Utilities finding new solutions to re-energize and reduce the risk of aging infrastructure

Distributed generation of electricity from utilities is increasing as renewables become more commonplace.  

But what is distributed generation of electricity and why is it such a big deal when it fails?

“Distributed generation refers to a variety of technologies that generate electricity at or near where it will be used, such as solar panels and combined heat and power,” according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. “When connected to the electric utility’s lower voltage distribution lines, distributed generation can help support delivery of clean, reliable power to additional customers and reduce electricity losses along transmission and distribution lines.”

Aging infrastructure is a major risk factor for utilities. Because distributed generation operates on top of existing physical infrastructure, it’s critical that the infrastructure be reliant and resilient even under extreme conditions like severe weather. 

When distributed generation is interrupted as a result of weather or some other unexpected emergency, residents and businesses lose power leaving thousands literally in the dark. To help keep people safe and to keep the lights on, owners in the utilities space can look to government-funded electricity infrastructure resources and to technology solutions that will help improve utilities infrastructure project outcomes while keeping sustainability goals in mind.

Government funding for electric grid upgrades is here   

Many countries are allotting government dollars to upgrade aging infrastructure, and electric grids are bundled into those efforts. In the US, investments toward the modernization and expansion of electric grids are already under way.

Last November the US Department of Energy announced $13 billion in new financing opportunities for the expansion and modernization of the nation’s electric grid.

Upgrade utilities infrastructure now with Oracle solutions

With capital available to prioritize utilities infrastructure projects, owners can look to Oracle proven solutions to objectively and consistently help utilities optimize their investment by prioritizing and selecting the best projects and executing them successfully and efficiently. Integrated capital planning and project execution solutions improve timely data access and decision-making across your portfolio of projects.

These solutions are particularly critical because the utilities industry will continue to be at high risk of service disruption as challenging and unexpected events take place. In our new ebook, “Optimize Capital Portfolios by Synchronizing Cash Flow Between Capital Planning and Project Execution,” we explore how to protect your projects against challenging events like extreme weather and natural disasters, which can impact projects, their completion timelines, and their overall cost.

With Oracle Primavera Cloud for capital planning and Primavera Unifier for project execution, project owners can have more timely and accurate cash flow information and can respond quickly to unexpected events. This means budget does not get tied up and can be re-allocated quickly and optimally. Having a transparent, real-time view into project forecasts helps capital planners with better decision-making when faced with unpredictable events, such as extreme weather.

Executing projects efficiently is key so utilities can reliably deliver power to their customers. For this to be a reality, utility project owners need the relevant project data accessible to maintain and retrofit infrastructure as needed.

Utilities have reputations to uphold and want the public’s support, so it’s crucial for utilities to ensure they meet the industry’s regulations, maintain compliance, and meet specific sustainability goals.

As project owners take on new utility projects, integrated capital planning and project execution provides better portfolio-wide visibility and allows owners to use lessons learned to improve from project to project.

Learn more at the Oracle Energy and Water Customer Edge Conference

Join us in San Diego for the Oracle Energy and Water Customer Edge Conference from March 12-14.

We’ll be meeting with utility industry professionals to share new capabilities, best practices, and insights on the future of energy and water with more than 70 sessions across a range of tracks. Click here to register now!

The Oracle Smart Construction Platform combines our industry-trusted applications with a common data environment and an ecosystem of partners to help owners and delivery teams work together and continuously improve performance. The platform connects teams and data, synchronizes work, and empowers individuals to make informed, proactive decisions. Power performance with proven Oracle Construction and Engineering solutions for scheduling, portfolio management, construction project management, project controls, construction payment management, and more.

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