Nation’s First ‘White Spaces’ Smart Grid Trial
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, June 28, 2010 · 
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Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative & Telecommunications (PSREC), Google, and Spectrum Bridge Inc. are partnering together for the nation’s first trial of a smart grid wireless network trial utilizing TV “white spaces” spectrum– the unused TV broadcast channels made available by the transition from analog to digital TV.
Through the project, PSREC aims to more efficiently manage its supply and demand of electricity, and provide broadband access to an underserved community. PSREC serves Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra counties in California, and portions of Washoe County in Nevada.The wireless network will deliver broadband connectivity to remote substations and switchgear, allowing PSREC system operators to manage the electrical system remotely. Lori Rice, Chief Operating Officer at PSREC, said, “Plumas, Lassen and Sierra Counties are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and present some very technical challenges with respect to wireless coverage. The ability to use White Space has proven to be an effective option for dealing with difficult terrain and offers another option for wireless connectivity.”
PSREC has also deployed Google’s PowerMeter technology, an energy monitoring tool that helps consumers save energy and money using information provided by a smart meter. With the White Spaces network and Google PowerMeter, consumers can view real-time detailed energy consumption data from anywhere, online.
The FCC has declared that TV White Spaces are well suited for wireless data networks and can be used to deliver cost effective broadband connectivity for a wide variety of consumer, business and government applications. A significant criticism of the use of white spaces is the potential interference with other licensed TV broadcasts and other protected users. The Spectrum Bridge TV White Spaces Database will help to ensure that this network does not interfere with other users of the white spaces spectrum. The database dynamically assigns non-interfering frequencies to white spaces devices, and, according to reports, adapts in real-time to new TV broadcasts, as well as other protected TV band users operating in the area.
“We are pleased to be working with Spectrum Bridge and Plumas County to give consumers access to their energy information, and are excited to see this innovative use of TV white spaces,” said Rick Needham, Director of Green Business Operations at Google. “This project demonstrates the incredible potential of this spectrum to revolutionize not only wireless communications but also rural energy.”
In addition to providing a smart electric grid, the network will provide broadband access to one community. “The Plumas-Sierra White Spaces trial is further proof that TV White Spaces is a great tool to extend broadband connectivity to underserved areas and make possible applications like Smart Grid, in ways that couldn’t be done cost-effectively before,” said Jeff Schmidt, Director of Engineering at Spectrum Bridge.
For more, see this press release.
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