The aim of the project funded 50:50 by DoE and the project team, is to test new smart grid technologies including devices, software, and advanced analytical and forecasting tools to enhance the power grid’s reliability and performance, 3TIER says. The Northwest study will involve more than 60,000 metered customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

The Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project team combines energy providers, utilities, technology companies, and other research organisations.

“The inclusion of 3TIER in this project acknowledges that optimising the energy supply-side of the smart grid equation, and renewable energy in particular, is absolutely critical to the long-term success of an efficient and smart national grid,” says Kenneth Westrick, 3TIER founder and CEO.

3TIER will provide wind and solar power forecasting for individual sites and for the region as a whole for the duration of the project. 3TIER’s hour, day, and week ahead forecasts will be processed centrally as part of an integrated smart grid system.

3TIER has forecasting production for more than 16.5 GW of regional and 11.6 GW of project-specific installed wind energy capacity, including more than 30% of the installed wind capacity in North America.

“A key objective of a national smart grid infrastructure is to make the best possible use of renewable energy resources,” says Westrick. “Accurately forecasting weather-driven renewable energy provides the signals the system needs to optimally integrate that energy into the grid, and dispatch other assets when production decreases. It is an essential component of an efficient and reliable smart grid system.”