Patrolman Plus – Communicating OH FCI

Patrolman Plus Field Use Instructions MANUAL TEST Place the reset tool over the fault indicator’s dome, aligning the magnet with the label opposite the battery caps. Hold the magnet for about 1 second. Once the LEDs start flashing in a test sequence, remove the reset tool. The LEDs will stop…

Fast Fault Location for Small Utilities & Rural Co-ops

Small and rural electric utilities, whether cooperatives or municipals, face ongoing challenges in maintaining reliable service. Long patrol routes, limited crews, and aging infrastructure slow restoration, while regulatory requirements, budget pressure, and difficult terrain add complexity. Many operate without advanced automation or real-time visibility, relying on manual patrols to locate…

Fault Indicator Impact: Enhancing Reliability and Operational Efficiency

This white paper outlines the impact of a communicating fault indicator system, based on a study by SEnergy using modeled data from a Texas electric cooperative. The study quantifies the reduction in patrol time, outage duration, and system losses in circuits with and without fault indicators. It does not include…

Mitigating Wildfire Risk with Real-Time Fault Detection

Wildfires continue to pose a growing threat across the United States. In 2024, nearly 65,000 wildfires were reported nationwide, burning over 8.9 million acres—more than triple the acreage burned the previous year. These fires destroyed 4,552 structures, including thousands of homes, and placed substantial strain on emergency response efforts and…

SGS Joins Anterix Active Ecosystem

Austin, TX –  Smart Grid Solutions (SGS) is proud to announce that the Patrolman Plus overhead fault indicator has been awarded the Anterix® Active badge. This badge confirms the device’s seamless operation on Anterix’s 900 MHz Band 8 and Band 106 spectrum.The Anterix Active badge is awarded to devices that not…

Navigating Grant Opportunities for Grid Resilience with SGS

In the heart of rural America, Smart Grid Solutions and Sioux Valley Energy launched a mission to strengthen the electrical systems of remote communities. This effort, sponsored by the Department of Energy and recognized through our selection for the Energizing Rural Communities Grant, aimed to tackle unique challenges faced by…

Grid Resilience State/Tribal Formula Grants Program

Sponsored by the Department of Energy, the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program aims to enhance and modernize America's power grid to withstand wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural disasters intensified by the climate crisis. This grant is designed for utilities to strengthen their infrastructure and improve resilience.Each…

SGS Secures Grant for Enhanced Grid Resilience Project

We are thrilled to announce that Smart Grid Solutions (SGS) has been awarded the community prize for our innovative proposal to enhance rural and remote electrical distribution systems. Our project centers around deploying a communicating fault indicating system, ensuring safer and more efficient energy distribution in rural areas.This project will…

Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) — Funding for the Electricity Transmission and Distribution Sector

The $1.2 trillion spending package in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA or BIL) includes development funding for transportation, broadband access, clean water, and energy. There are several electric grid renewal programs, applicable to the electric utility sector, and the Department of Energy (DOE) is now clarifying how the…

Underground FCI

Installation of Fault Indicator 1. Use thumbs to pull open Clamping Mechanism. Once Clamping Mechanism is pulled sufficiently apart, the arms will lock into place.   2. Attach the fault indicator to a hot stick. 3. Position cable between open Clamping Mechanism. With a forceful push forward, install device on…