INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (P161) SUPPLEMENTAL PROJECTS
Supplemental projects accelerate research application, provide member-specific results, and can be multi-funder or 1-on-1, funded by self-directed utility funds nabling customized results, new process implementation, and technology integration.
Collaborative Supplemental Projects
|
Assessment of DER-Ready Meter Forms This project aims to enhance electric utility sectors by exploring voice-based technologies, evaluating their impact on workforce productivity, satisfaction, and safety, and addressing IT integration and cybersecurity challenges. Contact: Daniel Quarells, 865.218.8080 |
|
Assessment of MATTER Protocol for Utility Applications The Connectivity Standards Alliance’s (CSA) Matter Protocol aims to improve smart home device interoperability and security, potentially enhancing real-time energy monitoring and grid management for utilities, despite the current lack of utility-specific applications. Contact: Ben Ealey, 865.218.5938 |
|
Data Management Collaborative: Surviving the Data Avalanche Efficient data management is crucial for utilities, and this collaborative project aims to overcome challenges by sharing best practices, enhancing data literacy, and using frameworks to improve capabilities, fostering informed decision-making and competitiveness. Contact: Sean Crimmins, 865.227.1991 |
|
Evaluation of Automated GIS Data Cleanup Methods This project attempts to examine emerging technologies and methodologies to automate GIS data cleanup and asset inventorying. The project will evaluate multiple data collection approaches such as:
Contact: Kevin Gorham, 704.595.2397 |
|
FLEXIT: Flexible Interoperable Technologies Initiative: VPP/DER Registry and Integration Interface As distributed energy resources (DER) such as generation, storage, and manageable load are expected to grow, there will be a need for visibility and control over these devices, leading to an increase in commercial offerings of third-party DER management systems (DERMS). This project aims to provide a guide and framework for integrating DER via aggregators, simplifying the process through common utility requirements, addressing utility-to-aggregator interactions, and enhancing customer participation and confidence in commercial aggregation, while also creating materials to inform regulatory discussions. Contact: Brian Seal, 865.456.3586 |
|
GIS Migration Data Requirements: Investigating Data Readiness The electric grid is evolving from centralized power generation to a more complex hybrid system with distributed energy resources, prompting utilities to modernize their data-intensive management systems and consider migrating their GIS to support critical functions like asset management, maintenance, and outage response. Contact: Kevin Gorham, 704.595.2397 |
|
Grid Model Data Management (GMDM) Vendor Forum Phase II: An EPRI-Sponsored Vendor-Funded Collaborative Initiative Tracking electric grid assets, particularly field assets throughout their lifecycle, has gained significant importance in recent decades, prompting the use of QR codes and industry consensus catalog IDs to create unique identifiers for all electric grid assets. This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive inventory tracking system that spans from factory assembly to retirement, integrating with EPRI's transformer database and GS1 QR code standards, while also demonstrating the application of durable unique identifiers through accelerated lifecycle testing in collaboration with utilities and vendor partners. Contact: Sean Crimmins, 650. 855.7901 |
|
Grid Model Manager (GMM) for Distribution Interest Group This Interest Group aims to create an industry vision for Distribution Grid Model Managers through the exchange of perspectives, insights from vendor demonstrations, and direct engagement with vendors to validate the vision and architectural requirements. Contact: Sean Crimmins, 650. 855.7901 |
|
Nationwide Resilient Communications System (NRCS): Phase 1: Requirements Definition and Design Specification The project aims to develop a technical specification and business plan for a Nationwide Resilient Communications System (NRCS) to address black sky communications challenges, using off-the-shelf technologies and operating independently of commercial providers. Contact: Jay Herman, 913.626.8255 |
|
Secure Settings and Communications With higher quantities of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), it is increasingly important to make sure that they are configured correctly so that grid technical violations do not occur. EPRI recently led the development of a “Common File Format” (CFF) that can be used to electronically exchange DER settings between DER developers and utilities to support proper programming and verification. At present, however, this file format is not secured and can easily be modified. Contact: Ben Ealey, 865.218.5938 Brian Seal, 865.456.3586 |
One-on-One Application Opportunities
|
Utility Digital Worker Collaborative The project aims to enhance field worker safety and effectiveness through technology, focusing on case studies, application impact assessments, and a guidebook, providing utilities with guidance to implement beneficial digital worker applications for safe, affordable, and reliable electricity. Contact: Julia Uhr, 972.556.6556 |
|
Applied Grid Model Data Management (GMDM) for Transmission The Applied Grid Model Data Management (GMDM) projects for Distribution and Transmission help utilities implement EPRI's data management architecture to streamline grid model updates, improve accuracy and traceability, enhance model sharing, and reduce labor costs for grid simulation applications. Contact: Sean Crimmins, 650. 855.7901 |
|
Applied Grid Model Data Management (GMDM) for Distribution
The Applied Grid Model Data Management (GMDM) projects for Distribution and Transmission help utilities implement EPRI's data management architecture to streamline grid model updates, improve accuracy and traceability, enhance model sharing, and reduce labor costs for grid simulation applications. Contact: Sean Crimmins, 650. 855.7901 |
|
Enterprise Architecture Maturity Assessment The project supports utility EA teams in bridging gaps in strategy, Business-IT relationships, and business architecture through annual surveys and guidebooks, enhancing EA maturity and strategic alignment. Contact: Sean Crimmins, 865.227.1991 |
|
EPRI U - Information, Communication Technology and Cyber Security (ICCS) This project addresses utilities' training demands from staff retirements and digital transformation challenges by focusing on ICCS technical training and establishing a system for tracking and managing employee development to maintain agility and competitiveness. Contact: Greg Drewry, 865.218.5916 |
|
Evaluation of Automated GIS Data Cleanup Methods This project attempts to examine emerging technologies and methodologies to automate GIS data cleanup and asset inventorying. The project will evaluate multiple data collection approaches such as:
Contact: Kevin Gorham, 704.595.2397 |
|
GIS Migration Data Requirements: Investigating Data Readiness The electric grid is evolving from centralized power generation to a more complex hybrid system with distributed energy resources, prompting utilities to modernize their data-intensive management systems and consider migrating their GIS to support critical functions like asset management, maintenance, and outage response. Contact: Kevin Gorham, 704.595.2397 |
For more on supplemental project opportunities, click here. To discuss project ideas, contact Sean Crimmins