Scan through any reputable publication and you are sure to hear a lot of buzz around Smart Grid and the transformation of the utility industry. While there are different ways to technically define smart grid, I see it essentially as a communications network that provides control and intelligence about the grid. And, technology service providers play a critical role. At the Smart Grid Forum on January 21, I am addressing an audience of energy and utility companies to convey exactly how service providers can help them adopt smart grid capabilities.

The term smart grid may be new, but communications networks have been around for a while thanks to public carriers. For example, every cell phone is essentially a smart meter that is connected to a communications network that not only allows users to complete a call or receive an e-mail; it also allows them to get up to the minute billing records, provides the ability for carriers to remotely update service profiles and creates a common platform for consumers and customer service representatives to view the call data record in real time. In short, carriers have deep experience in deploying and managing global communication networks and as the utility industry transforms to a smarter grid, there is a lot to gain from partnering with the telecommunications industry.

Carriers can also share some of their experiences which are very applicable to utility companies as they continue their migration to the smart grid:

• Data Explosion: First, there will be an explosion of data that comes along with smart grid as smart meters and related devices will be polled more frequently. This data explosion will require higher network bandwidth, increased storage and expanded computing capacity of the systems.
• Security: As additional newer devices come online, there will be an increased need to restrict unauthorized access and secure system and customer data.
• Customer Interaction: Technology has already altered consumers’ expectations of how they can interact with their service providers. Smart devices and the tools will enable and require utilities to provide a much richer customer experience.

Partnering with carriers makes good business sense. Just as many Fortune 500 businesses and government customers as have used technology companies for their critical infrastructure needs, utilities should also leverage a carrier’s infrastructure, knowledge and experience to help them with smart grid migration.