Green Mountain Power (GMP) Selects RuggedCom For Smart Grid Initiative

CONCORD, ON, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - RuggedCom Inc. ("RuggedCom") (TSX:RCM), a leading designer and manufacturer of industrial strength networks for mission-critical applications in harsh environments, has been selected to provide Green Mountain Power (GMP) with a communications solution for its smart grid initiative.

Green Mountain Power serves approximately 96,000 customers, about one quarter of Vermont's residents. In order to keep the lights on for their large customer base, GMP required a reliable communications network that could withstand the harsh environment of an electric utility. After extensive investigation, GMP decided on RuggedCom's utility grade devices.

This project is part of GMP's smart grid initiative and implements remote access to its substations. The RuggedBackbone™ RX1500 multiservice communications platform, which is used for Ethernet connectivity from GMP's SCADA network to all of its substations, is well suited to the challenges of a substation environment because it meets and/or exceeds the necessary IEEE and IEC requirements for communications equipment in substations environments. The RX1500 is also modular, scalable and field upgradeable, which provides great flexibility for GMP's substation networks, which include a mixture of serial, Ethernet and frame relay devices. The field upgradeability of the RX1500 also allows for future growth, which is a critical feature that GMP requires, as it will be utilizing a public carrier network for the short term. The long-term plan is to connect via VELCO's statewide fiber network. The RX1500 allows for a simple change out of the line modules to make the transition from one type of WAN connection to the other.

"We determined that RuggedCom's Ethernet network equipment was a perfect fit for what we needed," says Ken Couture, GMP's Engineering Manager. "RuggedCom's focus on the electric power market, product performance certifications and the flexibility of the RX1500 will allow us to install a communications network that will be reliable, robust and long-lived."

About RuggedCom Inc.
RuggedCom is a leading provider of utility grade communications networking solutions designed for mission-critical applications in harsh environments. RuggedCom's pioneering leadership in developing technologies and products for the electric power industry delivered the world's first IEC 61850-3 compliant Ethernet switch suitable for electric utility substation environments, the world's first IEEE 1613 Class 2 error free communication devices, the world's fastest network fault recovery and the world's first fully managed IP67 rated Ethernet switch.  

RuggedCom's technology solutions include Ethernet switches, network routers, wireless devices, serial servers, media converters, software and professional services. RuggedCom's products are expressly designed for use in challenging environments such as those found in electric power substations and smartgrids.

For more information, visit www.ruggedcom.com or follow us on Twitter: @RuggedCom.

About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power transmits, distributes and sells electricity and utility construction services in the State of Vermont in a service territory with approximately one quarter of Vermont's population. It serves approximately 96,000 customers.

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