Digital optimization for
utility usage.

Millions of devices are being added to utility networks, and the amount of data that must be managed and monitored across grids is increasing. This not only puts a strain on existing infrastructure but also drives up costs for maintenance, upgrades, and data management. Nonetheless, utility companies are expected to provide reliable, high-quality service that keeps customers happy.

With an ever-increasing number of connected devices, utility companies face escalating costs and safety risks associated with infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, and system optimization. The sheer volume of data generated by these devices can be overwhelming.

 

There are answers to these challenges. With 5G-enabled edge computing and insights from IoT sensors, companies can reduce costs and enable faster, automated decision-making that increases reliability and mitigates safety concerns.

 

Enhanced operational efficiency:  Edge computing allows for faster decision-making by reducing latency and improving response times.

 

Cost reduction:  Predicting energy demand, detecting outages, and responding immediately to issues help minimize downtime, reduce operational costs, and improve the efficiency of power distribution.

 

Improved safety:  Companies can enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents by conducting proactive maintenance to detect issues before they arise.

5G provides the high capacity and low latency that utility companies need to integrate advanced technologies. 5G networks can reduce latency to under 10 milliseconds, compared to tens of milliseconds typical of LTE networks.²

 

Edge computing: With 5G connectivity, utilities can process data closer to the source, enabling monitoring of assets like poles, lines, and substations. This swift communication reduces data transmission across the network, improving efficiency and lowering costs. Additionally, it enhances data security and privacy while enabling proactive maintenance—optimizing resource allocation and budgets.

 

IoT sensors: These sensors monitor power lines and transmission systems and provide granular insights into grid performance, enabling utilities to identify potential issues before they escalate, minimize energy losses, and optimize the efficiency of energy distribution.

 

AI-powered automation: By automating tasks, such as predictive maintenance scheduling and load balancing, AI-powered systems help utilities improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance grid reliability.

Integrating technology such as smart meters, air quality sensors, and other connected devices into energy grid infrastructure helps optimize power management and distribution. Yet, managing these devices across vast and often remote areas adds layers of complexity and potential points of failure. Any network disruptions can lead to service interruptions, resulting in costly downtime and loss of customer trust.

 

Fortunately, with the scalability of 5G, utility companies can future-proof their operations—quickly adapting to increasing demands and maintaining service reliability. Moreover, 5G’s low latency allows them to collect and analyze data in real time to make informed decisions that enhance resource utilization and ensure optimal grid performance.

 

Consider this scenario: A utility company covering more than 100,000 square miles faced challenges managing its extensive infrastructure. The network was spread across multiple locations and was tasked with integrating an increasing number of connected devices—a costly and complex undertaking. Any downtime directly impacted service and led to negative customer sentiment.

 

The company turned that situation around by adopting 5G. It maximized bandwidth and throughput, maintained network uptime, and ensured uninterrupted services. The switch to 5G helped the company scale as network usage grew. It was able to streamline processes and capture meter data faster, facilitating a proactive maintenance strategy and, as a result, reducing operational costs. Equally important: The improved reliability and reduced power outages led to higher customer satisfaction.