May 13, 2014 — RALEIGH, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) is now a value added reseller of data analytics solutions from Sensus, a leading provider of clean technology solutions. In conjunction with its long-standing partnership with Sensus, NRTC will offer transformer utilization, load aggregation, alert and alarm management data analytics applications and managed services to rural electric co-op members across the U.S.
“We are committed to offering our customers and partners solution-driven applications supported by the reliable, flexible and future-proof FlexNet communication network.”
The amendment follows Sensus’ April announcement of the acquisition of Atlanta-based Verdeeco, a smart grid analytics company offering big data solutions for electric, water and gas utilities.
The NRTC already offers Sensus smart grid technologies, including the FlexNet™ two-way communication network, smart meters, automation control and demand response solutions.
“The nation’s electric cooperatives will now be able to collect, integrate and analyze data from smart meters and other sensors on their network,” said Ed Drew, vice president of utility solutions at NRTC. “The ability of Sensus to also manage the data analytics applications as a turnkey solution will immediately drive operational cost savings for our members.”
The open standards-based communication network from Sensus helps electric utilities and their customers reduce costs, conserve resources, and lower carbon emissions. “Our growing portfolio of data analytics solutions is just one way we are meeting the needs of our customers,” said Sensus President Randy Bays. “We are committed to offering our customers and partners solution-driven applications supported by the reliable, flexible and future-proof FlexNet communication network.”
The Sensus/Verdeeco suite of products, services and applications enables utilities to aggregate data from smart meters, SCADA systems, customer billing software, news services and a myriad of other sources. All of the applications are hosted in a secure cloud by Verdeeco’s Grid as a Service™ platform. Cloud-based management requires a lower upfront capital investment, offers a reduced cost of ownership and enables the utility to take advantage of the latest software functionality.
Since 2011, NRTC members have installed nearly 600,000 Sensus meters at various rural electric cooperatives. With the renewed agreement, NRTC plans to install more than 1 million additional Sensus meters at cooperatives nationwide. The organization supports about 900 rural electric cooperatives.
