Tips for a successful utility grid modernisation

programme
Mar 20, 2021

  

A number of factors, such as the lack of adequate planning or

energy providers choosing the wrong technology or partners,
can lead to utilities facing challenges when implementing grid
modernisation programmes.

Globally, regulators have set ambitious climate targets, which are

forcing utilities to speed up their grid transformation initiatives.
Image credit: Stock
This is resulting in more complexity for energy companies, as more
and more distributed energy resources and digital technologies are integrated with grids.

In a presentation made during the Itron Utility Week for EMEA, representatives from Itron presented some
recommendations on how utilities can ensure successful grid modernisation programmes.

Tips for a successful grid modernisation project

Daniel Popa, solution marketing manager at Itron, urged utilities to adopt open standards.

Open standards would enable interoperability between various grid assets and applications from di erent
manufacturers.

Have you read?

Connected cities during COVID and beyond
Avista Utilities records financial benefits from AMI rollout with Itron

Interoperability will, in turn, enable the integration of new and innovative technologies and use cases, such as
electric vehicles, solar PVs, energy storage.

Energy providers should also target high-performing solutions and certified technology vendors.

These high-performing solutions should leverage machine learning, artificial intelligence and other innovative digital
capabilities that can help optimise the operations of grid networks or ensure remote functions. A high-performing
solution could on average reduce non-technical losses for a utility by 75%.

Connectivity must be high: Grid communications technologies that utilities choose must be applicable for all
environments: Urban, semi-urban, rural. dense and flat. Utilities must ensure their communications network meets
the demands of their grid modernisation strategy, meaning data telemetry should be fast and secure.
Assure end-to-end security: Security must a top priority in all the layers of a smart grid application and this will
determine the resilience of a utility grid network.

Distribution operators should go for a solution with no security gaps and one that encrypts data on all
communications of the grid assets from network towers to back head-end systems.

Consider future use cases: Utility smart grid deployments should be sustainable and open for growth.

Technology should enable a utility to expand its uses in the future or allow the introduction of new use cases.

A solution should be cost-e ective but with high returns. Energy firms must consider the costs of the technology and
its impact on utility operations with regard to how the solution would ensure cost-savings for the utility and the
customer.

Regarding, contract management, utilities should favour managed services to de-risk grid modernisation
programme rollout. They should consider so ware-as-a-service to ensure full implementation of a programme is
well taken care of by a single vendor. This would help in the sense that a utility can make use of its resources to
improve customer services by delivering energy whilst the vendor leverages its expertise in ensuring the utility grid
modernisation project is a success.

Another issue that was raised during the webinar is that utilities should partner with multiple vendors for the
provision of various equipment or assets, for instance, smart meters. A utility should not rely on a single vendor,
product or technology but should rather deploy open-source applications and ensure interoperability of various
technologies and grid assets in its grid modernisation. This would enable innovation and the introduction of new
services in future. Deploying technology or equipment from a single vendor in the entire programme would limit the
utility from expanding its grid capabllities.

Learn more about how to ensure a successful grid modernisation programme by registering for the on-
demand session here.

  

Nicholas Nhede
Nicholas Nhede is an experienced energy sector writer based in Clarion Event's Cape Town o ce. He has been
writing for Smart Energy International’s print and online media platforms since 2015, on topics including metering,
smart grids, renewable energy, the Internet of Things, distributed energy resources and smart cities. Originally
from Zimbabwe, Nicholas holds a diploma in Journalism and Communication Studies. Nicholas has a passion for
how technology can be used to accelerate the energy transition and combat climate change.

  