Building a More Reliable Electric Grid
NES is testing new technology to help identify potential issues earlier and improve service for customers.
Nashville Electric Service (NES) is conducting a limited pilot with NextWave metering to evaluate newer metering and grid technology. The pilot will help NES determine whether better information about the electric system can improve outage response, identify equipment problems earlier, and help us plan for changing energy needs.
What could this mean for customers?
The technology being evaluated could help NES:
- Improve outage response by providing another way to detect outages and confirm when power has been restored.
- Identify potential problems earlier by showing when transformers and other equipment may be approaching their operating limits.
- Plan for future energy needs, such as electric vehicle charging, rooftop solar, and other technologies that change how electricity moves across the grid.
- Manage costs over time by helping NES plan maintenance and equipment replacement needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this technology prevent outages?
It may help NES prevent some equipment-related outages by identifying potential problems before equipment fails. It cannot prevent outages caused by severe weather, falling trees, vehicle accidents, or other unexpected events.
Should I still report an outage?
Yes. Customers should continue to use NES's existing outage-reporting options. The pilot will help NES evaluate how effectively the technology can supplement those reports by automatically detecting outages and confirming restoration.
Is NES monitoring what I do inside my home?
The pilot aims to understand conditions on the electric system, such as changing electricity demand, outages, and equipment loading. This will give us a clearer idea of energy use, but not what is happening in your home.
Will this change my electric bill or rate?
No, the pilot project will not change an individual customer's electric rate or rate plan.
Has NES already decided to use this technology systemwide?
No, this pilot will help NES evaluate the technology to determine whether it provides meaningful, measurable benefits before making decisions about broader use.