Strategic Directions Report reinforces the need for the industry to evolve
Press Release
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., August 13, 2019 /3BL Media/ – Electric utilities are navigating one of the industry’s most dynamic times across diverse geographies and stakeholders, presented with a mix of opportunities as they work to meet changing customer demands along with the need to deliver reliable, resilient power, Black & Veatch’s new 2019 Strategic Directions: Electric Report finds.
New Strategic Directions Report explores smart grid strategies as distributed energy tests utility business models
Press Release
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., January 29, 2019 /3BL Media/ – Faced with the rapid evolution of generation, transmission and distribution technology, utilities are poised to undergo their most visible transformation in more than a century. By actively pursuing grid modernization efforts now — deploying smart devices, predictive analytics and active network management strategies — they can overcome the pitfalls of aging infrastructure assets and meet rising customer demand for clean energy, reliability and a lowered carbon footprint.
New Strategic Directions Report explores smart grid strategies as distributed energy tests utility business models
Press Release
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., January 29, 2019 /3BL Media/ – Faced with the rapid evolution of generation, transmission and distribution technology, utilities are poised to undergo their most visible transformation in more than a century. By actively pursuing grid modernization efforts now — deploying smart devices, predictive analytics and active network management strategies — they can overcome the pitfalls of aging infrastructure assets and meet rising customer demand for clean energy, reliability and a lowered carbon footprint.
Electric utilities are realizing that distribution modernization programs, also referred to as grid modernization, can no longer be put off. Overhauling the electric distribution system will require upgrades to OT, as well as to the networks that allow IT and OT components to communicate to improve reliability. The benefits are clear: Grid operators need advanced sensors, communications and automation so they can see what’s happening in real time, which will lessen disruption while enhancing efficiency, reliability, security and safety.
System reliability & efficiency needs are driving utilities to rely on connected technology
Article
Growing commitment to distributed energy resources (DER) is forcing continued modernization of the grid — and the effort shows no signs of letting up. Whether by regulatory mandate or stakeholder pressure, system upgrades are being made worldwide to support the increase in renewable energy, while making infrastructure smarter and more resilient. Historically, attention to the grid’s distribution system focused on poles and wire maintenance and upkeep, but growing connectivity between assets is requiring a more holistic approach.
One might think the proliferation of renewables would spell the demise of natural gas, but market leaders know that gas-fired generation will continue to play an important role even as an influx of renewable energy reshapes the American power landscape.
DER continue to drive change within the electric industry
Article
Distributed energy resources (DER) continue to drive change within the electric industry as both energy consumers and electric service providers are diversifying how electricity is generated and delivered. Spawned by the public embrace of clean energy, falling prices, and regulatory subsidies, solar photovoltaics, battery energy storage, and microgrids are being deployed in more places across the electric system.
SMUD forecasts customer DER adoption in first-of-kind holistic utility analysis
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 31, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Consumers could outspend utilities in the adoption of solar, storage, electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources (DERs), making it essential for utilities to track and integrate these DERs into their planning processes to benefit their customers and the grid.
For years, utilities have struggled to define the more responsive operational systems and customer-centric performance models that would trumpet the arrival of Utility 2.0. Lacking a singular event marking the shift, it seems more likely a steady, incremental advance through technology deployments, analytics and a focus on customer engagement represents the path towards a continually evolving future state. As we have seen with the progress to date, further advances will require continuing coordination within utilities, their regulators and customers to ensure a sustainable path forward.
