2023-09-01 06:50:00
GLOBAL DIGITAL ENERGY TRANSITION
IT Lead, Exelon Corporation
ENERGYCENTRAL - Aug 21, 2023 - The role of Information Technology (IT) in the Power Industry cannot be overemphasized. In recent times, the industry has experienced a significant transformation fueled by technological advancements, and IT has been at the forefront of this revolution.
Introduction
The Power Industry is an essential sector of the economy that supplies electricity to households, businesses, and industries. The demand for electricity has been on the rise, and the industry has had to adapt to meet the growing needs of consumers. IT has played a critical role in making this possible.
The Importance of IT in the Power Industry
IT has enabled the Power Industry to achieve significant milestones over the years. The following are some of the ways IT has impacted the industry:
1. Improved Efficiency
IT has enabled power companies to improve their operational efficiency by automating processes, reducing downtime, and minimizing errors. For instance, the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems has made it possible for power companies to monitor and control the generation and distribution of electricity in real-time.
2. Enhanced Reliability
The Power Industry is highly dependent on technology to ensure that power is delivered reliably to consumers. IT has made it possible for companies to improve their grid management systems, reducing the likelihood of power outages and enhancing the overall reliability of the system.
3. Increased Safety
IT has played a critical role in enhancing safety in the Power Industry. For instance, the use of drones has made it possible for power companies to inspect power lines and other infrastructure without putting workers at risk.
4. Improved Customer Service
IT has made it possible for power companies to improve customer service by providing real-time information to customers. For instance, customers can now track their energy consumption, receive alerts when power outages occur, and report issues using mobile apps.
Examples of IT in the Power Industry
The following are some of the specific examples of IT in the Power Industry:
1. Smart Grids
Smart Grids are a type of electrical grid that uses IT to manage and distribute electricity in a more efficient and reliable manner. Smart Grids use advanced sensors, analytics, and automation to monitor and control energy usage.
2. Renewable Energy
The use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power has been on the rise in recent times. IT has played a critical role in making this possible by enabling power companies to monitor and control renewable energy sources in real-time.
3. Energy Storage
Energy storage technologies such as batteries have become increasingly important in the Power Industry. IT has made it possible for power companies to monitor and control energy storage systems, ensuring that they are used efficiently.
Stats and Experiences
The following are some of the stats and experiences that highlight the importance of IT in the Power Industry:
1. Cost Savings
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the use of digital technologies such as AI and IoT could help the Power Industry save up to $150 billion annually by 2025.
2. Improved Efficiency
A study by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) found that the use of smart grid technologies could reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.
3. Enhanced Reliability
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the average duration of power outages in the US has been on the decline, with the average duration reducing from 138 minutes in 2010 to 92 minutes in 2019.
Conclusion
IT has transformed the Power Industry, enabling companies to improve efficiency, enhance reliability, increase safety, and improve customer service. The industry is set to experience further transformation as technology continues to evolve. It is, therefore, essential for companies to continue investing in IT to remain competitive in the market.
-----
This thought leadership article was originally shared with Energy Central's Digital Utility Community Group. The communities are a place where professionals in the power industry can share, learn and connect in a collaborative environment. Join the Digital Utility Community today and learn from others who work in the industry.
------
Earlier:
2023, July, 28, 06:55:00
GLOBAL SOLAR MARKET INSTABILITY
These projects total 167 gigawatts of new generation capacity. The total monetary value is estimated to be $33 billion. That is assuming they get built.
2023, June, 9, 06:30:00
GLOBAL ENERGY CHALLENGES
As the energy transition/energy addition continues, many changes are occurring that will impact the performance of grid reliability.
2023, June, 2, 06:45:00
GLOBAL RENEWABLE MADNESS
Wind and solar need to be backed up, close to 100 per cent, by some other means of power generation. If that backup is provided by open-cycle gas or worse, coal, net zero will never be achieved: nor anything very close to it.
2023, June, 2, 06:40:00
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENT
"For every dollar invested in fossil fuels, about 1.7 dollars are now going into clean energy. Five years ago, this ratio was one-to-one," Birol said.
2023, May, 26, 06:35:00
BLOCKCHAIN FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Adopting flexible load management (FLM) could deliver both customer benefits and support clean energy targets.
2023, May, 26, 06:30:00
AI FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries, and one area where its potential is particularly promising is in optimizing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
2023, March, 31, 07:35:00
GLOBAL SMART ELECTRICITY
The key is reliable and independent data flows and communications between smart meters and the whole interconnected world of the smart electric utility of the future.
