Nov 04 2008

LACLEDE ELECTRIC MOVES FORWARD WITH SMART GRID SYSTEM
Missouri Cooperative Commits to Full-Scale Deployment of TUNet Utility Communications Network

Vancouver BC – November 4, 2008 – Laclede Electric Cooperative announces their decision to fully deploy an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system as the first step in a broader Smart Grid initiative designed to enhance customer service across their service territory, improve overall electrical network efficiencies, reduce operating costs, and automate the way energy is monitored and managed.

Laclede distributes energy to 35,000 members located in six south-central Missouri counties. The 1,400 square mile service territory embraces a variety of population densities including urban, suburban, commercial & industrial and rural areas that span diverse topologies ranging from thickly-forested regions to broad stretches of farmland.

Laclede selected a Tantalus Utility Network – TUNet® – because of its flexibility, scalability, and capability to serve as a single communications backbone that supports the full range of Smart Grid functionality. TUNet uses RF (radio frequency) technology which is inexpensively and reliably deployed and operated throughout both urban and rural service areas. With the AMI communications network in place, Laclede can prioritize deployment to specific members and/or geographic areas and evolve step-by-step to a complete implementation. TUNet is expandable to incorporate other communications technologies such as fiber should the needs change over time.

“The range and comprehensive capabilities of the Tantalus system proved to be an excellent fit for our varied member needs, diverse operating environments and desire to automate our distribution network” said Ken Miller, General Manager of Laclede Electric Cooperative. “What’s more, it gives us the foundation to add Smart Grid applications in the future as they become relevant and beneficial to our utility and our members. Tantalus demonstrated the commitment and insight to work with us in applying TUNet for maximum benefit.”

Laclede will begin deployment this fall with full implementation expected within 24 months.

The project calls for full change-out of existing electromechanical meters with solid-state Itron CENTRON® meters for residential accounts. CENTRON meters equipped with TUNet modules enable a utility to collect data efficiently and economically via Tantalus’ two-way, real-time communications network. This allows Laclede to accurately monitor consumption, power quality and pinpoint outages by individual meter or in aggregate, either on request or in scheduled intervals. Data delivered via TUNet integrates into backend billing, load forecasting and other applications which can help Laclede improve system performance, forecasting and records management.

“The diligence and thoroughness demonstrated by the Laclede team during the technology assessment stage is commendable,” says Bob Herbst of Power System Engineering, the consulting firm which managed the procurement process. “The Cooperative was meticulous in its approach, getting input from all stakeholders and laying down the functional capabilities and economic benefits it required from an AMI system alongside its goals for future Smart Grid initiatives."

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About Laclede Electric Cooperative
Laclede Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative providing energy services to over 35,000 locations across 5,137 miles of line throughout a six-county service territory in South-central Missouri. Laclede Electric is focused on meeting our members' needs by providing exceptional customer service and a reliable supply of electricity, all at a reasonable cost. As a Touchstone Energy® cooperative we are dedicated to achieving these goals by following four core values: integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community. The cooperative’s headquarters are located at 1400 East Route 66 in Lebanon, with district offices in Camdenton, Hartville and Waynesville.

About Power System Engineering (PSE)
Power System Engineering, Inc. (PSE) is a full service consulting firm for electric utilities.  The professionals at PSE include: engineers, IT experts, utility strategy experts, economists, and financial analysts. PSE has extensive experience in all facets of the utility industry, including: communications (fixed and mobile), technology work plans, AMI, construction work plans, long range plans & sectionalizing studies, automated staking & line design, rates and financial planning, substation automation, and many others.

About Tantalus
Tantalus provides two-way, real-time data communications networks to monitor and control electric, gas and water utilities. TUNet® – the Tantalus Utility Network – is an end-to-end communications system that operates with both RF and IP-based networks including FTTH, Fiber, WiFi, WiMAX, GPRS/cellular, and 220 MHz either individually or in a combination network. TUNet is built for the Smart Grid. It unites a utility’s applications, making advanced metering, outage management, power quality monitoring, load control, and distribution automation cost-effective and practical throughout both urban and rural service areas.