grid edge innovation summit 2019

Data analytics, AI and DERMS, along with distributed resources, are fueling deep transformations across the electricity sector. Utilities are moving away from being mere commodity providers, becoming service-orientated, data-centric organizations that put the customer at the center of their business models.

We will kickstart the conference by highlighting some of the key innovation stories across the distribution utility universe, inviting senior executives from leading IOUs and tech firms to a conversation on decentralization.

In addition to these perspectives on how digital tools are already enhancing energy efficiency and customer experience, we will venture into how DERMs, blockchain and AI are setting the foundations for a decentralized energy system that empowers consumers, allowing dispatchable demand and localized energy hubs, and redefining the role of utilities. #showall

How are distribution utilities making the most of the countless data sets popping up across T&D networks? Leading IOUs and Munis will sit down to evaluate their data analytics strategies, breaking down early successes and pitfalls, and key benefits in real-time data acquisition and monitoring. #showall

As weather events become more extreme and unpredictable, the vulnerability of the T&D network has become a central point of focus for every utility in the United States. Extreme weather phenomena add up pressure and urgency to one of the biggest challenges faced by distribution utilities: Minimizing outages and downtime, identifying possible failures and ensuring maximum reliability across its footprints.

Several leading IOUs and Munis will gather to share their experiences in how IoT-enabled predictive maintenance and real-time data analytics can enhance reliability. #showall

Eighty years later, electric cooperatives are faced with evaluating how to digitalize and modernize their grid infrastructure. Rural electric cooperatives serve on average seven consumers to a mile, covering nearly sixty percent of the nation’s landmass, eighty eight percent of U.S. counties.

Serving 42 million people involves owning and maintaining 2.6 million miles of U.S. electric distribution lines while collecting the least amount of revenue per consumer compared to other utilities. Newer technologies and digitalization are some of the strategies helping to maintain and modernize the assets owned by electric cooperatives.

Listen to an example of some of the work that is being done at a rural electric cooperative in North Carolina and hear the vision of where electric cooperatives are headed towards, laid out by the president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. #showall

With customer adopting smart technologies at an accelerating pace, utilities are making use of connected devices, such as smart thermostats, plug load solutions, solar + storage and grid-interactive water heaters.

This Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables research presentation will explore what are the key benefits of these deployments, and which barriers to adoption persist. #showall

What structural and infrastructure transformations will make the EV revolution possible? How are DER management software tools, automation technologies and charging infrastructure contributing to this vital transformation for the grid of the future? #showall

The rise of AI, digital twin simulation, voice interaction and other digital advancements is providing utilities with the tools to better serve a proactive, liquid customer.

The impact of these transformations goes beyond customer experience, deeply transforming utility business models, and signaling the path to the future of the utility-consumer relationship. #showall