Private LTE Networks Can Help Utilities Enhance Reliability and Security
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More and more utilities are implementing private LTE networks to replace or augment the traditionally-used communication networks owned and operated by third-party companies such as AT&T and Verizon. Electric utilities across the country are essentially insourcing their communications capabilities, which makes sense from a reliability, restoration, and security standpoint
Benefits of Taking Utility Communication Networks In-House with Private LTE Networks
There are multiple reasons for this insourcing trend. First and foremost, it provides more control. Utilities with private LTE networks do not need to share bandwidth with millions of consumers, and they are no longer prone to third-party communication outages. This helps minimize the potential for operational headwinds that could impact power restoration and reliability.
Another benefit is security. Private networks help utilities manage millions of smart devices such as sensors, smart meters, and digital substations. They are also critical for managing distributed energy resources (DERs), as well as intermittent resources (i.e., clean energy) that can appear and disappear in a matter of minutes. They could also help bridge the gap to greater operational automation.
Southern Company was the first utility to move to a private LTE network in 2016. Since then, several other utilities have followed suit, including but not limited to San Diego Gas & Electric, Evergy, Ameren, Xcel Energy, Tampa Electric, and the Lower Colorado River Authority.
To do this, utilities will generally partner with a company like Anterix to execute the implementation. Companies like Anterix work with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to secure access and implement leasing agreements to utilize the necessary telecommunication infrastructure.
I realize this represents a massive effort for utilities, but at the end of the day, I think it makes a lot of sense in the long run. We live in a world where everything is connected, so top-notch reliability and security is an absolute must, and private LTE networks can clearly up the ante in this regard.
