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GE Smart Grid Technology Could Transform Milton Keynes into World-Class, Low-Carbon City

^{Published on 2010-09-08 09:31:36 - Market Wire}
 

BRACKNELL, United Kingdom--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--GE (NYSE: GE) is working with electricity distributor Central Networks on a project proposal to put the city of Milton Keynes at the forefront of the United Kingdom's transition to smart grid technology and low carbon urban living. The proposal has been submitted to U.K. energy regulator Ofgem in an effort to secure a slice of its 500 million Low Carbon Networks Fund (LCNF).

"There is no single solution that transforms a city from todaya™s carbon-heavy energy model to a clean smart city model"

The proposal, called MKSmart2020, aims to demonstrate how a low carbon energy network might operate as well as gather operational data for future initiatives. If the proposal is selected, Milton Keynes is poised to become a world-class example for what a low carbon energy infrastructure could achieve, along with the very real potential of the United Kingdoma™s quest to reduce energy emissions 20 percent by 2020.

aMKSmart2020 is much more than a technology demonstration or product rollout,a said John Crackett MD of Central Networks. aIt is a living laboratory to fine-tune how consumers, businesses and government can mesh as a force to change their thinking and how they interact with energy. Together, we hope to leverage new technologies to demonstrate how we can live within a new, cleaner, more efficient energy model that keeps improving lifestyles without jeopardizing our environment.a

If the proposal is selected, GEa™s expertise would focus on the smart grid initiatives within the project that would improve the efficiency, reliability and understanding of energy throughout the power grida"from generation to consumption. Lessons learned from Milton Keynes could serve as a roadmap for other end-to-end smart city deployments throughout the European Union and the world.

aThere is no single solution that transforms a city from todaya™s carbon-heavy energy model to a clean smart city model,a said Keith Redfearn, general managera"digital energy, Northern Europe for GE Energy Services. aUsing what wea™ve learned from deploying smart grid solutions around the world, wea™re proposing a holistic transformation that upgrades basic infrastructure to state-of-the-art energy management systems. The citizens of Milton Keynes could have capabilities and opportunities they never had before.a

A smarter grid has the potential to give consumers in-depth information on their energy usage. As a result, consumers will be able to understand the consequence of the energy decisions they make every day and be able to better manage their energy consumption and costs. Once deployed, new grid software and sensors and controls will make it easy and cost-effective to add more local renewable power, such as localized wind generation and biomass as well as making plug-in electric cars a viable transport option.

Ofgem is due to announce winning project proposals in December 2010. If the Milton Keynes proposal is successful, the project could begin in early 2011, pending anticipated funding.

About Central Networks

Central Networks provides a reliable supply to 10 million people in central England through 133,000 km of underground and overhead cablesa"enough to go round the Earth more than three timesa"and via almost 94,000 substations. Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the worlda™s toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, health care solutions and television programming, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at [ www.ge.com ].

GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With nearly 85,000 global employees and 2009 revenues of $37 billion, GE Energy [ www.ge.com/energy ] is one of the worlda™s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energya"GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gasa"work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.