In an increasingly decentralized grid, grid operators face increasing challenges in grid resilience, asset management, grid balancing, safety, and security. The ability to effectively monitor and control the grid and its assets is vital in identifying issues and taking preventive and corrective actions before grid stability and reliability affected. Thankfully, the digitalization of the energy system through the rollout of smart metering and control equipment opens the door for maneuvering in the next phase of the energy transition.
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern utilities, where technology plays a pivotal role in delivering efficient and sustainable services, there exists a challenge that's often hidden from the spotlight – the proper management of electronic waste. As utilities strive to provide reliable and innovative solutions, the issue of stranded assets, particularly in the form of electronic devices like SMETS2 meters, has become increasingly prominent. These assets, once valuable components of utility operations, can quickly turn into burdens if not managed effectively.
In this article, we'll delve into the challenges utilities face when it comes to electronic waste management, explore the strategies to address these challenges, and introduce Landis+Gyr's Triage and Refurbishment Program.
The utility industry is facing new and evolving security threats in the modern era of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) convergence. Geopolitical turmoil and changes in the workforce have further complicated the security landscape for utilities. As a result, it is becoming increasingly important to secure advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable and decentralized energy future, grid operators face increasing challenges in maintaining grid resilience, asset and energy management, grid balancing, safety, and security. What are these challenges and how can they be addressed?
How much water has been consumed? Is there a leak or stagnation somewhere? Is maintenance necessary? No longer does this information need to be collected by technicians during scheduled on-site visits. Because unlike, traditional water meters, smart water meters communicate and transmit their data automatically, regularly – and in case of an event, immediately – to the water supplier or municipality. While various protocols are available the right choice depends on specific requirements.
Providing clean and safe drinking water day in, day out isn’t as easy as it sounds. To get the tap water you really want – clean, safe, and drinkable – there’s an entire chain of drinking water and wastewater treatment processes behind. And that has its price. Complex plants and pipe networks need to be built, operated, and maintained to provide a reliable municipal water supply. And the high investment, operational, and lifecycle costs are the reason why every drop is valuable. Treated water that is lost within the system and can’t be billed – non-revenue water (NRW) – is therefore an economical issue for water utilities and has to be minimized as fast as possible. The clock is ticking. And not just because of the financial loss but also because of potential ecological and humanitarian reasons.
