart meters and internet access will be able to daily monitor how much electricity they use and how much it costs.
Application Details
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - Smart Grid Investment Grant.
- Up to 50% match for selected projects.
- Filing made with DOE on August 5, 2009.
- 90-day initial review process for notice of selection.
- If selected, up to another 90-day review process for notice of funding.
- Once underway, project reporting will be available at www.recovery.gov.
|
SmartStar Lawrence Project Details
- $40 million project in greater Lawrence area.
- Base smart grid deployment for Westar Energy.
- Equipment - 48,000 meters, automated distribution equipment, smart grid-enabled outage management system, significant internal information technology infrastructure work.
- 27-month installation, beginning in 2010.
|
Customer Benefits
- Enhanced service reliability and response to outages.
- Daily energy use and cost information available to the customer.
- Optional services such as text and email alerts for bill trends and outages.
- Robust web portal with energy savings tips, carbon footprint calculator, neighborhood comparative analysis information.
- Enables offering demand side programs such as two way thermostats and smart, time of use pricing option.
- Supportive of "behind the meter" emerging consumer products such as smart appliances, in home energy displays and personal home energy management applications.
|
Westar Benefits
- Improved ability to meet changing customer expectations.
- Increased reliability of the electric system.
- Advanced outage management tools.
- Better utilization of electric system.
- Operational efficiencies from automated meter reading, remote service switches, automated knowledge of outages and location.
- More detailed energy use information for customer service delivery.
- Confirms smart grid benefit assumptions prior to larger deployment.
- Identifies most effective customer products and services.
Identifies required business process changes to support smart grid.
|
Timeline
- August, 2009 - Westar Energy files DOE funding application.
- November 2009 - DOE issues Notice of Selection to applicants.
- February, 2010 - DOE issues Notice of Funding to applicants.
- Fall, 2010 - SmartStar Lawrence meter installation begins.
|
|