5G connectivity from Verizon will be integrated into Honeywell smart meters for improved remote energy management.
The integration of 5G connectivity into smart meters aims to empower both energy companies and consumers with remote access to crucial data. This will facilitate improved energy consumption and resource management, while also streamlining operations to ease the pressure on the national grid.
TJ Fox, SVP of Industrial IoT and Automotive at Verizon Business, said: “Put simply: secure, reliable connectivity in smart meters makes it easier to monitor the usage of resources and the performance of utility equipment. That means we can reduce waste, unburden our grids, and generally take time and cost out of the utility management process.
“With massive changes on the horizon for utilities, connected capabilities are going to be critical for managing evolving demands for energy and minimising outages or unforeseen maintenance events.”
The 5G network from Verizon will enable the seamless transmission of vital information concerning energy consumption, grid conditions, and the operational status of equipment. The data can then be integrated into utility management platforms, such as Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities.
Utility management platforms, used in combination with reliable data over 5G, offer a significantly enhanced level of operational visibility. The near real-time, bottom-up forecasts of energy demand contributes to a more reliable and resilient national grid.
Amol Motivala, President of Honeywell Smart Energy, commented: “By leveraging the power of AI, cloud, and 5G, we are driving the shift to autonomy for utilities and fundamentally changing the way energy distribution is managed by offering real time connectivity.
“Through Verizon 5G connectivity, we are reimagining the utility ecosystem with cellular connected smart meters that provide the needed insights to help improve grid performance and customer satisfaction.”
Beyond real-time data access, the Verizon-connected Honeywell smart meters will also support remote upgrades for new functionalities and applications. This capability extends the lifespan of the investment and significantly reduces the need for engineers to visit properties on-site. This remote connectivity also promises to lead to fewer service disruptions and more dependable utility services for consumers.
Furthermore, the smart meters will be compatible with Verizon ThingSpace—an IoT management platform. This will provide energy companies with a unified view of the health and performance of their entire fleet of IoT devices, including the newly connected smart meters.
John Marcus, Senior Principal Analyst at GlobalData, said: “With the growth of IoT solutions for utilities, there’s a clear trend toward using cellular-connected intelligence to monitor the grid for operational efficiency, health, resiliency, energy usage, and overall performance.
“This is especially important as charging infrastructure and energy-management innovations continue to proliferate and are poised for rapid growth. Cellular connectivity, with its inherent security and reliability, is one of the most effective ways to enable the intelligence that can help unburden the grid and more efficiently and intelligently manage energy resources.”
This collaboration between Honeywell and Verizon is a step forward in leveraging IoT technology to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of energy infrastructure. Integrating 5G into smart meters promises to deliver tangible benefits for both energy providers and consumers and paves the way for a smarter and more resilient energy future.
(Photo by Leon Bredella)
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