ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Households across Ecuador are poised to see improvements in the reliability of their electric service thanks to a smart meter infrastructure by GE Energy (NYSE: GE). Some 25,000 meters will be installed in Ecuador by Electrica de Guayaquil (EDG). This is the second phase of a complete overhaul of the country’s meters, which will eventually replace nearly 200,000 meters.
“Improving Ecuador’s energy outlook is a very important factor in improving Ecuador’s economic outlook,” said Ing. Oscar Armijos Gonzalez-Rubio, general manager to Electrica de Guayaquil. “The information, network management and efficiency gains from this new meter infrastructure will help us get the most benefit from our electric grid.”
As part of an overall grid modernization strategy, GE’s meter solution will enable remote connect and disconnect of customers, the collection of usage information for efficiency planning and future enhancements such as demand response control and pre-payment. GE will deliver smart meters with advanced metering infrastructure and RF communications. Trilliant will provide the communications platform.
“EDG is becoming a Latin American leader in adopting new technologies to improve energy service,” said Roberto Vengoechea, general manager, Digital Energy Latin America. “These smart meters give EDG the data points and capabilities to change consumers’ relationships with electricity. The enhanced network control and efficiency tools enabled by smart meters open doors to the very latest energy innovations that can increase productivity and efficiency while reducing and minimizing outages.”
The relationship between GE and Latin America goes back 90 years. Most recently, GE announced the GE Global Research Center project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The $500 million center will generate smart grid solutions to the specific needs of each country in the region. In addition, GE is working with AES Eletropaulo to collaborate on a smart grid research and development project—bringing the benefits of smart meters to the city of Sao Paulo and setting the stage for a more reliable and efficient energy infrastructure in Brazil.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Management and GE Oil & Gas—work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, 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; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.