As intelligent connectivity and distributed intelligence technologies provide new visibility and insight to utility distribution systems, the greatest opportunity to capitalize on these technologies is to view an ever-increasing number of grid-connected devices as potential energy resources. Rooftop solar installations, energy storage, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats are all extending the boundaries of the grid edge, and can all be harnessed by utilities to manage energy and capacity at both local and system-wide levels. Landis+Gyr is currently deploying solutions, such as the Solar Partner Project with Arizona Public Service, to help connect utilities and customers as they both manage distributed solar generation.

Managing these new resources requires an integrated approach to balancing both demand-side and supply-side resources, to ensure reliability, power quality, and grid stability in dynamic and expanding distribution systems. Landis+Gyr’s holistic Distributed Energy Resource Management strategy leverages the potential of these resources, and provides optimized management of energy and capacity for a balanced, efficient, and flexible distribution grid.

Effectively-sited energy storage deployments on distribution networks are rapidly solving many of the complexities of today’s systems. Storage has proven an effective solution to manage the intermittency of renewable generation, and can help manage peak demand by discharging energy or storing excess energy during periods of rapid change. Further, storage can protect critical assets from overloading and provide Volt/VAR stabilization without the need and expense of new substation construction.

Beyond energy storage, the combination network-connected control devices at the customer premise and advanced software tools are revolutionizing traditional load management strategies, transforming thermostats, water heaters, pool pumps, electric vehicles, and other consumer-owned devices into energy optimization resources. Combining these resources, utilities can now aggregate load for system-wide response, or utilize surgical load curtailment to resolve localized peaks. Utilizing a utility’s existing AMI meters and communication network, Landis+Gyr is deploying intelligent applications to the meter that provide customers with new levels of control, participation, and comfort in load management programs.

Fostering new relationships with customers is increasingly critical as they seek to become more active participants in their energy management, and begin to understand their contribution as both generators and consumers of electricity. Fully engaging customers, however, requires a new set of tools to reward customers for energy efficiency behaviors. To aid utilities in this effort, Landis+Gyr has developed a sophisticated utility-branded interface, providing customers with new levels of insight into their energy usage. This ecommerce platform is similar to familiar sites like Amazon, but designed especially for utilities to offer unique services and products to their customers. Fully engaging customers, however, requires a new set of tools to reward customers for energy efficiency behaviors. Landis+Gyr’s Engage platform provides, convenient, mobile, and personalized tools for consumers that incentivize active energy management and increase enrollment and participation in utility-sponsored grid management programs.

Viewing the entire distribution grid as an energy and capacity resource provides utilities with the ability to swiftly dispatch a number of targeted solutions to ensure reliability power quality, and grid stabilization. Developing new relationships with customers – as partners in energy management – magnifies these efforts, strengthening not only the grid, but the partnerships necessary to sustain those benefits into the future.