PECO (News - Alert), a Pennsylvania-based electric and gas distribution company that provides energy to the greater Philadelphia area, has chosen Telvent’s smart grid solutions to upgrade its electrical network, reduce power losses and operational costs, and improve power quality and reliability.

Telvent is the premier real-time IT solutions and information provider for a sustainable world.

To monitor and control its electric network using one integrated system, PECO will implement Telvent's advanced distribution management system.

The utility with this system will have access to real-time information to control load management, fault analysis and network optimization.

Telvent's OASyS Dynamic Network of Applications supervisory control and data acquisition system will help PECO immediately pinpoint potential trouble spots within the network and increase customer satisfaction by addressing issues, such as service outages, more quickly and efficiently.

PECO opted for Telvent's solutions because of their rich functionality and ability to grow with the company to meet future smart grid needs.

"PECO went through a rigorous selection process and our solutions proved to be the best fit for their current needs and growth opportunities, which is a true testament to our position as a leader in the utility industry. We look forward to working with PECO to address its evolving smart grid needs,” said Ignacio Gonzalez, Telvent's chairman and CEO, in a press release.

As additional initiatives are implemented, Telvent's solutions will adapt to provide a detailed, integrated system that maximizes efficiencies and performance of PECO.

The project is expected to be completed by 2013. PECO also employs Telvent's OASyS DNA SCADA solution to optimize operational efficiencies and cut costs for its gas distribution network.

In related news, Sensus, a major player in smart metering and communication and PECO have finalized a contract for the purchase and deployment of the Sensus FlexNet Advanced Metering Infrastructure communications network and smart meters. 

Deepika Mala is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.