Major Grid Modernization Initiative Underway
Northwest utility Puget Sound Energy has launched a significant smart grid pilot project in partnership with Norwegian technology company Heimdall Power, according to recent announcements. The companies report they are deploying 75 advanced monitoring devices called “Neurons” across approximately 100 miles of transmission infrastructure in western Washington.
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Real-Time Grid Optimization Technology
The Neurons sensors provide continuous data about transmission line conditions, enabling the utility to optimize power grid capacity based on actual operating conditions rather than conservative estimates, sources indicate. The technology monitors multiple factors including line temperature, sag, electrical current, wind speed, and localized weather conditions.
Analysts suggest this dynamic line rating (DLR) approach represents a significant advancement over traditional static line ratings, which typically use worst-case scenario assumptions about weather conditions. The continuous data stream reportedly allows PSE to safely increase transmission capacity when conditions permit.
Strategic Infrastructure Investment
“Highly reliable energy is the number one must-have for our customers,” said Michelle Vargo, PSE’s senior vice president of Energy Operations, according to company statements. “Innovative solutions like Heimdall Power’s technology help us maximize the value of our existing infrastructure while strengthening our defenses against extreme weather and incorporating more renewable energy sources.”
The report states that the installation process spanned several weeks and utilized both autonomous drones and traditional line installation methods. The sensors were deployed across transmission infrastructure in Whatcom, Island, King, Kitsap, and Pierce counties.
Industry-Wide Grid Modernization Trend
This Washington state pilot represents one of the largest deployments of DLR sensors in the United States, according to industry reports. The technology is gaining attention as utilities nationwide seek to optimize existing infrastructure rather than building new transmission lines.
Heimdall Power is scheduled to participate in an industry panel at the Experience POWER event in Denver, where the company along with Great River Energy will discuss how DLR deployment unlocked nearly 50% more transmission capacity in previous implementations.
Long-Term Testing and Implementation Plan
PSE will continue testing the DLR technology through summer 2026, according to the project timeline. The utility reportedly plans to analyze collected data and observations to determine how to implement DLRs using Neuron data across its entire transmission network.
“This technology gives us much more insight into all the factors that influence how much power can flow on our lines,” Vargo stated in the announcement. “It provides more flexibility in how we manage system load and more strategically select future investments.”
Building Grid Resilience
Jørgen Festervoll, CEO of Heimdall Power, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that “PSE is meeting those challenges head-on by unlocking new capacity, strengthening communities, and pioneering a smarter, more resilient grid that puts PSE’s customers first.”
The companies position this initiative as addressing both immediate grid optimization needs and long-term resilience planning, particularly as utilities incorporate more variable renewable energy sources into their generation mix.
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References
- https://www.experience-power.com/
- https://accessintel.swoogo.com/EP2025/begin
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heimdall
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Aerospace_Center
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_power_transmission
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensor
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_River_Energy
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