Stearns Electric Association Joins Arcadian Networks' 700 MHz Wireless Network
February 7, 2008 — Arcadian Networks, a wireless communications carrier serving energy companies with dispersed assets (electric, gas and water utilities, and oil and gas companies), announced today that Stearns Electric Association has joined its 700 Megahertz communications network to monitor and manage meter information across it dispersed customer base.
Stearns Electric Association serves 24,000 customers in the Central MN region and is a member of the Great River Energy (GRE) electric coop. GRE is the second largest wholesale electric power supplier in Minnesota and the fifth largest generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative in the U.S. serving approximately 1.7 million people. Arcadian Networks launched its 700 MHz network with GRE as its anchor tenant in April 2006.
Tim Weir, Staff Engineer of Stearns Electric Association stated, "Stearns Electric is deploying a two-way AMR system to increase both billing and operational efficiencies. Arcadian Networks is enabling next generation AMR applications at the most cost-effective price point. Their offering is unique and will make Stearns Electric Association more able to meet tomorrow's energy demands."
Ed Solar, senior vice president, sales and marketing, commented, "Arcadian Networks' 700 MHz platform is designed specifically to enable electric utilities to easily integrate a wireless solution into their communications infrastructures. In effect, they can more efficiently utilize critical-information to enhance day-to-day operations.
Stearns Electric Association's decision to upgrade its communications infrastructure speaks to the co-op's commitment to provide the best electric service to its customers. In order to effectively serve its dispersed customer base, Stearns Electric Association required hands on access to real-time data. With a wireless platform in place, not only can Stearns Electric Association accomplish real-time monitoring of its advanced metering assets, it can implement demand response programs and other elements of next generation utility management applications."
About Arcadian Networks
Arcadian Networks provides "last mile" wireless carrier services to the energy sector (electric, water, and gas utilities and oil and gas companies). The company's 700 MHz licensed spectrum delivers a converged IP network with voice and data communications for fixed and mobile applications. The real-time broadband communications platform reduces operational costs, improves resiliency, and transforms electric grids into efficient "smart grids" and oil fields into optimized "smart fields". For more information, visit: www.arcadiannetworks.com
About Stearns Electric Association
Stearns Electric Association is a Touchstone Energy® electric cooperative providing electricity to over 24,000 members in parts of the following counties: Stearns, Todd, Morrison, Kandiyohi, Pope and Douglas. In addition to the headquarters in Melrose, the Cooperative operates a district office in St. Cloud.