Communication networks within utility providers are an essential layer of the power grid. Utility companies are using fiber optics more frequently in their everyday operations to monitor systems within the grid including power plants, substations, control centers, and distribution centers. The more complex and demanding the requirements are, the more likely a fiber optic network will best serve its needs.
POWER COMPANIES GAIN EFFICIENCY
Power companies are beginning to apply fiber optics in their communication systems now more than ever, especially in more urban or densely populated communities. Many power utility companies have fiber optic communication systems in place for supervising their power grid systems, which helps to quickly detect issues, initiate repairs, and minimize the duration of downtime. Optical ground wire (OPGW) is one of the most common cable technologies used by power utilities. It has high bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). EMI is common with high voltage power lines but using OPGW can help to make transmission of data more reliable, minimizing signal loss. The utility company will increase its efficiency by networking operation centers, power-generating facilities, and substations with a fiber optic infrastructure.
CUSTOMER FRIENDLY FIBER OPTICS FOR UTILITY CUSTOMERS
A fiber optic infrastructure offers electric utility operations an upgraded internal communication network along with cost-efficient operation. This is a smart grid approach, which means the system is monitored with automated technologies, even integrating renewable energy supplies. Fiber optics help to make that possible. These benefits include customer friendly offerings such as remote meter reading and automatic billing. A utility company will find that customers will be more satisfied with the services and will show more loyalty, when they have interactive programs like this in place for their customers.
ADVANTAGES OF FIBER NETWORK
Utility fiber networks are extremely useful to electric utility companies since they offer reliability, which is a major requirement in the industry. The fiber optic system offers high capacity with a feasible technical solution for easing excess capacity. The advantage of being less susceptible to outages is very important to electric companies. This is offered with fiber optic cables for essential communications because they are made with very strong material and are not susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Fiber optics cables, however, are not used to carry electricity, because they are only used for data.
By installing a fiber optic network, utility companies can have the security of lines no longer being dug up. They also don’t have to worry about access to lines by unauthorized personnel.
FIBER OPTIC NETWORKS ARE ECONOMICAL
Optical fiber is very economical for power utilities since they already own rights-of-way (ROW) and power poles. This gives the utility company the ability to install fiber optic cables alongside their existing power poles, which increases their revenues for now — and the future — by leasing excess transmission capacity.
The low cost of installing and operating with fiber optics provides utility companies a big savings since power utility personnel already have the qualifications for installing and working with cables.
FUTURE OF POWER AND FIBER OPTICS
With all the opportunities offered to power companies today, they can improve their operations immensely — and substantially increase their revenue — because fiber optics is the evolution of the electric-power business.
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