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Kandiyohi Power Deploys Arcadian Networks for Distribution System Communications

Posted on: Monday, 27 October 2008, 15:00 CDT

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Kandiyohi Power is the latest member of a rapidly growing community of utilities that have upgraded distribution system communications with Smart Grid ready, 700 MHz licensed broadband IP communication networks from Arcadian Networks.

The Kandiyohi Power cooperative has provided electrical power to its members in West Central Minnesota since 1939. With Arcadian Networks broadband connectivity now deployed to eight of its substations, Kandiyohi is positioned at the forefront of cooperatives prepared to utilize new Smart Grid strategies enabled by two-way IP infrastructure communications.

Kandiyohi selected Arcadian after recognizing a need to position itself to be ready for future automation technology. Kandiyohi representative Chuck Ott said, "We knew that we would be switching to new substation processing units that will require an Ethernet connection. Using the 700 MHz Arcadian system that now supports our automated metering backhaul communications, we will be able to hook right up and expand our use of the installed network."

Kandiyohi wanted to prepare not only for planned technology upgrades, but also for new automation initiatives in the future. Ott said, "One of the driving forces behind our decision was the possibility of time-of-use rates in the future and our plans for an ongoing roll out of two-way advanced metering infrastructure in support of our members."

The Arcadian managed service network model allows Kandiyohi to lower maintenance costs for the communications system and decrease its operational risks allowing for significant additional cost savings over alternatives. "We appreciate being able to operate a secure and reliable network to support distribution substation system communications without needing to bear all the costs and risks of upkeep," concluded Ott.

About Kandiyohi Power

Kandiyohi Power Cooperative, a Touchstone(R) Energy Partner, was organized in November, 1935 under the cooperative laws in the State of Minnesota to furnish, improve, and expand electric service to its members in the West Central area of Minnesota. Kandiyohi is a total energy provider, serving members across Minnesota's Kandiyohi, Swift, Stearns, and Chippewa Counties.

About Arcadian Networks

Arcadian Networks provides "last mile" wireless carrier services to the energy sector (electric, water, and gas utilities and oil and gas companies). The company's 700 MHz licensed spectrum delivers a converged IP network with voice and data communications for fixed and mobile applications. The real-time broadband communications platform reduces operational costs, improves resiliency, and transforms electric grids into efficient "smart grids" and oil fields into optimized "smart fields." For more information, please visit http://www.arcadiannetworks.com/

Arcadian Networks

CONTACT: Mike Beasley, Arcadian Networks, +1-914-579-6300,mike.beasley@arcadiannetworks.com; or Don McDonnell, The McDonnell Group,Inc., +1-404-583-0003, don@themcdonnellgroup.com

Web Site: http://www.arcadiannetworks.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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