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Utility Communications & Broadband

Home Utility Communications & Broadband

In order to reliably operate the grid, utilities need secure networks able to deliver information related to a variety of critical capabilities including monitoring of distribution and transmission lines, outage management, smart metering, substation automation and more. Indeed, it’s common for utilities to build and operate their own private communications networks. A survey conducted by the Utilities Technology Council in 2019 found that “three-fourths of the respondents owned 80% or more of their networks, while only one small public power utility surveyed reported owning less than 40% of its telecommunications network.”

As an increasing number of technologies connect to the grid, whether providing generation, energy storage services, or grid monitoring and control data, utility communication networks are becoming an even more critical component of a secure, reliable, and efficient grid. Utility communication systems can include fiber networks and private wireless networks that could also be leveraged to provide middle mile broadband and last mile internet service for end-use consumers. The Chattanooga utility EPB leveraged a $111.7 million ARRA Smart Grid grant to build a $222 million fiber optic communications network that enables the city’s smart grid and provides high speed broadband access to all customers. A new study suggests that EPB’s fiber optics has helped generate at least 2,800 new jobs and added $865.3 million to the local economy by cutting power outages, improving Internet links, and attracting businesses to the “Gig City.”

GridWise Alliance’s theme for the third quarter will be utility communications and broadband. Utilities’ investments in operational fiber and wireless broadband communications networks are essential for a modern grid. In July and September (no meetings in August!), our Policy and Technology Councils will explore the applications of modern utility communications networks, from increased visibility of grid conditions to enhanced customer engagement, and beyond. We welcome your suggestions for speakers and more granular topics within the broader Utility Communications theme. If you have any content that showcases your work with communications and/or broadband that we can feature on the GridWise website, please send it to Josh Steinhardt.

Resources

  • Utility Telecom Infrastructure Management
    Learn More
  • Private LTE Broadband Changes The Game For Utilities
    Learn More
  • Utility Internet of Things (IoT)
    Learn More
  • Investing in Connectivity
    Learn More
  • Rural Broadband Program
    Learn More
  • Rural Broadband Initiative
    Learn More
  • Intelligent Grid Wireless Communication Networks for Utilities
    Learn More
  • Resilient Communications Demonstration Project
    Learn More

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Calendar

Grid Investments Task Force – Meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM ET

GridWise Alliance Policy Council – Webinars take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM ET

GridWise Alliance Technology Council – Meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM ET

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About the Alliance
The GridWise Alliance (GridWise) champions the principle concepts, policies, and investments needed to transform the electricity grid by understanding the diverse perspectives and priorities of all stakeholders. GridWise member companies have been leading changes across the electricity industry since 2003.

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Since 2003, GridWise Alliance has been educating legislators & regulators on the critical need to modernize our nation’s electricity system. #gridmodernization

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newyorkiso New York ISO @newyorkiso ·
6 Jul

.@gridwisedc CEO @karenwayland runs GridWise Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of #gridmodernization.
▶️ In our latest #PowerTrends #Podcast, she speaks with VP Kevin Lanahan, about grid hardening, cybersecurity, and more. http://ow.ly/uUCp50JPvam

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gridwisedc GridWise Alliance @gridwisedc ·
17 Jun

June 22nd at 3pm ET - Building Grid #Resilience to Wildfires with Analytic Tools - Two panels - one providing examples of activities that occur before the wildfire season and the second panel discussing activities during the wildfire season. RSVP to join.
https://conta.cc/3tHo937

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bpc_bipartisan Bipartisan Policy Center @bpc_bipartisan ·
2 Jun

🔴 We're LIVE from our "New Investments in Clean, Equitable, Affordable Energy and Transportation" event!

First up, a fireside chat with @JasonGrumet, @GovLarryHogan and @Exelon’s @CalvinGButler.

📺 https://youtu.be/jkdDmhTTjoo

#BPCLive

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2 Jun

We're talking about #gridinvestments #equity and #Infrastructure later today with a few of our leaders and friends. If you are in the DC metro area, a handful of seats are still available. Hope to see you there in person or on the livestream, too.

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gridwisedc GridWise Alliance @gridwisedc ·
9 May

Great group of panelists to drive a mid-week discussion on #gridinfrastructure #gridmodernization.

Take a moment to RSVP and join us this Wednesday.

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