Emerging Trends for the Utilities Sector

Moving data to edge platforms is only the first step. Utilities need to look at ways to reduce the cost of deploying and harvesting this data. This will help them reduce their dependence on battery and mains power

Fremont, CA: Technology has become a driving factor in a highly competitive environment. New and innovative technologies are emerging each day and disrupting the utilities and services industry. Without a doubt, this will be another year marked with transformation for the energy sector. Here are some of the emerging trends for the utility sectors.

Moving to the Edge

Cloud computing has established itself in various sectors and has been prevalent in the utility sector for some time now. Edge computing is all the hype now as companies embrace this technology to take further advantage of cloud platforms. Edge computing allows utility companies to have their tech on the field next to their equipment, all of which can be connected with the cloud and the physical world using IoT devices. This can be used for image recognition and analysis, which can prove useful in identifying problems, quality issues, or security threats. For instance, water companies can install cameras at the edge to observe aeration bubble patterns to identify which pipes are getting clogged. IoT devices will alert the engineers of the problem even before they notice it with their eyes.

Energy Harvesting

Moving data to edge platforms is only the first step. Utilities need to look at ways to reduce the cost of deploying and harvesting this data. This will help them reduce their dependence on battery and mains power. Companies should be focusing on harvesting and storing energy through power sensors, using thermal or physical movement to generate power and save costs.

Open Data

Utilities that were previously asset-based are now slowly becoming an information-intensive business. This is mainly due to the new digital landscape that has helped them harvest increasing amounts of data. This means there will be a lot more open data in the industry. Utility companies will now be seen sharing information with the ecosystem and with third parties. This new realm of open data will help forge alliances in the ecosystem and enable companies to work closer together. It will also enable utility companies to view satellite imagery with more ease, build applications for processes, and empower them to become more data and insight-driven, and collaborative.

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