Eaton Collaborates with Portland General Electric to Power Smart Grid Demonstration Project

Eaton has one of the largest and most experienced teams of power system engineers in the industry.

May 31, 2013


PITTSBURGH … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton worked with Portland General Electric (PGE) to develop an energy storage system and customized solutions for the new Salem Smart Power Center, a five-megawatt (MW) energy storage facility unveiled today in Salem, Ore. The 8,000-square-foot fully functional smart grid site will allow PGE to demonstrate how the integration of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, and demand-response technology can increase the reliability and efficiency of energy for business and residential customers.

"PGE is working hard to pave the way for the smart grid in the region, and Eaton's collaboration with this important project will help Oregon and the nation learn how to build intelligent energy resources for the future while continuing to deliver long-term value for customers," said Jim Piro, PGE president and CEO. "Eaton's power system expertise helped make the project possible, and we appreciate the dedication to excellence they brought to this project."

Eaton has one of the largest and most experienced teams of power system engineers in the industry. PGE drew upon this expertise for the design, engineering, integration and testing of the Salem Smart Power Center. Eaton also modified its award-winning Power Xpert™ inverters seamlessly into the site's energy storage system. The inverters are designed to maximize energy harvest from renewable resources and transform energy into clean, reliable alternating current.

"Eaton's power management expertise and industry-leading solutions are helping PGE advance the electrical infrastructure and test new smart grid technologies with business and residential customers," said Bill Miller, global marketing director for Eaton Electrical Service and Systems.

PGE's Salem Smart Power project is part of the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project and involves more than 60,000 customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. To learn more about the Salem Smart Power Center, visit www.portlandgeneral.com/newsroom, or PGE's smart grid programs, visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/smartgrid.

To learn more about Eaton's utility solutions, visit www.eaton.com/utility, or Eaton Electrical Service and Systems team, visit www.eaton.com/eess.

Eaton's electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today's most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton is a diversified power management company providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. A global technology leader, Eaton acquired Cooper Industries plc in November 2012. The 2012 revenue of the combined companies was $21.8 billion on a pro forma basis. Eaton has approximately 103,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

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