Three ways a utility benefits from reliable communications – and 10 must-haves when selecting a network.
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In an effort to prepare for future demands, power utilities are looking for new ways to be more efficient, better serve customers and improve asset management.
A critical part of future-proofing a utility is implementing a powerful, reliable communications network. It’s no longer possible to truly progress without one: According to the Smart Cities Council, “Super-fast, high-capacity broadband networks are considered essential to economic growth, job creation and competitiveness.”
The utility of the future requires seamless communications between assets, field workers and operations centers, creating a stronger problem-solving foundation based on real-time data. Without a reliable wireless network that sends and receives accurate data in real time, a utility may be working off obsolete data, or no data at all.
Both the utility and its customers benefit from maximized access to integrated, accurate data: The utility runs more efficiently and profitably because it can connect and manage information from all assets, thus making better use of its employees’ time, while customers experience less downtime during outages.
A reliable communications network can make a utility future-ready in three main ways: enhanced remote access; improved customer service and safety; and more efficient asset management.
Enhanced remote access
A communications network that allows fast remote access lets power utilities be more resourceful with their staffs and more effective from anywhere despite staffs’ physical location.
With a robust communications network, a power utility can remotely control substations from an operations center to turn power on and off, open and close switches, and run diagnostics. This access isn’t possible without a continuously connected network, because otherwise there is a delay in response – and even a delay of a few seconds can have a big impact on operations.
Having real-time remote access also means that a utility doesn’t need to send workers out to flip a switch or run diagnostics every time there is an issue at a substation. This improves worker health and safety because employees won’t need to venture to remote locations at night or in bad weather to make simple adjustments or changes. Instead, they can perform tasks from any location within the network if properly designed.
Improved customer service and safety
Related to remote access is improved customer service and speed of service.
A power utility cares about its customers the same way a retail business or restaurant might, and reliable service keeps customers happy – especially when it comes to restoring power as fast as possible during outages.
A traditional outage-to-restoration process involves several steps with long lead times. Failed assets must be identified and restored, and this can involve a lot of guesswork, as well as multiple trips to and from a site to identify, locate and fix the problem.
A network that allows instant remote access means that problems can be diagnosed and potentially even fixed without an electrician having to physically go to a location. This helps optimize the repair process during an outage, getting power back to customers faster.
It also helps protect customer safety – for example, if a utility provides power to transit infrastructure like electric buses or trains. If a driver hits a utility pole and power goes down, an electric bus or train can get stuck in an intersection with passengers on board. The utility won’t know there is a problem until customers complain, which affects response time. Meanwhile, passengers are trapped in a hazardous situation. With a fast communications system and access to real-time data, however, the utility will see the problem immediately and can get the transit back on line quickly.
A good communications network also helps ensure customers’ bills are correct. Smart meters can be installed and join the network, allowing more precise calculations of electricity use and thus a more accurate bill. A utility can set up network alerts that are triggered if a meter stops transmitting power usage. The utility and customer then both find out immediately that the meter needs repair – so a customer is never hit with a large “catch-up” bill to account for usage when the meter wasn’t functioning.
Putting smart meters on a reliable communication network infrastructure also means a utility won’t need to send an employee to every house each month to read a meter; likewise, the utility won’t need to estimate usage in lieu of sending a worker. Instead, the meter sends precise usage info over the network in real time, and the utility has more accurate data when billing customers.
Efficient asset management
A reliable communications network helps expedite planned maintenance while also allowing a utility to react to problems proactively; with seamless communications between field devices, vehicles, crews and the operations center, response is streamlined. For example, if lightning strikes a utility pole and a neighborhood’s power goes down, then a utility with assets connected to a robust network can see this in real time, as it happens, and immediately begin working to bring the transformer back online.
Utility trucks and other mobile assets can become part of a network as well, so connectivity remains reliable even when utility personnel and engineering teams are working in remote environments. Vehicles connected to a network can be equipped with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and handheld monitoring devices, providing connectivity on the go. Field technicians can plug into their devices, pull up the most current data and send findings to the operations center or other field technicians.
A good network also helps manage the grid. Some utilities must ensure the power coming and going from various substations is load-balanced. By connecting all assets – including substations – to a reliable network, a utility is able to monitor and manage power load and customer consumption in real time, decreasing the possibility of brownouts.
What to look for in a wireless network: 10 must-have wireless network requirements
So how do you decide what kind of network will help your utility to achieve these benefits? A utility puts itself in the best position for future success by selecting a network that is:
Scalable
As a utility expands or restructures, it should be easy to scale the network up and down.
Redundant
Each node should have multiple connections to other nodes. The network should have no single point of failure or bottlenecks.
Continuously connected
A network with constant connectivity ensures real-time communications between assets and employees.
Able to integrate with other technologies
A network should support Wi-Fi as well as easily integrate with Ethernet-connected devices, such as microwave backhaul, cellular data/LTE networks and third-party satellite.
High bandwidth and low latency
A network should be able to support a number of high-bandwidth applications without weakening, because dropped packets can have major implications on human safety and welfare.
Mobile
To support a utility’s mobile workforce, network access should not be limited to fixed locations. The network should leverage mobile assets for additional coverage and mobile access.
Not bound to a handoff
A handoff occurs when network connectivity has to “hop” from radio to radio. This means the network constantly must negotiate the connection between radios to determine the best signal. Look for a network that establishes and maintains multiple live connections to avoid handoffs.
Adaptable
Municipal environments in particular are known for their radio frequency interference challenges. A strong wireless network infrastructure must have features or functionality that will help to mitigate or manage high degrees of interference.
Able to be future proofed
A network should be able to be upgraded without a major network reconfiguration or a “forklift upgrade.”
Not roaming or “fast roaming”
According to Network Computing, “Fast roaming … allows a client device to roam quickly in environments implementing WPA2 Enterprise security, by ensuring that the client device does not need to re-authenticate … every time it roams from one access point to another.” Although this sounds like a positive, “fast-roaming” involves a handoff and creates situations of intermittent connectivity.
Making connections
A utility without a strong network relies on the playbook of the past, not the future, which affects its constituents. A 2016 President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology report states, “Information and communication technologies, the proliferation of sensors through the internet of things, and converging data standards are also combining to provide new possibilities for the physical management and the socioeconomic development of cities. … Digital and mobile technologies are making the connections between service providers and users tighter, faster, more personal and more comprehensive.”
Access to real-time data via a reliable network strengthens the connections between a power utility and its customers. A powerful network is an essential part of an integrated utility, priming it to meet current and future challenges head on.
Todd Rigby is director of sales for Rajant Corporation, a private wireless network provider and mobile networking pioneer. He can be reached at [email protected]. Steven Griggs is senior sales engineer for Rajant. Griggs can be reached at [email protected].
Photo copyright: robuart / 123RF Stock Photo
