How is RPU involved with BPL?
In February 2004, RPU announced an association with Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. of Winona to study and test BPL technology and hardware. A joint project was launched in July 2004 that included 9 residential sites and 3 commercial sites. The market trial of 100 customers that was originally anticipated is no longer scheduled.

What is the current status of the BPL pilot project?
The technology and hardware tested in the pilot project was provided by Main.Net Inc. The testing aspect of the project is essentially over but the trial system is still operating. A summary analysis of the BPL pilot project is available (click here to download a PDF).

What is the future for BPL in Rochester?
A summary analysis presentation with a recommendation to move forward to solicit vendor proposals for citywide commercial BPL deployment was made to the City Council and Utility Board. Approval was given and the RPU is in the process of accepting the vendor proposals. These proposals will be reviewed and evaluated for the greatest possible benefit to the City. Assuming the selection of a successful proposal the RPU will return to the City Council and Utility Board for further approval to proceed into a contract.

If eventually approved by the City, will HBC be the provider of the services?
HBC may or may not be offering the services. RPU is municipally owned and follows the laws of the open bidding process, equal opportunity will be given to any and all vendors to submit a proposal.

If eventually approved by the City, when will the services be offered to the general public?
Upon City approval and signing of a contract it is anticipated that services would be available to the general public within a 1 – 2 year time period. A significant amount of engineering design and physical build-out has to be accomplished prior to services being offered.

When can I sign up for service?
Names of individuals interested in BPL are being logged for future contact if and when the services do become available. At the appropriate time the successful vendor would be marketing the services.

What would you charge for the service?
Should any services be offered via BPL over the RPU electrical power grid the service provider would determine the pricing.

Why was RPU involved with BPL?
RPU was interested in testing this technology for several reasons. 1) We continually investigate ways to maximize the utility’s infrastructure for our customer-owners, 2) It has the possibility to generate revenue for the utility by leasing our power lines to a communications provider, and 3) We are interested in the possibilities it presents for two-way communications with our customers.

Who is HBC?
HBC began in 1992 as Luminet, a not-for-profit project that utilized a leased fiber-optic network to connect the Winona area educational institutions for the purpose of extending the reach of teaching and learning. Today, HBC is a privately held full-service telecommunications company based in Winona, MN. providing their customers with cable television, telephone and high-speed internet services. More than 50 percent of HBC stock is owned by Winona area not-for-profit institutions, including public and private schools and universities, and the Winona Community Foundation. HBC is committed to enhancing and enriching the lives of those it serves. In carrying out that vision, its mission pledges to its customers access to superior advanced communications and unparalleled personal service.

Why did RPU and HBC work together on this project?
HBC approached RPU to see if we had interest in learning more about BPL. Given the possible benefits for the utility, we agreed to associate with them to do a pilot project.

How did RPU and HBC work together on this project?
RPU and HBC equally participated in this pilot project that explored the viability and possibilities of BPL. The project took place in the Rochester city limits on the RPU power grid. All material costs and labor associated with the project were split equally on a 50/50 basis.

Was radio frequency interference considered during the trial?
Absolutely, radio frequency (RF) interference was tested and monitored throughout the test period. The Rochester Amateur Radio Club (RARC) worked very closely with the RPU on performing and analyzing the RF testing. Careful consideration was given to these test results when analyzing the final results of the pilot project and when the business case was prepared. RF was only one of several criteria analyzed to determine the viability of the technology and the ultimate success of the project.

Where did the Rochester trial take place?
The pilot project was performed in the residential and commercial area located south of 12th avenue SW in the general proximity of Hy-Vee South. This area was chosen for the mix of residential and commercial and also the diversity of power line equipment ages and types.

Where are other trials going on in the country?
RPU is most likely the first utility in the Upper Midwest to perform a BPL. However, BPL technology has been tested and explored by several utilities throughout the United States during recent years, some of which are in the process of deploying commercially to their electric customers. A few to mention are Southern Company, Cinergy, PEPCO, Con Edison, PPL, Idaho Power, Florida Power & Light, Sierra Pacific, and the City of Manassas, Virginia.

Why would someone consider using BPL for internet, telephone, or video service?
BPL is a very convenient way to receive these services in your home. No rewiring or modifications are needed in your home—you just need a BPL modem that plugs into any electrical outlet, all outlets in your house would be “live” with no additional fees for more than one outlet.

What service(s) does BPL technology support?
Current BPL technology is capable of supporting several kinds of communication and data services. Some of these services and capabilities are data (internet), voice (VoIP, telephone), limited video such as on-demand movies, automated meter reading, outage detection, electric grid voltage monitoring, energy management, and various home-monitoring services. Full video service (television) is still in the research and development stage but looks promising for the near future.

What role would RPU have in deploying a BPL system in Rochester?
RPU would take the role of leasing it’s infrastructure (wires) to a vendor providing the BPL technology, hardware, and service content. This arrangement would be very similar to how the RPU leases pole space to other fiber optic service providers and the tops of water towers to cellular phone service providers.

Can more than one provider offer BPL services on the same wires?
With available technology, only one provider can inject BPL services onto the power lines within any given area.

What would I need to do to my house and what home equipment would I need to receive a BPL signal?
Your house requires no modifications or additional wiring. You would only need a BPL modem to translate the signal from any outlet in your home.