Utilities Double Down on Digitalization

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The way utilities do their work today looks drastically different from 20 years ago. And with rapid technological advancement and adoption, the next 20 years are in for an even faster pace of change.

From iberdola

Electric co-ops are using the latest tech to help bring electricity to their communities, including:

  • AI

  • Drones

  • 5G

  • AR/VR

  • IoT

  • And more acronyms

A look into the future of utility digitalization by Rural Electric Magazine points out that these technologies are already in use. “Drones are already being used by about 30% of electric co-ops, [Stanley] McHann [NRECA’s senior research engineer and chief UAS pilot] says, although a smaller percentage have integrated them into regular inspections. Use is also limited by Federal Aviation Administration requirements that they remain within the line of sight of operators. As drones become more capable, those restrictions are expected to be lifted.”

Applications include using technology to be more efficient as well as to help the human workers complete their work better and more safely. Examples include:

  • VR training

  • AI for decision-making and automation

  • Smart exoskeletons for line worker safety

  • Inspection drones

  • Service and maintenance robots

Implementing these technologies is expected to help utilities increase efficiency, improve safety, and continue to provide for growing electricity needs.

In the big picture, ever-increasing adoption isn’t that shocking.