Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation (AVECC) announces the launch of its Advance Smart Grid Project. AVECC will soon begin deploying technology and equipment that will meet the increasing need for communicating with electrical distribution equipment throughout the cooperative’s system. The Advance Smart Grid tools are intelligent and interactive which will allow the cooperative to measure, analyze, predict, protect, and control virtually every aspect of the electrical distribution infrastructure.

“Having access to real-time data with our system will help us design and plan for more efficient distribution systems, which will ultimately save members money and provide greater reliability,” said AVECC CEO, Al Simpson.

The initial project focus will be the construction of a fiber optic cable network to interconnect substations and offices.  When completed, the high-speed communications system will have the capacity and bandwidth capabilities for collecting and sharing power system information and data in virtual real-time.

A secondary purpose of the project is to eventually provide ultra-high-speed internet access to AVECC’s consumers/members.  The 100% fiber-optic network will provide countless benefits for its members and community in terms of education, healthcare, economic development, quality of life, and more.

Fiber optic cable internet will allow upload and download speeds of up to 1 gigabit – 200 times faster than the current national average.

“High bandwidth, low cost, and reliable power are three things that can make a community more attractive to prospective business. AVECC is committed to providing low-cost and affordable electricity to members and improving the quality of life of the communities we serve. This project will allow us to do both,” said Simpson.