Digital Utility Roundup: Recent Must-Read Posts From Fellow Community Members

Greetings Digital Utility Group members!

In putting together these roundups, I often struggle with which posts to include. This community has so many knowledgeable professionals with fascinating information to share. So, while I’ve picked the few below to highlight, please know there’s much more where they came from in the Digital Utility Group!

Having said that, I present the following pieces, which cover DER management, smart city operation, utility cybersecurity, and much more. Utilities currently have many opportunities and challenges in their use of digital tools, and your fellow community members are keeping track of all the latest developments. To learn from their expertise, follow the links below. Be sure to like your favorite articles and remember that your comments are always welcome.

Happy reading from Energy Central Community Manager Karen Marcus.

G’Day , Mate! Following Australia’s Lead (Again) With the “World First” Distributed Energy Resources Registry Master File — What It Means for the US!

By Stuart McCafferty, posted on November 18

Australia has been a leader in distributed energy resources (DER) development and integration. In this post, Stuart explains how their impressive work in this area has included the invention of a DER registry master file, which helps to provide grid services within democratized, localized energy markets.

Smart City Infrastructure — Utilities Making Sense of Deep and IoT Data

By Michael Skurla, posted on November 17

As smart cities become more prevalent — and more sophisticated — they require the right platform to function optimally. Here, Michael describes how Internet of Things (IoT) technology can drive actionable data for city and utility planners to use in improving city operations.

Smarter Grid — Combining Distributed Generation With Distributed Intelligence Is a Perfect Match for AI

By Joao Batista Gomes, posted on November 8

In this article, Joao explores the winning combination of distributed generation and distributed intelligence to create a smarter grid. Artificial intelligence (AI) is critical in this formula for controlling the grid in real time, and continuing to deliver clean, affordable, reliable power.

Identity and Access Management: Are You Leaving Your Utility Exposed?

By Mark Damm, posted on October 30

The notion of cybersecurity often brings to mind a hacker from outside a company trying to breach its security perimeter. Yet threats can come from within companies as well. Mark points out in this post that utilities must protect their digital assets by deploying identity and access management processes.

Here’s How Somebody Could Really Impact the U.S. Grid

By Tom Alrich, posted on October 30

In this article, Tom warns that recent ransomware attacks provide a warning signal for U.S. electric grid operators. He urges NERC to ensure utilities are taking necessary steps to protect against ransomware, given that control centers could serve as a vector for an attack aimed at disrupting the grid.