Case Study: Southwest Tennessee EMC improves power factor with Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream solution

How one utility improved power factor by leveraging its AMI system

Southwest Tennessee EMC (STEMC) wanted to improve off-peak efficiency by optimizing power factor across its distribution network. To do this, the utility needed a way to control capacitor banks based on Volt/VAR data from substation relays, while its SCADA system could monitor power factor but not directly automate capacitor switching. Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream PLC network was the key asset already in place.

Landis+Gyr worked with STEMC and its SCADA provider to integrate the SCADA and Gridstream head-end systems so the SCADA data could trigger capacitor switching events automatically within seconds. The solution automated capacitor control, helped ensure capacitors operated only when needed, and improved power factor while reducing line losses by leveraging existing infrastructure.

Southwest Tennessee EMC