Northern Reliability Selected by Vermont Telecommunications Authority to Design and Install Renewable Power for Nine “Resilient Communication Sites"
Waitsfield, VT (PRWEB) July 22, 2014 -- Northern Reliability, a renewable energy integration provider of on- and off-grid power systems, was selected by the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) to design and install the primary solar power systems for nine “resilient communication sites” in communities where there is currently limited or no cellular coverage. The resiliency sites are part of an expanded cellular network being implemented across the state of Vermont by the VTA to deliver cellular service to previously underserved areas of Vermont and is funded in part through the federal Economic Development Administration. Post-disaster access to communications in rural communities is critical for coordination of emergency services and communications with family members. Tropical Storm Irene left several communities without power or access to the outside world for several days. The Vermont “resilient communication sites” project was conceived to prevent this from happening again.
Northern Reliability’s power systems will include solar panels, battery energy storage systems and remote monitoring. These systems will ensure that remote communities have access to a cellular network and Internet via satellite in the event of a power outage due to a natural or manmade disaster. During normal operation, these systems will divert excess renewable energy back to the grid through net metering, when utility power is lost they become stand-alone solar power systems, providing reliable power for the communications equipment until utility power is restored.
“As Vermonters, we witnessed the impact of Tropical Storm Irene and understand the role communications has in post-disaster recovery and rebuilding,” explains Charlie Van Winkle, VP and General Manager of Northern Reliability. "The VTA effort to expand cellular coverage throughout Vermont and bring communications access to remote communities is an important step in supporting resilient communities that can quickly recover and thrive post-disaster. The team at Northern Reliability is excited to contribute to this project by providing solar power solutions to these communities, ensuring uninterrupted communications during and after disastrous events.”
Northern Reliability is an experienced partner having assisted Maine and Pennsylvania with similar microcell deployment initiatives to deliver emergency communication power systems.
About Northern Reliability, Inc.
Northern Reliability (http://www.northernreliability.com) is an engineering and technology firm that designs and produces stand-alone electric power systems that deliver reliable continuous power to businesses and communities. Our systems provide renewable energy for off-grid applications, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and provide energy security and independence from conventional energy sources. Northern Reliability—Delivering Power, Anywhere.
Charles “Charlie” Van Winkle, Northern Reliability, http://www.northernreliability.com, +1 (802) 496-2955, [email protected]
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