SmartSynch touts progress in Texas

What's this, smart grid technology that is actually being used for bonafide business purposes and not just in a pilot?

SmartSynch, which provides both smart meter technology and smart grid IP communications technology, is reporting that Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) is about halfway through the deployment of about 10,000 residential SmartMeters, which work with GE I-210+c electricity meters. SmartSynch CTO Henry Jones said the utility company is already using some of the installed meters to handle "move-in/move-out" requests.

You know what I'm talking about: When someone leaves a dwelling, there's always that last meter reading, before the new occupant takes over. This sounds pretty simple and basic. But these visits can cost $50 to $100 each, according to Jones. Now TNMP can handle them remotely.

This is especially crucial for TNMP, Jones says, because many of its service districts are fairly rural.

TNMP has been able to get its installation up and running so quickly because the smart meters rely on the AT&T wireless network, rather than a privately installed network, to communicate, according to Jones. When the rollout is complete, TNMP will be able to monitor and analyze customer usage metrics in 15-minute intervals.

SmartSynch has so far handled deployments for approximately 100 major North American utilities.