Cities of the Future

First smart grid city of Latin America

Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG) manages the largest electric energy distribution network in Latin America and one of the four largest electric distribution networks in the world. Investing in a twenty-first century electric system is a priority focus for CEMIG. During the last several years CEMIG has been working to achieve the most innovative automation solutions for its network and customers, through projects including an automation master plan from KEMA. Furthermore, CEMIG views the smart grid it as an important, natural transition for utilities. Smart grid architecture would integrate CEMIG’s commercial and technical systems, which would enable it to improve its service quality, sustainability practices, and relationships with stakeholders.

Project description
CEMIG hired KEMA to assist it in defining a smart grid business plan for its “Cities of the Future” pilot project—a part of the smart grid implementation strategy for the whole company. The pilot project will test available technologies and evaluate the costs and benefits among different options.

KEMA developed a business plan, through seven main activities
> Analyzed technologies, focusing on advanced metering infrastructure, distribution automation, and substation automation
> Evaluated current regulatory framework and established benchmarks
> Calculated the budget, plus a high-level investment plan to be refined during the roll out
> Presented evaluation metrics utilized in the United States as a benchmark
> Drafted a strategy, through analyzing partnership options
> Drafted a communication plan that addressed all stakeholders involved

As KEMA completed these activities, it analyzed technology options to define the best opportunities for the pilot project. Due to the incipient stage of several smart grid projects around the world and the trial nature of this project, KEMA advised CEMIG to test the main technologies and vendors available. KEMA helped CEMIG divide the city of Sete Lagoas into zones with similar customer profiles to identify the best solutions.

Objectives
This pilot project intends to be a model to develop a replicable smart grid approach that CEMIG can implement in other cities.

Benefits
KEMA provided a custom-made technology strategy and communications plan that aligned with CEMIG’s vision. The plan will allow CEMIG to smoothly integrate smart grid processes and technologies, optimize investments, drive new regulatory standards, and provide better service quality, so it can become an innovation leader in Latin America.

Client
> Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais, Brazil

Project coordinator
> KEMA, Brazil

Project details
> Duration: September 2009 – September 2010