Ever since Thomas Edison illuminated lower Manhattan’s Pearl Street with his electric incandescent lightbulb, people have been dependent on utility companies to provide electricity and natural gas services to their homes. In recent years, however, infrastructure technology has improved so much that utility companies are now able to provide us with better service at much lower costs than ever before. From smart grids and smart meters to advanced electrical generators, everything is changing, and it’s changing fast! Here’s how new utilities infrastructure is changing the way we live.
- Smart Grids
Smart grids are basically a computerized system that continuously monitors the status of an electrical grid, and if there is an incident (like a blackout), the smart grid can automatically adjust various infrastructure systems in order to stabilize the grid. The most important part is that these systems are being designed and implemented with customer needs in mind, rather than on a system-by-system basis. The ability of smart grids to control the flow of electricity means that companies will be able to provide constant, reliable electricity to their customers!
- Advanced Electrical Generators
To further improve reliability and safety of the electrical grid, utility companies are starting to replace older power generators with state-of-the-art generators that are more efficient, powerful and environmentally friendly. Advanced electrical generators can typically produce between 80 and 100% more power than traditional generators, which means that these new generators will be able to accommodate much greater amounts of energy.
- Smart Meters
Smart meters are little computerized devices that easily read a user’s electricity usage each day, and they are really easy to install. They can be connected directly to a home’s electricity meter, and users have quick access to their current line usage and the ability to adjust things like thermostats according to their needs. This system allows utilities to provide more accurate billing and significantly improve the life span of their power lines.
- Smart Grids and Smart Meters: The Perfect Combo!
The ability of smart grids to monitor electrical energy usage at all times, as well as infrared sensors that can detect whether there is a power outage, will help utilities make faster adjustments in the event of an incident. This will allow them to implement a resolution as soon as possible and avoid the need for large-scale blackouts that would otherwise cause chaos.
- Renewable Energy
The future of energy usage is looking very promising, with renewable energy sources like wind turbines, solar power, and hydroelectric plants playing a significant role in an increasingly reliable electricity grid. The ability of utility companies to make daily adjustments to accommodate an increase in renewable energy production will help the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving air quality.
- Smarter Devices
Most of the devices we use in our homes are designed to work differently now, thanks to smart components that help them automate tasks like adjusting the thermostat and turning on lights. Smart devices will also facilitate communication between utility companies, brokers, consumers and even other utilities!
- Real-time Information
Utilities are constantly updating their infrastructure with smart sensors that provide real-time electric readings to their network managers and operators, which allows them to detect disturbances in the grid as soon as they occur.
These exciting new developments in the way we produce and utilize electricity, natural gas and other utilities are expected to generate greater profits and provide better service at lower costs. The future is definitely bright!