PITTSBURGH — Eaton announced that it worked with Portland General Electric (PGE) to develop an energy storage system and customized solutions for the new Salem Smart Power Center, a 5 megawatt (MW) energy storage facility unveiled 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 solar and wind, 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’s engineering expertise aided in the design, integration, and testing of the Salem Smart Power Center. Eaton also modified its Power Xpert™ inverters into the site’s energy storage system. The inverters are designed to maximize the energy harvested from renewable resources and transform the energy into clean, reliable alternating current.

PGE’s Salem Smart Power Center is part of the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project and involves more than 60,000 customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. For more information on PGE’s smart grid programs, visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/smartgrid.

Publication date: 6/17/2013

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