RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Dominion Voltage, Inc. (DVI), a grid optimization subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. (NYSE: D) announced their participation in an innovative Volt/VAR optimization pilot program at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).

"Achieving the true potential of an existing AMI infrastructure investment by using it for multiple applications is one of the great promises of the smart grid," said Todd Headlee, DVI's Executive Director. "Using Silver Spring's smart grid network for Volt/VAR optimization and voltage stabilization is a perfect example of this, and will lead to a more efficient grid with an increased tolerance of rising levels of solar customers."

As part of PG&E's overall smart grid deployment plans, this pilot project will enable the utility to evaluate the benefits of optimizing their distribution system voltage for the purposes of energy efficiency, Volt/VAR optimization, and voltage stabilization.

DVI's EDGE® Volt/VAR optimization solution leverages Silver Spring's AMI network and UtilityIQ^TM Power Monitor to optimize voltage as part of PG&E's Smart Grid Deployment Plan. Best of all, it doesn't require any behavioral changes or purchases by utility customers, which is common among more traditional forms of energy efficiency.

DVI will assist PG&E with the installation of the software and is working with the utility to adapt the technology to help improve grid stability, especially for circuits supporting high numbers of solar customers.

The PG&E Volt/VAR optimization pilot program began in 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2016.

About DVI
DVI is a leading provider of grid analytics and control technology, providing solutions for energy efficiency, demand response, volt/VAR control, and system reliability. DVI's patented approach plans, manages and validates utilities' investments in grid optimization programs while delivering significant savings to both utilities and their customers.  For more information about DVI, visit www.dvigridsolutions.com

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 24,600 megawatts of generation, 10,900 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,455 miles of electric transmission lines.  Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 949 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves utility and retail energy customers in 11 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

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SOURCE Dominion