Utilities solutions for today and tomorrow

Utilities are navigating the transformation of a grid originally built for centralised, one-directional power delivery. Today’s energy landscape is shaped by disruptors like data centres, widespread electrification, electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources, which challenge traditional grid operations. Grid modernisation is a priority for power and utility companies, according to IBM’s Institute for Business Value. The Institute surveyed nearly 600 senior utility executives and found that 100% have developed grid modernisation strategies, though 21% report no progress to date. Almost half list “enhancing grid reliability” as a top goal, on a par with “reducing carbon emissions” and “empowering and engaging customers.”¹ Modernising the grid is no longer optional, it is a strategic necessity. Utilities and power producers must address rising energy demand, ageing infrastructure, intensifying climate events and the goal to decarbonise while integrating distributed energy resources (DERs). Success will require a holistic strategy that spans technical innovation, market responsiveness and regulatory alignment.

Utilities -reduce emissions through multiple strategies: shifting to lower-carbon generation, making existing power plants more efficient, expanding demand-side management to reduce consumption and adopting carbon capture technologies. Recent surveys show 57% of utilities plan significant decarbonisation investments.²

The rise of smart grids, smart meters and interconnected networks creates more entry points for cyberattacks. Industrial operations, including utilities, face significant threats, with 75% experiencing cyber-attacks recently, making operational technology cybersecurity an important consideration for industrial operations.

An integrated SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) solution provides near real-time monitoring and access to electrical system alarms and events, as well as single line custom displays and troubleshooting analysis tools. 

Distributed energy resource programmes (DERs) are small-scale electricity supply or demand resources that are usually situated near sites of electricity use. They help modern energy grids integrate renewable sources of power. Most DERs are connected to the public grid, improving the reliability and resilience of wider energy systems. At times of peak energy consumption, DERs can help utilities balance grid loads to prevent outages and blackouts and even generate power to reduce energy costs. Although they represent a small percentage of power generation, DERs are becoming more common. Examples of DERs include but are not limited to solar panels, wind turbines, battery energy storage systems and electric vehicles.

By participating in demand response programmes, leveraging distributed energy resources and adopting flexible load management strategies, commercial and industrial customers can help utilities balance supply and demand, improve grid resilience and reduce costs.

Utilities can improve underground line locating by adopting advanced technologies and proactive strategies that help enhance accuracy and reduce risk. Line locating services are critical to public safety as they help protect infrastructure and maintain service reliability. By accurately identifying the location of underground utility lines, such as gas, electricity and water, utilities help prevent accidental damage during excavation or construction activities. This approach helps address issues early by reducing the risk of minor damage from escalating into more serious and costly problems.