Dive Summary:

• A smart grid partnership co-launched by an Oklahoma electric cooperative is installing new sensors that will collect and analyze data to pinpoint electrical problems.
• The test will be conducted on a rig serviced by the Central Rural Electric Cooperative (CREC), while researchers at Oklahoma State University (OSU) will work on the smart grid technology.
• The Oklahoma test is one of the first projects of Smart Energy Source, which is a partnership created CREC, OSU, the city of Stillwater, and the Guernsey engineering firm.

From the article:

When installed on drilling machinery at a nearby oil rig, the sensors will collect and analyze data to pinpoint electrical problems, such as high or low voltage or transformer overloading. Central Rural Electric Cooperative in Stillwater serves the rig, and it’s working with researchers at Oklahoma State University on the technology.

“The sensors will allow producers and the utility to remotely monitor voltage, amperage and power factor to identify issues before they become major problems, potentially costing producers significant dollars in lost production,” said Jillianne Tebow, the co-op’s smart grid communications director. ...