IoT Connected Utilities and Smart Energy Solutions

Discover how LTE cellular networks can help improve grid intelligence, operations and data management, and explore the future evolution of connected IoT for utilities.

LTE Applicability Across Functions, Technologies, and Geographies

The shift to cellular networks has transformed how utility companies manage assets, infrastructure and operations and serve their customers. The IoT provides them with the data and control needed to better monitor and manage supply, demand and grid operations.

What are the Top IoT Use Cases for Connected Utilities?

Mobile Applications

Connected Utilities

With the IoT, utilities can extend the enterprise network to the field, turning the vehicle into a remote mobile office, and allowing all critical application to be run in and around the vehicle. With vehicle-ready I/O, GNSS location technology and inertial navigation systems, networking routers deliver detailed vehicle and location information – critical for field workers and central teams and fast response times.

Maximize response times especially after natural disasters

Track their fleets
hundreds of vehicles including bucket trucks

Keep workers safe
and track /report unsafe behavior

Reduce operating costs
linked to multiple cell plans, tracking platforms

Record work
at job site to protect from litigation

Remotely manage their fleet
to optimize usage and maintenance

Give field workers all the information
they need at their fingertips by connecting them to enterprise and enabling them to work in and around their vehicle

Fixed Applications

IoT solutions enable grid modernization and maximize business outcomes by providing the connectivity needed to connect grid equipment (reclosers, capacitor bank controllers, fault locators) to central /SCADA systems used to monitor real-time line condition, retrieve load data and interact with field equipment.

Maximize uptime and reliability of their electrical distribution system

Private Networks

Private LTE offers a game-changing advantage to connected utilities. It addresses traditional concerns about reliability and security and provides flexible and extensible capabilities that facilitate increased productivity and improved grid operations. Deploying a private LTE network can benefit utility companies in several important ways.

A private LTE network is a virtual guarantee your organization will have consistent, reliable coverage across your entire footprint. Full control and ownership of your network ensures clear communication—even in remote areas.

A growing number of utilities are transitioning to a private LTE network solution as they work to realize the potential of smart grid modernization and digital transformation initiatives, including smart meters, gas sensors, voltage regulators, distributed energy resources and new applications to connect remote sites and workers.

Smart Energy Solutions

Smart Grid Modernization

Governments and utilities worldwide are transitioning towards a low-carbon economy and changing the way power is both produced and consumed. The traditional power grid is seeing a revolutionary transformation that will unlock the integration of renewable energy sources, meet growing usage demands, increase power efficiency and quality, and enable new services to meet environmental targets.

See RV55

Smart Metering Solutions

Smart metering benefits utilities by improving customer satisfaction with faster interaction, while giving consumers more control of their energy usage to save money and reduce carbon emissions. With power visibility all the way to the meter, utilities can optimize energy distribution and even take action to shift demand loads. The Internet of Things (IoT) transforms traditional energy infrastructure into interconnected “smart grids.” Smart metering is an essential element—and usually the first milestone—in smart grid implementations.

See LPWA

Distributed Energy Resources

The widespread introduction of renewables (solar and wind generation) has been a tremendous benefit in helping to reduce greenhouse gases and diversify the energy supply. However, integrating these new distributed energy resources (DERs) into the grid is not without challenges.
Ongoing retirement of copper lease lines is forcing operators of distributed electricity grids to find new ways to deploy Direct Transfer Trip (DTT), an essential technique for clearing faults. LTE cellular delivers the performance and security DTT needs, at a cost dramatically lower than that of fiber-optic cabling. LTE cellular is supported by management systems that create a solid foundation for complete grid modernization.

See RV55

CS-HVAC Remote Monitoring-Banner-1400x600

Remote Asset Monitoring

Utilities have embraced the IoT with applications like demand-side management, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Distribution Automation, and more. Most of these IoT applications connect traditional grid assets and are associated with the direct delivery of energy. Utilities also own and operate many other assets that do not directly deliver energy but are just as critical to the safe and reliable delivery of energy—such as power poles, weather stations, environmental sensors, underground facilities and more.

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IoT Connected Utilities and Smart Energy Solutions

LTE Applicability Across Functions, Technologies, and Geographies

What are the Top IoT Use Cases for Connected Utilities?

Mobile Applications

Fixed Applications

Private Networks