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As electric utilities deploy more connected devices across transmission and distribution systems, the need for secure, high-performance communication networks has never been greater. This topic explores how utilities are investing in fiber, wireless, and private LTE networks to support grid monitoring, field communications, AMI, DER integration, and control room operations. Sessions will examine network architecture, mesh networks, automation, field area networks, wide area networks, cybersecurity, spectrum strategy, interoperability, and the critical role of private networks in enabling real-time data exchange, resilience, and system automation.
Core Concepts Discussed
- Utility telecommunications backbone
- Mission-critical communications
- IT/OT convergence
- Network reliability and redundancy
- Cybersecure data transfer
- Real-time operational data flow
- Utility-owned private networks
- Spectrum management and planning
- Field crew connectivity
- Supporting AMI, SCADA, and DER communications
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Communication networks educational opportunities
10:00 AM
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As utilities accelerate the transition from legacy telecom systems to private LTE and 5G networks, they face a fundamental challenge: how to rigorously justify these investments in the face of overlap …Speakers
9:00 AM
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ComEd has invested in advanced communications infrastructure to support clean energy and grid modernization objectives, delivering a high-speed, high-bandwidth, secure, redundant, and resilient networ …SpeakersChairperson
10:00 AM
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Direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications are rapidly evolving from an emergency communications capability into a potential extension of utility operational technology (OT) and workforce connect …SpeakersChairperson
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As electric utilities transition toward decentralized, data-intensive grid operations, Private LTE (PLTE) is no longer just a connectivity upgrade—it is emerging as a foundational operational platform …Speakers
11:00 AM
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As utilities modernize the grid, communications networks are becoming critical infrastructure. Increasingly, utility leaders are looking beyond single-network strategies and toward communications arch …Speakers
9:00 AM
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The modern utility network is more distributed, dynamic, and exposed than ever before. As operational technology converges with IT infrastructure, thousands of edge devices now serve as critical conne …Speakers
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Utilities generate massive amounts of operational data, but the greatest value comes from connecting that data into a complete decision-making ecosystem. This panel will explore how modern wired (fibe …SpeakersChairperson
10:00 AM
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LCRA operates at significant scale- managing the lower 600 miles of the Texas Colorado River, delivering water to more than 1.4 million people, and supplying power to over 30 retail electric cooperati …
11:00 AM
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Forward-looking utilities are upgrading their connectivity and taking control of it. As grid complexity accelerates, the performance of the communications network is becoming as critical as the grid i …Speakers
1:00 PM
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As utilities deploy private LTE, fiber, and hybrid communications networks to support modern grid applications, the complexity of designing, operating, and maintaining these systems continues to grow. …Speakers
2:00 PM
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As utilities scale AMI 2.0 across mesh, cellular, and hybrid architectures, traditional traffic models and macro-level network KPIs are proving insufficient. High-level metrics like throughput and lat …Speakers
