Consumers Energy Company (CECo) the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy values Accreditation

Consumers Energy Company (CECo) the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy values Accreditation

CECo is the 4th largest investor owned dual energy utility in the United StatesCECo is the 4th largest investor owned dual energy utility in the United States

• We sell electricity

• We sell natural gas

Advantages of Accreditation Advantages of Accreditation

• Personnel utilize best practices for minimizing risk associated with measurement uncertainty.

• Personnel are accustomed to being audited and cross examined.

• Data is defensible because standards adhere to multi-lateral recognition agreements.

Product AssessmentProduct Assessment

Laboratory Services (LS) is an A2LA accredited calibration laboratory. Its personnel assisted

the Metering Technology Center’s (MTC) technical staff with their product testing. CMS Energy’s Smart Grid (SG) Testing Laboratory

helped to accelerate acceptance and deployment of new products.

SG is enhanced because information is communicated back to the office

SG is enhanced because information is communicated back to the office

11

Information & Communication Enabled Power Infrastructure

Distribution ConsumerTransmission SubstationMarkets

Information & Communication Enabled Power Infrastructure

Distribution MetrologyTransmission SubstationGeneration

EPRI values a SG with AMIEPRI values a SG with AMI

The Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI) analysis found that a lack of metrology often

contributes to blackouts. EPRI continues to be heavily involved in advocating a SG that

promotes an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) that is envisioned to some day heal itself

against disturbances.

EPRI VideoEPRI VideoHow smart grid heals itself.

http://www.whatissmartgrid.org/smart-grid-101/videos

EPRI’s vision of a Smart GridSecured by AMI

EPRI’s vision of a Smart GridSecured by AMI

Electric Testing LaboratoryElectric Testing Laboratory

Lab verified vendors’ advertised claims against C12 American National Standards Institute

(ANSI) specification standards. In preparation for testing, LS upgraded its AC kilowatt-hour meter test equipment and claim to be the 1st laboratory in the United States accredited to

calibrate electrical energy standards.

Standards Work Stations Utilize Radian Research equipment

Standards Work Stations Utilize Radian Research equipment

• Reference

• Working

Gas Testing LaboratoryGas Testing Laboratory

Lab verified vendors’ advertised claims against ANSI B109 specification standards. LS

anticipates further expanding its scope of A2LA accreditation to be able to calibrate gas

energy standards.

Temperature Work Stations Utilize Thermotron Equipment

Temperature Work Stations Utilize Thermotron Equipment

High Voltage Work Stations Utilize EMC Equipment

High Voltage Work Stations Utilize EMC Equipment

Dynamic Disturbances

Transient Disturbances

Product Field TestingProduct Field Testing

Outdoor Weathering

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

• Project was so unique that Architects, Engineers, and Consultants’ conflicting interests cause project creep in schedule and budget.

• Capital dollars can not be used to perform alterations on existing facilities.

SuggestionsSuggestions

• Request a demonstration of test equipment prior to purchase and budget time to verify functionality against advertised specifications.

• Visit other facilities that perform similar

testing to learn valuable lessons.

ConclusionConclusion

Workforce synergies were gained and capital dollars were controlled to assure

stockholders investments were made wisely.  It is our hope that what we shared

was beneficial to you and your future energy and environmental procurements.