With global electricity demand forecast to grow at nearly 4% per year through 2027, the utility sector is undergoing significant transformations worldwide. This is due to a number of factors, of course, but in large part it's being driven by the massive growth of data centers. And as demand for artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and cloud computing skyrockets, this issue will only become more challenging.
Yet, even as they deal with rising power consumption, utilities are faced with an urgent need to enhance infrastructure resiliency in order to handle everything from unpredictable weather patterns to cyber threats. Fortunately, AI also can be part of the solution, not just the problem. That’s because as electric grids and utility networks become smarter and more agile, AI helps detect and resolve issues proactively before problems arise.
Infusing Intelligence
As utilities evolve to meet the data-centric, mission-critical demands of the future, smarter electric grids are paramount. However, this digital transformation means that operations are now more distributed, and demands for real-time data intensify. As a result, communications networks also need to evolve beyond legacy technologies to become more robust, reliable, and future-proof.
Today, modern utilities increasingly rely on wireless networks to expand connectivity, reach remote locations, speed deployment and reduce costs versus traditional fiber broadband. Unlike commercial cellular networks intended for consumer applications, mission-critical utility networks require steadfast ‘five nines’ reliability and the utmost security. When a power outage occurs, or critical infrastructure needs 24/7 remote monitoring, communications cannot fail.
Private wireless networks enable utilities to improve reliability and control over their networks. With the latest LTE technologies, these networks help improve operational efficiency, allow greater cybersecurity measures, simplify management of distributed energy resources, and support smart grid technologies such as IoT-connected devices and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Moreover, as networks become more intelligent and interconnected, utilities can greatly benefit from predictive maintenance and automated fault detection, improving reliability and controlling costs.
Data Everywhere, All at Once
In order to take full advantage of smart initiatives, utilities require efficient, secure data exchange. Legacy wireless technologies often used by utilities, like TETRA professional mobile radio (PMR) systems and P25 digital land mobile radio (LMR) standards, lack the required bandwidth and data capabilities required to support remote asset management, smart grid applications, and IoT-enabled devices.
On the other hand, private LTE, which is built on the 3GPP standards used for 4G and 5G, enables real-time data transfer, video streaming, and sophisticated control functions essential for a modern utility. Private LTE wireless and fixed wireless access (FWA) networks offer utilities a seamless, data-rich environment with greater control and capacity. Plus, investment in LTE technology today provides a smooth upgrade path to future 5G advancements, ensuring long-term relevance and return on investment.
Specifically designed for utilities and other mission-critical infrastructure, private LTE networks in the 450 MHz and 900 MHz bands offer a reliable, secure solution to modernize network operations. Because lower frequency bands offer superior propagation characteristics, signals travel further and penetrate obstacles more effectively than higher frequencies. This ensures utility-grade networks with wider coverage and more reliable connectivity for inherent resilience even in the most challenging environments, which is vital to maintaining operational continuity and agility.
Focus on Reliability and Resilience
For electric, water and gas utilities, the question isn't if you need to evolve your network, but when and how. True digital transformation enables utilities to unlock a wealth of capabilities, paving the way for digital evolution to a smarter network.
Enhanced Smart Grid Management: Real-time data from grid assets allows for dynamic load balancing, proactive maintenance, and rapid response to grid anomalies.
IoT and Remote Monitoring: Connecting thousands of sensors and devices across infrastructure offers unprecedented visibility and control over operations as a whole.
Secure and Private Communications: Operating on a dedicated spectrum ensures security and prioritization of mission-critical communications and enables robust cybersecurity measures.
In this way, private LTE wireless networks offer an ideal solution to connect distributed assets, expand service area, improve operational efficiency and bolster security. Ultimately, this empowers smart grid initiatives with real-time, reliable communications for a resilient and proven path forward to tomorrow.