A massive transformation of the utility industry is well underway. A number of factors continue to drive this change concurrently with the ever-growing necessity to upgrade and improve resilience and flexibility of North America’s electrical grid.
In 2015 and years prior, electric utilities operated under a goal of achieving 100-percent service reliability. In the current era of constant connectivity, customers demand reliable and sustainable power. Sustained substantial investment is necessary if utilities and system operators are to continue meeting historical service mandates.
Additionally, electric utilities require investments to integrate new renewable and distributed generation power sources as well as new technologies to enhance reliable operations. A smooth transition into the “grid of the future” must be achieved within the context of the legacy grid that has served North America safely, reliably, and affordably for so many decades.
This year, electric utilities faced—and continue to face—a number of challenges. Electricity Today Magazine’s 2015 T&D Year in Review highlights seven of these challenges that the power delivery industry must face and address if the North American power grid is to meet increasing standards that are intended to support continual advances in quality of life. Burns & McDonnell a consulting firm, provides helpful recommendations for electric utilities and system operators in addressing these seven challenges.
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