Indiana Municipal Power Agency Adopts Tantalus’ AI Analytics Across 19 Utilities to Boost Grid Reliability

Tantalus Systems Holding Inc. (TSX: GRID, OTCQX: TGMPF), a company focused on modernizing utility distribution grids through data-driven technology, is set to deploy its AI-powered TRUGrid analytics platform across all 19 member utilities of the Indiana Municipal Power Agency’s (IMPA) Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program. This marks the first time Tantalus will implement its AI analytics simultaneously across multiple utilities within a Joint Action Agency (JAA) framework.

IMPA, a not-for-profit wholesale power provider serving municipally owned electric utilities across Indiana and Ohio, selected Tantalus’ TRUGrid Reliability and Transformer analytics to enhance operational efficiency and grid resilience. The deployment is funded by the Grid Resilience Grant Program, reflecting a growing emphasis on leveraging data to optimize existing infrastructure rather than relying solely on costly equipment replacements.

The scale of this deployment is notable. By integrating TRUGrid’s AI-driven analytics across 19 utilities, IMPA aims to provide its members with real-time insights that improve fault detection, transformer performance, and capital investment decisions. This approach enables utilities to address issues proactively and prioritize upgrades where they are most needed, ultimately reducing downtime and improving service reliability.

Bill Castrodale, Manager of Electrical Engineering at IMPA, emphasized the practical benefits. “By leveraging Tantalus’ AI-powered analytics, we are equipping our member utilities with the ability to proactively identify and address system and transformer issues in real time and to prioritize investments. That means faster service, smarter planning, and more resilient distribution grids.” He also highlighted the broader impact on the communities served, noting that the technology supports long-term sustainability, economic development, and quality of life.

Joint Action Agencies like IMPA, which provide wholesale electricity and services to multiple municipally owned utilities, typically face challenges in implementing grid modernization uniformly across their members. David Shpigler, President of Shpigler Group, a consultancy specializing in utility transformation, pointed out that this deployment is among the first known instances where a JAA has adopted an AI-enabled analytics solution across multiple utilities simultaneously. He described it as a significant advancement in grid modernization and a potential blueprint for other JAAs.

Tantalus’ CEO Peter Londa underscored the company’s philosophy behind this approach. “Harnessing the power of data across the distribution grid is a more powerful and cost-effective way to modernize the grid than taking a traditional device-centric approach to replace existing equipment,” he said. Londa added that TRUGrid’s ability to extract actionable insights from existing infrastructure allows utilities to improve operational responsiveness while making informed, data-driven decisions.

Tantalus’ TRUGrid platform combines intelligent connected devices, communication networks, data management, enterprise applications, and advanced analytics. This multi-layered approach enables utilities to maximize the value of their current infrastructure investments while preparing for future needs. The platform’s analytics engine identifies faults, optimizes transformer usage, and helps prioritize capital expenditures, which is critical for utilities operating within tight budget constraints.

IMPA’s decision to adopt TRUGrid analytics aligns with a broader industry trend toward data-centric grid management. Utilities increasingly recognize that leveraging data and AI can enhance reliability and efficiency without the high costs and disruptions associated with wholesale equipment replacement.

The Indiana Municipal Power Agency supplies wholesale electricity to 61 communities in Indiana and Ohio, serving over 350,000 people. Its power portfolio includes coal, natural gas, renewables, and purchased power, offering a balance of cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Beyond power supply, IMPA provides a range of services to support its member communities’ broader needs.

Tantalus Systems Holding Inc. is a technology company dedicated to helping utilities modernize their distribution grids through data-driven solutions. They offer a comprehensive grid modernization platform that integrates devices, networks, and analytics to help utilities optimize their existing assets and plan for the future.

IMPA’s deployment of Tantalus’ AI analytics platform represents a meaningful step in utility grid modernization. By focusing on data-driven insights rather than hardware replacement, the initiative promises to deliver faster, smarter, and more resilient electricity distribution for communities across Indiana and Ohio. 

Related posts