Purpose-Built Technology for Efficient Utility Operations
Our technology specialists and engineers take a creative, cooperative approach to software development, focusing on distributed energy resources integration. They integrate the deep expertise of the U.S. Department of Energy’s research programs with the unique challenges of the utility industry. As a result, our solutions are both innovative and highly applicable in real-world energy systems.
In particular, our collaboration has led to significant advancements in the integration of solar power data and the acceleration of renewable energy grid connectivity. Consequently, these efforts culminated in the development of GEM — the first emergency management solution designed specifically for utilities.
Looking ahead, we will continue investing in research and development. Moreover, we remain committed to exploring, designing, and implementing new technologies that support the ongoing energy transition.
GEM: Grid Emergency Management
Developed especially for utilities, GEM is a first-of-its-kind software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that facilitates smooth communication and teamwork throughout all-hazard situations.
It offers local information, weather alerts, transmission notifications, and a common operational image for utility assets. Utilities can proactively store emergency playbooks in a common location to promote better real-time decision-making and collaboration. GEM simplifies the process of gathering data and information for prompt, accurate reports in post-event recovery.
Key Services
Continuous Integrations & Upgrades
Deployment of Software
Personalized Integrations
Training
Assistance with Change Management
Support for Operations
PIVA: Photovoltaic Integration via Virtual Airgap
A cloud-based platform called Photovoltaic Integration via Virtual Airgap (PIVA) is used to integrate behind-the-meter (BTM) assets, such as distributed energy resources (DERs), which safely simulate conventional physical airgaps to safeguard vital systems. In addition, PIVA reduces exposure to cybersecurity risks by separating data gathering from DERs, including photovoltaic systems, from power utility operations technology systems. By doing so, it verifies and protects the data, ensuring secure interactions across systems.
Moreover, PIVA was developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). As a result, it provides a secure, scalable framework that demonstrates how utilities can properly integrate higher levels of customer-owned DERs into their key operating systems. Therefore, PIVA helps bridge the gap between energy innovation and practical utility deployment.
AIRIS: AI Renewable Interconnection Siting
(AIRIS), which is presently under development, will provide a user-friendly web service intended to enhance and expedite the engineering study of renewable resource interconnection. In addition to meeting relevant regulatory compliance and cyber security criteria, it features an AI-enabled, centralized place for technical data, security requirements, and confidentiality agreements that may automate the point of interconnection (POI) selection process from start to finish.
