Smart Grid

You are here: Home › › Services › Geographic Information System › Smart Grid

Is Your Company's GIS Smart Grid Ready?

The ability to do more for less has become imperative for organizations during these tough economic times. Electric Utility companies will need the innovative technology of a GIS (Geographic Information System) to accurately manage their assets while facing the challenges of implementing Smart Grid technology in this fluctuating economy. GIS increases productivity, enhances efficiency and automates workflow processes, while providing key spatial data for increased collaboration and better decision making.

A GIS is not just about making maps, it's about having vital information at your fingertips when you need it most. A GIS can address four major concerns faced by most utility companies:

• Data Management: Managing accurate asset information
• Planning and Analysis: Capital improvements- Not just how much but when and where
• Mobility: Managing field work- Pushing timely information from the field to the office
• Operational Awareness: Visualization- Creating a single view into assets, operations and activities; proactively and predicatively addressing issues.

An Enterprise GIS provides the tools, applications, workflows and integration that is able to support Smart Grid technology.

A Smart Grid will consist of multiple sensors and data points distributed geographically throughout a distribution network. Spatial location will be the key element in planning, operating and maintaining this technology.

A GIS will enable decision makers to visualize electric and communication systems in relationship to one another and will provide the framework for information that the Smart Grid needs.

ATSI can help you prepare for Smart Grid technology implementation by providing the following GIS services:

• Needs Assessment/Workflow Analysis/ Strategic Planning
• Program/Project Management
• Data conversion and migration
• Editing and maintaining data
• Work Order processing
• Data conflation
• Data Analysis
• Updating and completing backlogged work orders
• Data scrubbing/improving data accuracy
• Onsite and Offsite GIS experience

Funding

2010: The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announces the availability of up to $16.5 million in funds to support projects that improve the reliability, efficiency, security, and overall performance of the electric power delivery system in New York State. Projects must demonstrate significant statewide public benefit and quantify all energy, environmental and economic impacts. Technology demonstrations and engineering studies are eligible for funding under this solicitation.

The 2009 ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) will distribute $3.4 billion in grants to electric utility companies for upgrades to existing electrical networks to improve their reliability, interactive capabilities and openness to renewable energy sources. These grants will range from $500,000 to $20 million, and recipients must provide 50% of the cost of the projects.

FACT: The average generating station in the U.S. was built in the 1960's, using even older technology

FACT: The average age of a substation transformer is 42 years old, two years more than its expected life span

FACT: Power demand is expected to double by 2050

Email Karen A. Armstrong, Director of Geomatics Technology, or call 716.691.9200 ext 224 for more information.

 

Refer a Colleague