Virginia Coop & Landis+Gyr Deploy Edge Computing to Power Next-Gen Grid & Empower Consumers

Richmond, VA – Rural Electric Cooperative (REC), serving over 183,000 members across central Virginia, is partnering with Landis+Gyr to deploy a next-generation grid infrastructure powered by edge computing technology. The project aims to enhance grid reliability, lower costs, and empower REC members with unprecedented control over their energy consumption. The deployment marks a significant step toward modernizing the energy landscape and signals a broader industry shift toward distributed intelligence at the grid edge.

For years, utilities have sought ways to improve grid resilience, integrate renewable energy sources, and address the increasing demands of a digitally connected world. Traditional centralized grid systems are increasingly challenged to meet these demands. REC's partnership with Landis+Gyr focuses on shifting intelligence closer to the source of energy consumption – the 'edge' of the grid – through the deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and sophisticated data analytics.

“We’re committed to providing our members with a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply,” said a spokesperson for REC. “This partnership with Landis+Gyr is a crucial step in achieving that goal. By leveraging edge computing, we’re able to optimize grid operations, respond to outages more quickly, and provide our members with the tools they need to manage their energy use effectively.”

What is Edge Computing and Why Does it Matter?

Traditional grid management relies on transmitting vast amounts of data to central servers for processing. This can create bottlenecks, latency, and security vulnerabilities. Edge computing, on the other hand, brings data processing closer to the source – in this case, directly to the meters and distribution substations. This reduces latency, improves reliability, and enables real-time decision-making.

“The beauty of edge computing is that it allows us to analyze data locally, at the source,” explains an industry analyst familiar with the technology. “This allows for faster responses to changing conditions, better management of distributed energy resources, and a more resilient grid overall.”

Beyond Metering: A Holistic Grid Solution

The partnership extends beyond simply upgrading meters. Landis+Gyr’s Revelo platform encompasses a suite of integrated solutions designed to address the challenges of a modern grid. This includes advanced data analytics, grid automation, and cybersecurity features. The platform allows REC to gain deeper insights into grid performance, identify potential issues before they escalate, and optimize energy delivery.

“We’re not just putting in new meters; we’re building a holistic grid solution,” said a representative from Landis+Gyr. “Our Revelo platform provides REC with the tools they need to manage a complex grid, integrate renewable energy sources, and empower their members with data-driven energy insights.”

Empowering Consumers with Data & Control

A key benefit of the new infrastructure is the ability to provide REC members with access to real-time energy data. This empowers them to make informed decisions about their energy consumption and take control of their bills. REC is planning to launch a member portal that will provide access to detailed energy usage data, personalized recommendations, and tools to manage energy consumption.

“Members are increasingly demanding more control over their energy usage,” said a consumer advocate. “Access to real-time data is a game-changer. It allows them to identify areas where they can save energy and reduce their bills.”

REC is also exploring the use of variable pricing options, which incentivize members to shift their energy usage to off-peak hours. This helps to reduce peak demand and lower overall energy costs. The platform’s capabilities support dynamic tariff structures, allowing REC to offer tailored pricing plans to different customer segments.

A Sign of a Broader Trend

The partnership between REC and Landis+Gyr is part of a growing trend toward grid modernization across the country. Utilities are increasingly investing in advanced technologies like edge computing, AMI, and distributed energy resources to address the challenges of a changing energy landscape.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in the way energy is generated, delivered, and consumed,” said a grid technology expert. “The traditional centralized grid model is giving way to a more distributed, resilient, and customer-centric system.”

Federal initiatives, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are providing funding and incentives to accelerate grid modernization efforts. This is expected to drive further investment in advanced grid technologies and create new opportunities for innovation.

Challenges & Future Outlook

While the benefits of grid modernization are clear, there are also challenges to overcome. These include the cost of implementing new technologies, cybersecurity risks, and the need for skilled workforce.

“Implementing a project of this scale requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing maintenance,” said a utility project manager. “Cybersecurity is a top priority. We need to ensure that the grid is protected from cyberattacks.”

Looking ahead, the future of the grid is likely to be characterized by greater decentralization, automation, and customer engagement. Edge computing will play a central role in enabling this transformation. As the grid becomes more complex, the need for advanced analytics and real-time decision-making will only increase. The collaboration between REC and Landis+Gyr stands as a promising example of how utilities can leverage innovative technologies to build a more resilient, sustainable, and customer-centric energy future.