New Black & Veatch eBook Explores Electric Utilities’ Progress Towards Grid Modernization

Free download finds that system integration and new ways of thinking are evolving grid modernization programs in an era of increasing network risk

Transformation of the U.S. energy grid is underway against a backdrop of aggressive decarbonization goals even as electric utilities modernize to accommodate an influx of distributed energy resources (DER) and mitigate risks to system reliability.

Integration of information and operational systems is key as DER cause a fundamental shift in how energy is managed on the grid. Black & Veatch’s new eBook, Smart Utility eBook: Industry Benchmarks for Progress and Future Actions, explores this theme to help electric utilities reflect on successful actions while prioritizing approaches that will accelerate the development of a more flexible, more resilient electricity grid.

Based on data collected from industry participants and Black & Veatch’s experts, the eBook depicts the progress and pitfalls of electric utility efforts to modernize the grid as extreme temperatures, wildfires and cyber threats collide with strict reliability mandates and shifting market dynamics. Yet, progress can and is being made despite the challenges as utilities speed the integration of DER to support new state and federal regulations; address cybersecurity gaps as distribution grid endpoints grow; secure their place in an increasingly competitive energy market; and work to build resilience against increasingly severe climate events and aging infrastructure.

“Utilities are realizing their traditional approaches to energy and business operations will not carry them through the inevitable transformation,” said Jeff Mehlin, vice president of Black & Veatch’s private networks business. “Utilities must integrate systems, data and work processes internally to modernized and be flexible. Through integration, utilities can formulate innovative strategies to manage current-day energy generation and distribution risks.”

Available as a free download, the eBook benchmarks utility progress and provides guidance on future action towards distribution modernization, cybersecurity, asset management and resilience.

“Although challenges persist, utilities will continue to advance the grid,” said Mehlin. “Alongside integration, utilities need to deploy the communications, management platforms, and technologies needed to control the grid with comprehensive intelligence, predictability, security and speed — this is the grid of the future.”

Editor’s Notes:

1. Download Smart Utility eBook: Industry Benchmarks for Progress and Future Actions.
2. View Black & Veatch’s complete series of eBooks, which examine intelligent transportation systems, zero-emission vehicles, rural broadband, digitally connected communities, electric vehicles and how we are becoming one digital world.

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is an employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2020 exceeded US$3.0 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

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