Harnessing the Power of Automation and IoT in the Utilities Industry

The utilities industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the integration of automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced sensor systems. Automation is taking place in water conservation, waste management, oil monitoring, and energy usage/conservation. A number of key technologies are revolutionizing how utilities operate, enabling more efficient monitoring, enhanced asset management, and a stronger commitment to sustainability.

Key trends such as Lightweight Machine-to-Machine (LwM2M) protocol adoption, smart metering (AMI - advanced metering infrastructure), and predictive maintenance are paving the way for a smarter and more sustainable future. Below are some key trends in the utilities industry:

Grid Modernization
The industry is undergoing a shift to modernize key infrastructure, delivery, and services. The aging electrical grid is currently experiencing modernization with advanced technologies such as smart meters, sensors, and automation systems. This is expected to improve grid reliability, enhance outage management, and better the integration of renewable energy sources.

Renewable Energy Integration
As part of sustainability across utilities, we are seeing an increasing adoption of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, along with the push for electric vehicles (EVs).The goal is to reduce carbon emissions, provide a diversification of energy supply and resources, and align with sustainable development goals (SDGs). While EVs have not taken off as expected due to lowering demands, the infrastructure is also playing catch up as charging stations continue to be constructed across the U.S.

Energy Storage Solutions
Along the lines with a strong focus on renewable energy and resources, there is a growing trend in the deployment of large-scale battery storage systems to store energy generated from renewable sources. This trend is expected to enhance grid stability, improve the demand response capabilities, and enable efficient energy utilization.

READ MORE AT OMA