In today’s dynamic energy industry, the low-voltage grid plays an increasingly critical role—especially as electric vehicles (EVs) and distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar, wind power and battery storage become more widespread. Despite the significant role both EVs and DERs can play in stemming global climate disruption, their impact on the reliability of the electricity distribution grid can’t be understated.
What used to be a one-dimensional flow of power from generation to customer homes and businesses is now becoming an interactive, two-way transaction with more unpredictable variables than ever. Although this presents new challenges for our industry, it also presents an opportunity to discover technologies that deliver data-driven solutions and enhance overall grid performance and connectivity.
Distributed intelligence (DI)—which leverages an industrial IoT network, smart grid sensors and edge computing—in combination with continuous insights, analytics and control is needed to redefine what’s possible with low-voltage grid management.
DI can lend the most insight into the least visible part of a distribution system, providing actionable and reliable information to help utilities make informed decisions. What used to be possible only with expensive, point solutions can now be achieved by layering on new use cases to an already-established AMI system.
Now more than ever, it is critical that utilities have the ability to:
- Gain true situational awareness and real-time visibility to endpoints across the network
- Ensure grid reliability when faced with unpredictable, variable load
- Protect and extend the life of vital grid assets like transformers
- Lower operating costs
- Maximize the adoption of DERs and EVs
- Provide new avenues for customer engagement
- Open the door to new revenue streams
It’s inevitable that the proliferation of both EVs and DERs will have a significant impact on overall grid operations, particularly across the low-voltage grid. To prepare for these challenges, utilities need DI + real-time vision technology to better manage new variable grid assets, transform low-voltage grid and improve the return on infrastructure investments.
To learn more, visit us in booth 2403 at DISTRIBUTECH 2022, and watch the Itron Experience demonstration of our low-voltage grid management solutions. See how these solutions can provide comprehensive insight into the least visible part of the distribution system—and do so in the most cost-effective way possible, providing visibility both in front of and behind the meter.
Solutions We Are Showcasing in Booth 2403:
- Grid Management
- Next-Gen Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
- Smart Cities
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)/Intelligent Connectivity
- Gas Efficiency and Safety
- Distributed Intelligence
- Demos, including the Itron Experience, electric vehicles, distributed energy resources and customer engagement as key components to managing the low-voltage grid
For more information on what we are up to at the show, including several speaking engagements and where attendees can learn firsthand about our solutions, visit www.itron.com/dtech. We look forward to connecting with you!