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Advanced Utility Infrastructure (AUI)
John Ahr, Allegheny Power
The Foundation for an Intelligent Electricity Delivery System
Increasing demands for electricity have pushed the limits of the power grid. Add in
environmental and security concerns, and today’s utility is faced with critical challenges to its
delivery system.
Today, a great deal of emphasis is given to demand management, cost control,
reliability, efficiency and alternative generation options. It is therefore imperative that utilities
invest in new technologies and new approaches that can ensure efficient, reliable and secure
electricity service to customers, while also effectively managing peaks in demand and energy
usage.
An AUI creates an intelligent network for two-way communications and control of utility
devices, including meters, sensors, residential devices and other equipment, regardless of
vendor or manufacturer. By strategically mixing legacy systems with new technology
deployments in a manner that optimizes the capabilities of the system, while also minimizing the
cost of upgrades, an AUI lays the groundwork for a unified system that can address current
concerns while also providing an open, scalable network to which future components and
capabilities can be added.
