Strategic Grid Modernization Planning
Grid modernization planning is essential for utilities facing growing electric grid challenges. As a starting point, developing a technology roadmap is a crucial step. It helps utilities optimize the benefits of new technologies and prioritize related investments.
In response to these challenges, an electric utility in the Southeastern U.S. sought to strengthen its modernization efforts. To achieve this, it partnered with Reesha Tech to create a strategy focused on improving operational efficiency and delivering reliable power to 165,000 customers.
Reesha Tech began by building a roadmap around the utility’s existing investment in Oracle software. Although the utility had already gained value from these tools, it needed to advance its modernization efforts further.
To begin with, we conducted a detailed analysis of the current systems and capabilities. As a result, we identified both opportunities and technology gaps that helped shape the strategic direction.
Following this, we outlined the specific technologies under consideration. After the analysis, we developed a multi-stage roadmap. The first phase addressed upgrade paths for the customer information system (CIS), which was several versions behind. Once this was completed, the utility was better positioned to invest in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and improve its automatic meter reading (AMR) system.
To support continued progress, we expanded the roadmap further. It included a baseline business case for both AMI and AMR. This, in turn, helped the utility streamline operations and justify future investments.
Ultimately, the final roadmap became a key component of the utility’s application for a federal infrastructure grant. The plan supported the design and implementation of a comprehensive AMI project within the utility’s service territory. According to client feedback, our work achieved the right balance between strategic vision and practical, actionable steps.
