New Technologies
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| Date | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|
| July 2008 | Caption: Silver Spring Networks (SSN) SmartMeter electric meter is an electric radio frequency (RF) mesh network solution. RF mesh technology allows meters and other sensing devices to access the network by securely routing data via nearby meters and relay devices. Eventually, this will be the technology used throughout our electric system. The electric system supports two-way communication between the meter and PG&E, and can be upgraded remotely providing the ability to implement future innovations. |  |
| July 2008 | Caption: Nodes – access points and relays – are network devices for the SSN system. Access points transfer electric meter reads to PG&E’s head-end system via a cellular network. Relays receive electric meter reads via radio frequency and relay the reads to access points. Each mesh-enabled device (meters, relays) is connected to several other mesh-enabled devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and sends the data back to PG&E over a commercial third-party network. The resulting RF mesh network can span large distances and reliably transmit data over rough or difficult terrain. If a meter or other transmitter drops out of the network, its neighbors find another route. Capacity can be increased by simply adding more nodes. In this regard, the RF mesh network functions much like the Internet. The mesh continually optimizes routing to ensure information is passed from its source to its destination (i.e. an access point) as quickly and efficiently as possible. |  |
| January 2008 | Caption: Aclara SmartMeter gas meter modules are used throughout our gas service territory. The system is a radio frequency (RF) system that supports two-way communications from the meter to PG&E. PG&E also installed Aclara SmartMeter electric meters in some dual-commodity areas that use the same network. Meters are outfitted with an RF transmitter. |  |
| January 2008 | Caption: Aclara SmartMeter gas meter modules are used throughout our gas service territory. The system is a radio frequency (RF) system that supports two-way communications from the meter to PG&E. PG&E also installed Aclara SmartMeter electric meters in some dual-commodity areas that use the same network. Meters are outfitted with an RF transmitter. |  |
| January 2008 | Caption: The data collector unit (DCU) is a network device for the Aclara system. Transmits gas and/or electric read data via secure wireless network (e.g., cell phone infrastructure) back to PG&E. |  |
| October 2006 | Caption: Flashing Fault Indicators are electronic devices installed on overhead power lines that flash when outages occur. They are designed to aid PG&E emergency crews who are trying to locate downed power lines and damaged equipment. They follow the flashing lights and different indicators placed intermittently down a power line until the problem is discovered. |  |
| November 2006 | Caption: SmartMeter gas meter installed at a residence. The square module was simply added to the existing gas meter by removing the dial plate, attaching the module to the meter, and attaching the dial plate to the module. |  |
| November 2006 | Caption: This standard electric meter has been fitted with a module, making it a SmartMeter electric meter. |  |
| November 2006 | Caption: Electric meter and SmartMeter module apart. |  |
| November 2006 | Caption: SmartMeter gas module that attaches to an existing gas meter behind the dial plate. |  |
“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. © 2009 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved.
