Business Strategy: The Developing Role of Commercial Cellular Technology in the Smart Grid

Introduction

This IDC Energy Insights report discusses how mobile communications infrastructure is used to support utility smart grids. We focus on the benefits created and the challenges utilities face when considering wireless wide area network-based commercial services and equipment. We present the network services and equipment opportunities in the context of the distribution (area) grid, which spans from the distribution substation to the customer premise, and the hotbed of smart grid investment.

In this report, we further provide short utility case studies on how cellular WWAN using the 3G and 4G technology is used at Duke Energy, ECOtality, TNMP, and CPS Energy. Readers will find answers to questions like:

• What communication network technologies options utilities should consider to implement smart grid in the core distribution network?
• How LTE and other technologies can play a role in future utility smart grid communication networks?
• Where will commercial cellular using LTE and earlier-generation technologies be most readily adopted in the near term?

Marcus Torchia, research manager of Smart Grid Strategies, explains, "As public mobile operator networks continue to expand and improve the reliability on their mobile data networks, utilities are increasingly exploring and supporting smart grid applications on public networks. Meanwhile, machine-to-machine (M2M) connections are proliferating, creating an expanding market for innovative solutions that can address both the buy and the build decisions utilities are making to realize their smart grid."

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

iDC Energy Insights Opinion

In This Study

• Definitions

  • Mobile Communications Infrastructure and LTE

  • Smart Grid

  • Distribution Area Network

Situation Overview

• Role of Communication Networks

  • The Evolving Role of DANs

• Carriers Driving Change and Adoption

• Strengths of Commercial Cellular for Smart Grids

  • Spectrum

  • Technology Maturity

  • Proven Scale

  • Security

  • Standards Support

• LTE/Cellular Infrastructure as a Private Network

The Approach

• Case Studies

• Practical Scenarios Using Commercial Cellular Networks in Smart Grid Deployments

  • Duke Energy: Developing the Communications Platform to Enable a More Intelligent Electric Grid

  • TNMP: Direct to Meter Using Commercial Cellular

  • ECOtality's EV Project: Cellular Networks Connect Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

  • CPS Energy: Home Energy and Demand Management Gets Cellular Connectivity

Future Outlook

Essential Guidance

• Actions to Consider

  • Recommendations for Commercial Cellular Service Providers and Network Equipment Providers

  • Recommendations for Utilities

Learn More

• Related Research

• Synopsis

Figure: Smart Grid Communication Network Landscape

Business Strategy: The Developing Role of Commercial Cellular Technology in the Smart Grid published by IDC Energy Insights in June 26, 2012. This report consists of Pages: 17 and the price starts from US $ 4500.

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