Utility planning solutions for a decentralized grid
This article was written specifically for and originally published on T&D World’s website, www.tdworld.com. Over the next decade, we will likely witness a...
CRA supports utilities and other market participants in the development of new grid strategies, roadmaps, and investment plans that will accommodate the rapid growth in distributed energy resources, electric vehicles, and customer systems. This includes planning related to the incorporation of increasing grid intelligence and automation, IT/OT systems, and related data analytics. Services also include development of business cases, cost benefit analysis, and regulatory support, including writing and providing testimony.
We help utilities to develop their long-range grid and resource investment plans through strategic facilitation, modeling, and other analysis. We also support utilities with their regulatory processes and frequently testify on the utility’s behalf (e.g., Integrated Grid/Smart Grid, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)/ Smart Network Management (SNM), IT system investments).
CRA discusses the importance of power grid modernization
Forbes quoted CRA Vice President Jim McMahon in an article discussing smart grid resilience questions that have arisen following the Texas power outages:
“The power outages across Texas reveal an issue that goes far beyond managing transmission lines… Traditional grid planning processes are no longer acceptable as flexible use of the grid is required. A digitized grid that supports a diverse and distributed set of resources is needed to manage through uncertainty. Prioritization is urgently needed, and if these recent events have taught us anything, it’s that now is the time to get serious about prevention and tackle solutions that may not be easy, but that pave the way for grid resilience.”
Engagements
- 01Development of Grid Modernization Plan for Liberty UtilitiesCRA has worked with Liberty Utilities, an 800,000 customer utility operating in the U.S. and Canada, with a series of grid modernization initiatives aimed at...View engagement