Siemens Provides Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative with an Advanced Meter Data Management System for Its Smart Grid Project

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Energy, Inc. has been selected by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative to deliver eMeter Corporation's EnergyIP™ meter data management system (MDMS) software and Energy Engage™ consumer Web portal for its Smart Grid project. Siemens is the global sales and delivery channel for EnergyIP and also manages installation, configuration and first-line support.

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During the initial definition stage of its Sustainable Grid strategy, Bluebonnet, which provides electricity to 14 central Texas counties, determined that Siemens Energy's utility industry experience and Smart Grid expertise were critical for this project. Bluebonnet recognized its investment in an advanced meter data management system that provides long-term value because of EnergyIP's open, flexible integration platform that will enable future Smart Grid applications.

"Siemens Energy's experience in the electric utility industry made it the right choice for Bluebonnet to partner with in our Sustainable Grid program for the implementation of a meter data management system," said Mark Rose, Bluebonnet's CEO. "EnergyIP is a key component in our Smart Grid technology as it will provide our members with the information they need to know to control energy usage, electric bills and their environmental impact."

Bluebonnet envisions that the existing and future capability of the meter data management system will enable advanced Smart Grid features, such as time-of-use billing, electric system diagnostics and alerts, remote meter connect/disconnect, pre-pay billing, demand response and a two-way, real-time interface between members and the cooperative via Web and/or in-home displays. Siemens Energy will provide application configuration and system integration necessary to bring all of the Smart Grid functionality to life.

Kevin O'Hara, vice president and general manager of Siemens Energy's T&D Service Solutions said, "We are pleased that we are able to launch our partnership with Bluebonnet by assisting them with their Smart Grid project. We are looking forward to a successful implementation of EnergyIP, with the knowledge that the MDMS will be the gateway for communication to all other systems Bluebonnet deems necessary for their Smart Grid initiative."

Siemens understands the complete energy conversion chain and is able to transform today's grid into a living infrastructure that is smart enough to respond quickly, flexibly and comprehensively to society's energy needs. Siemens also incorporates solutions for commercial and industrial applications as well as smart homes, including building automation, IT systems integration, advanced lighting technology and energy efficient appliances for a comprehensive Smart Grid solution.

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world's leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2009 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR25.8 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR30 billion and posted a profit of EUR3.3 billion. On September 30, 2009, the Energy Sector had a work force of approximately 85,100. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/energy.

About eMeter

eMeter provides essential software that enables electric, gas and water utilities to realize the full benefits of Smart Grid. Leading utilities worldwide depend on eMeter Smart Grid Management software to reduce operational costs, improve customer service, and drive energy efficiency. With the most large-scale deployments in the industry and strategic partnerships with Accenture, IBM, Logica, and Siemens, eMeter has built a reputation for unparalleled expertise that ensures customer success. For more information visit: www.emeter.com.

About Bluebonnet

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative serves more than 80,000 meters and owns and maintains about 11,000 miles of power lines, located across more than 3,800 square miles within 14 central Texas counties. Bluebonnet's service area stretches from Travis County to Washington County and from Milam County down to Gonzales County. The Company's vision is to provide the power that unlocks the potential of its employees to transform the lives of its members.

SOURCE Siemens Energy, Inc.