According to the National Academy of Engineering, electrification — or the production of a grid featuring large power plants sending energy to homes and businesses — has been the greatest engineering feat of the 20th century.

These days, though, the grid has issues. Its more decentralized than ever, which, along with overload problems and increases in solar, highlights the importance of accurate monitoring. Yet, while utilities give themselves high marks for current distribution grid monitoring in a recent survey, system cracks are apparent. Creating solutions for common issues is essential to keep the grid running. For example, comprehensive grid monitoring combines four capabilities:  

• Grid visibility enabled with communication networks
• The ability to control what’s happening on the grid with distribution automation
• The capacity to predict what will happen on the grid

Learn the fourth capability — and more about what utility leaders think about the state of grid monitoring — here

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