What is a smart grid?
We've invested billions of dollars in transmission and distribution technology to move electricty
to where it
is needed. A smart grid provides fast, two-way communication, riding along with that electricity,
so we can monitor and control our transmission and distribution network as conditions change. A smart grid helps us better manage demand, lower operating costs and improve reliability and efficiency. It will also better integrate intermittent renewable energy and energy storage options into the system. As for our customers, they will have more control over their energy usage and more smart choices for efficiencies in their own homes or businesses.
How can wires be smart?
The wires are backed by data-gathering electronic communication devices. Substations will have enhanced monitoring, protection and control devices. Smart grid "self-healing" technologies can automatically isolate potential problems and restore power to unaffected areas. Advanced metering, or smart meters, will serve as a communications connection with our customers, a link that will enable them to save money by shifting electricity use to off-peak hours or trimming how much power they're using.
Informed energy-use decisions
As our grid becomes interactive through the use of smart meters and other advanced technologies, our customers will have access to detailed usage and pricing information that will help them make informed energy-usage decisions. As customers modify their usage, saving money and reducing their environmental impact, Southern Company will see greater reductions in demand, mitigating the need for new generation.
Curbing outages and speeding recovery
We’ve invested in smart grid technologies over the years to help maintain our strong reliability. Some of these technologies enable the grid to communicate potential problems and minimize disturbances. Others have the ability to take corrective action, restoring service quickly to customers who are not directly affected. We also have technologies that provide system operators with the real-time information and diagnostic tools needed for rapid decision-making, allowing us to avoid outages or minimize their impact. As new technologies become available, we continue to expand the use of intelligent electronic devices on our system for monitoring, improved reliability and optimum performance.
Energy express
Some electricity is lost when it travels across transmission lines. That loss can be minimized, reducing fuel requirements. We plan to deploy a host of power flow optimizing technologies, as well as implementing customer programs designed to promote voluntary usage reductions. We’re a year into developing the next generation of systems integration technology, a single interface, enabling faster and better-informed operations decisions.
A fainter footprint
Our deployment of smart meters is eliminating the need for in-person meter reading and other service orders, thereby cutting vehicle use and corresponding emissions. So far, we’ve taken more than 7 million vehicle miles off the road. And, we’re installing space-saving substation equipment in some of our newer substations, thus reducing the visual impact on the community.
Securing power
Maintaining the reliability of our computers, control systems and other assets used to operate the electric grid is a top priority for Southern Company. We are constantly working to strengthen the operation and security of those systems.
