Why private broadband is the springboard to energy transformation

With the right communications framework, utilities will have significantly more flexibility, scalability and control available to manage their networks amid the energy transition, writes Carlos Carazo.

It’s no secret that many utilities are seeking to make meaningful progress toward their aggressive carbon neutrality targets, driven by customer expectations and an increasingly strict regulatory environment.

Based on targets set by the state of California, for example, the Southern California Edison electric utility is aiming to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045, many states have set similarly aggressive targets as environmental concerns continue to take centre stage amid legislative policy discussions.

As utilities explore new technologies and applications to help meet lofty aspirations for their sustainability journey, they first need to establish the right foundation to support development.

High-speed private broadband communication serves as a foundational element in helping build the connectivity needed for new grid modernisation initiatives fuelled by the energy transition. With the right communications framework, utilities will have significantly more flexibility, scalability and control available to manage their networks amid the transition.

Connectivity is key

Many utilities have begun to rethink their distribution grid to help bring the clean energy future into focus. Until recently, the electrical grid utilized a central, process-oriented system in delivering a one-directional flow of energy. To accommodate renewable sources, the grid must function with a less centralized electrical system that incorporates multidirectional energy flowing between utilities and customers.

While the transition to a bi-directional distribution grid is beneficial for the adoption of sustainable energy resources, it also represents a disruptive shift in utility operations. Adding renewables to the grid requires a significant IT investment, including the accommodation of battery storage, microgrids and distributed energy resources (DERs) to help stabilize the grid. Data intelligence and automation in particular are imperative to maximizing the effectiveness of DERs from the central data center to the edge of the grid.

Together, these dynamics underscore the importance of having a high level of connectivity between grid components. A secure, resilient communications network is needed to transport data between sensors, control systems and smart devices. And it must be done at a high speed to ensure seamless operations – especially as grid demands continue to evolve and new applications are added to the network.

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Opening the door to innovation

Utilities must be careful to consider how communications infrastructure will need to adapt in alignment with their grid modernisation plans. Carrier networks are generally insufficient to deliver the enhanced layers of connectivity and security needed to accommodate clean energy applications – not to mention adjacent advancements taking shape, such as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and intelligent sensing systems, which also demand increased connectivity.

While utilities may not know exactly where grid modernization will take them in the future, an ever-increasing need for connectivity and sophistication corresponds with demands for a greater level of network control. Deploying private LTE spectrum can help utilities address these requirements, increasing capabilities for low latency and network management functionality in consolidating most, if not all, of their applications across a single, secure network standard.

The capability for enhanced control is especially critical considering utility priorities for safety and security across the grid. Many utilities are already beginning to rely on technology solutions to help trigger relays and implement safety protocols when unexpected events occur.

Utilities can now, for example, detect when a power line breaks down and have the electricity automatically cut off before it even hits the ground. The process requires millisecond-level communications speed for effective intervention.

With private LTE, utilities can gain the low latency needed to reliably leverage these types of solutions and evolve their network as other capabilities come on the horizon. Priorities for connectivity, safety and security can be merged – allowing utilities to fine tune their approach as grid modernization demands continue to evolve.

Customers will benefit

As utilities weigh the budget dynamics for potential private LTE investments, they should consider the potential for positive economic impact across other operational components. With only one standard to build and operate, the total cost of ownership is lower than maintaining multiple single-use networks. By providing high-bandwidth, low latency and improved performance capabilities, it also has the power to greatly reduce operating expenses related to aging infrastructure upgrades needed for grid modernisation.

With the saving and efficiencies established through an upgrade to private LTE, utilities can in turn invest resources back into services that directly impact their customers. Expanding into other grid modernization projects, such as AMI and smart sensor rollouts, offers the capability to greatly improve customer service. Maintenance processes become more efficient with the adoption of solutions in advancing areas like predictive analytics. It’s all made possible with secure, high-speed connectivity.

Pave the way forward

There are a host of exciting developments on the horizon as utilities continue to advance in the planning and execution of new grid modernisation strategies. In establishing the communications framework for tomorrow, utilities have an opportunity to take more advantage of renewables like wind and solar, as well as emerging technologies, while greatly improving operational effectiveness. Utilities that begin their journey now will be in a competitive position to demonstrate value and drive intelligent solutions to their customers.

As the energy transition accelerates, private LTE will play a critical role in allowing utilities to maximize resources and progress intelligently in their pursuits. Collaboration will be helpful in this transition as sharing information and evaluating business cases can help utilities to collectively optimize their approach.

While every utility has its own unique goals and challenges, the ability to create a common framework can ensure those in the industry can fully utilize their communications infrastructure in moving grid modernisation initiatives forward.

About the author

Carlos Carazo is the managing director of Digital Grid Services for Southern California Edison and a board member for The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA).

He has more than 30 years of experience in IT, with 25 years’ successfully managing organizations and programs across a multitude of IT teams while effectively leading represented and non-represented employees, as well as supplemental staff, to meet business and strategic objectives.