Learn how utilities are deploying private communication networks to support real-time operations, data exchange, and a smarter, more resilient grid.

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.

Sponsored by:

Ericsson

Featured content

Education Sessions

Next-Gen VoC for Utility CX Excellence

February 03, 2026

This session will reveal how leading utilities are leveraging cutting-edge Voice of the Customer (VoC) programs and enabling systems to capture, analyze, and act on real-time customer insights at scale to communicate and drive their grid modernization.

Education Sessions

ComEd: A Unique Evolution to Private LTE

February 02, 2026

In support of clean energy and grid modernization goals, ComEd has invested in an advanced communications infrastructure to provide a high speed, high bandwidth, secure, redundant, and resilient network for use-case enablement. Initial deployment included fiber optics communication to support backbone and distribution networks.

Education Sessions

From Blueprint to Field Operations: Lifecycle of the SDG&E Private LTE Network

February 03, 2026

In this presentation on the Lifecycle of the SDG&E Private LTE Network, we will cover, Designing for Utility Needs, Implementation & Transition & Sustaining the Network.

Communication networks educational opportunities

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8:00 AM
  1. 25B
    240 mins
    This course provides an examination of the fundamentals of electric utility supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems with a focus on case studies, industry best practices, and applicat …
12:00 PM
  1. 31AB
    240 mins
    An overview of IEEE 1815, aka DNP3, the most widely-used SCADA protocol in North American electric utilities. The course covers modern SCADA concepts and how DNP3 implements them. The design concepts …
1:00 PM
  1. 29CD
    50 mins
    In support of clean energy and grid modernization goals, ComEd has invested in an advanced communications infrastructure to provide a high speed, high bandwidth, secure, redundant, and resilient netwo …
3:00 PM
  1. 29AB
    50 mins
    This session presents the design and operationalization of PG&E’s fully redundant synchrophasor data architecture, developed in collaboration with Quanta Technology. The presentation will detail the e …
8:00 AM
  1. 28E
    240 mins
    This course extends the morning’s Introduction to IEEE 1815 (DNP3) by looking at more advanced usage of DNP3, interoperability issues and cybersecurity for DNP3. This course will discuss consideration …
2:00 PM
  1. 29CD
    50 mins
    In this presentation on the Lifecycle of the SDG&E Private LTE Network, we will cover - Designing for Utility Needs: Tailoring the Network  Design requirements, dimensioning, and planning Implementati …
1:00 PM
  1. 26AB
    50 mins
    As utilities strive to support infrastructure growth and grid modernization, the imperative to secure and enhance new and existing systems grows ever more critical. This session will delve into the ro …
2:00 PM
  1. 6C
    50 mins
    Learn how Duke Energy and National Grid are advancing their smart grid with AMI 2.0-capable meters, leveraging their existing networks and Wi-SUN interoperability standards to integrate multiple vendo …
  2. 29CD
    50 mins
    With the acceleration of capital projects (new substations and upgrading existing substations), it is increasingly important to look at how to deploy digital substations. Digital substations provide i …
  3. 28AB
    50 mins
    As utilities modernize their distribution networks with broadband-enabled technologies, cybersecurity stakes have never been higher. This session presents a real-world case study of a utility’s compre …
3:00 PM
  1. 28CD
    50 mins
    As utilities focus on their quest to modernize and harden the power grid, mission-critical cellular networks are emerging as a catalyst toward digitizing, decentralizing, and decarbonizing critical gr …
1:00 PM
  1. 29CD
    50 mins
    SCE’s vision for an AI-powered system in its Digital Grid Services network operations center aims to revolutionize incident management of telecom equipment. This project encompasses a bespoke full-sta …