Tantalus Systems announced that Crow Wing Power is utilizing its TUNet® smart grid system to offer customers a choice of two electric vehicle (EV) charging options. The cooperative electric utility, based in Brainerd, Minnesota, replaced its aging meter network with a Tantalus TUNet smart grid platform for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and load management applications, paving the way to offer customers their choice of EV charging program. Implementing TUNet AMI, Tantalus Load Management System, and Tantalus Load Champ, Crow Wing Power offers an attractive time-of-use rate and an even better off-peak rate that automatically shifts charging to overnight. This win-win lets Crow Wing Power manage load more effectively across their distribution system and gives members the ability to choose the option that works for their household. After one year, the participation is roughly 50/50 between the two rate programs--both of which offer a rebate to help defray the cost of equipment installation and work with all types of EVs and Level 2 chargers. In working closely together with Crow Wing Power to meet their objectives, Tantalus expanded its load management solution to target larger residential load profiles exceeding 30 amps, such as electric heating systems, electric water heating and EV charging stations. By providing enhanced load control capabilities
across an AMI network, the utility can incorporate specific load management programs and verify results by accessing more granular data.