DVI, OMNETRIC Group team up on smart-grid initiative

Dominion Voltage Inc. (DVI), a Virginia-based smart-grid software subsidiary of Dominion Resources, said late last week that it is partnering with OMNETRIC Group to expand the use of DVI’s voltage-optimization technology, EDGE.

The companies will further integrate DVI's EDGE voltage optimization and Volt/VAR optimization solution in grids nationwide, helping utilities to measure customer voltages with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and other sensors to make real-time control decisions.

The OMNETRIC Group is a joint venture between Siemens and Accenture, focusing on development of integrated electrical smart grids to boost efficiency.

"DVI is thrilled about this new collaboration and the opportunity to work closely with OMNETRIC Group to expand our reach across the grid-optimization market," Todd Headlee, executive director of DVI, said. "By deploying EDGE through the industry-leading information technology and operational expertise of OMNETRIC Group, we are able to expand the platform to utilities on a much greater scale. In addition to managing voltage via EDGE for reliability, energy efficiency and demand reduction, this strategic partnership also lays the foundation for integrating distributed generation, helping to manage the growing complexity of these energy resources on the grid. For example, together we are helping utilities integrate solar and electric vehicles to keep pace with demand."