Smart grid solutions delivered to Kansas utilities

Smart grid technology company Tantalus Systems partners with Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) to help more than 80 of their utilities adopt purpose-built smart grid solutions.

The partnership is a promising prospect where Tantalus, who transforms grids to bolster public utility efficacy, joins forces with KMEA, who provide member services across engineering, testing, line maintenance, and rate studies. It will also enable KMEA members to deploy the Tantalus Utility Network (TUNet®), which includes an Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) communications network, edge-computing endpoints, a suite of software applications and data analytics.

Grid modernisation

TUNet aims to modernise the distribution grid; member utilities will be able to reduce upfront grid digitalisation investments and secure immediate benefits from advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). This AMI alongside data analytics will allow them to improve their systems’ resiliency, reliability and efficiency.

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“In an effort to make smart grid investments accessible through shared services, this partnership provides all of our members with an equal opportunity to install an AMI system while reducing upfront expenditures for utilities,” said Paul Mahlberg, General Manager at KMEA.

Three members are already deploying TUNet to solve immediate operational challenges, including remote power disconnect and reconnect, outage management and broader automation.

Automation and digitalization

As a Joint Action Agency, KMEA will provide hosting services to assist members transform their distribution grids digitally. They will be able to license, access and use Tantalus’ software on KMEA’s hosted server.

“Tantalus develops and delivers technology solutions to help public power and electric cooperative utilities digitally transform and automate their distribution grids to become more sustainable,” said Peter Londa, President & CEO of Tantalus Systems.

Londa emphasized Tantalus’ excitement at the prospect of including KMEA among a growing number of joint action agencies: “We (…) look forward to working alongside their team to ensure all member utilities in Kansas are able to access the necessary systems and tools to deliver reliable and cost-effective energy to their communities.”