The Power industry has traditionally been a laggard in adopting Information Technology, either because of a lack of funding or the absence of business drivers mandating the development of  a strategic IT architecture. The motivation for creating a strategic IT architecture (also known as an Enterprise Architecture) has not been compelling to date. To realize the vision of Smart Grid and Demand Response, Power companies will have to address, at a minimum, integration-related aspects of strategic enterprise architecture, to address IT challenges related to Interoperability with applications and systems (within and outside their organization), Integration complexity, Data Volume, Real-Time data needs, Event processing, Throughput, Performance, and Security. Furthermore, new business models such as PHEVs, Distributed Renewable Generation and new mandates such as FERC Order 719 for load curtailment, impose even greater architectural demands around interoperability, application & data integration, IT governance, security and data management.

There is enough empirical evidence from organizations implementing Smart Grid programs to support the concern that systemic problems within today’s IT could seriously derail many Smart Grid programs before they get off the ground.  Therefore, without a strategic vision, planning, and an architectural approach, Smart Grid and Demand Response programs will pose formidable challenges that cannot be fully solved.

This blog is intended to raise awareness and importance of IT towards the success of Smart Grid. I will discuss various IT and integration related challanges that must be solved if you are serious about Smart Grid success.