February 2-5, 2026 | San Diego, CA

Communication Networks

A smart grid requires constant communication. Communication networks allow utilities to monitor and analyze real-time data from assets in the field, including distributed energy resources and smart meters, and identify and respond to power outages.

This topic presents communication network strategies and modernization plans for electric utilities, including private LTE adoption and integration, mesh networks, automation, field area networks, wide area networks, and more.

Sponsored by:

Ericsson

Featured content

featured sessions

Making sense of AMI 2.0 with CPS Energy, National Grid, and Snohomish PUD

March 27 | 11:00-11:50 AM | C142

In this session, hear from three utilities that are at different stages of their AMI 2.0 journey: National Grid, CPS Energy, and Snohomish PUD. They will share their experiences, challenges, and successes in developing and implementing their AMI 2.0 strategies, moderated by Cognizant. 


 

featured sessions

Duke's tools for transitioning customers to time-of-use
 

March 26 | 9:00-9:50 AM | C147/154

Join Duke Energy on this digital journey as they demonstrate how their digital teams and products connect with customers through flexible savings options and maintain active engagement throughout and beyond the enrollment process.


 

Communication networks educational opportunities

Loading
8:00 AM
  1. C144/ 145
    240 mins
    This Utility University course is open to any attendee with an all-access or utility all-access badge. These courses are first come, first served onsite in Dallas, however, pre-registration is still r …
1:00 PM
  1. C144/ 145
    240 mins
    This Utility University course is open to any attendee with an all-access or utility all-access badge. These courses are first come, first served onsite in Dallas, however, pre-registration is still r …
  2. C156
    240 mins
    This Utility University course is open to any attendee with an all-access or utility all-access badge. These courses are first come, first served onsite in Dallas, however, pre-registration is still r …
  3. C146
    240 mins
    This Utility University course is open to any attendee with an all-access or utility all-access badge. These courses are first come, first served onsite in Dallas, however, pre-registration is still r …
10:00 AM
  1. C141
    50 mins
    This session will cover advances in using communication over-the-air to enhance automatic source transfer scheme speed and security. Modern technologies such as cellular Ethernet allow communication o …
11:45 AM
  1. Grid Edge Technologies Knowledge Hub- Booth #2041, Exhibit Floor
    30 mins
    In the dynamic landscape of the utility industry, the convergence of GridEdge technology and cloud computing within the framework of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 2.0 marks a transformative s …
1:00 PM
  1. C142
    50 mins
    As grid modernization efforts ramp up, the value of automated network device deployment will quickly become apparent. When deployment efforts were limited to small numbers of endpoints, the inefficien …
  2. C148
    50 mins
    In this session, we will delve into the transformative impact of owning and operating a private LTE network. Unlike carrier networks which offer limited visibility, a proprietary private LTE network e …
2:00 PM
  1. C142
    50 mins
    Join Ericsson and a panel of experts from the utilities industry as we share insights and best practices for planning, implementing, and operating private LTE at IOUs.  We will also discuss where netw …
  2. C156
    50 mins
    Facing a surge in high-speed broadband deployments, utilities are grappling with a flood of third-party attachment requests, challenging the resilience of the electric grid. American Electric Power (A …
  3. C148
    50 mins
    Imagine gaining access to a robust, secure AMI network without the need to invest in building out the communications infrastructure. Join CPS Energy, the nation’s largest municipally owned energy comp …
3:00 PM
  1. C148
    30 mins
    Join Cole Crews and James Rose as they take you on a deep dive to learn how 3GPP and carrier standard eSIM solutions can deliver a one-time deployment that allows for SIM switching later at the utilit …
  2. C142
    50 mins
    As millions of cellular-enabled devices are deployed and refreshed each year by utilities, many are considering whether to adopt 4G technology or jump straight to 5G. In this presentation by Southern …
3:30 PM
  1. Digitalizing the Grid Knowledge Hub- Booth #5558, Exhibit Floor
    30 mins
    Session sponsored by T-Mobile for Business    
4:00 PM
  1. C142
    50 mins
    Utility SCADA solutions are critical to keeping the grid operating at its maximum availability, but these systems rely on communications systems that connect the head end to sensors, reclosures and ot …
  2. C148
    50 mins
    The power grid is changing and with it comes a shift in how utilities are forming network communications strategies. Communication requirements are becoming more demanding while technology options are …
4:15 PM
  1. Technology and the Energy Transition Knowledge Hub- Booth #7121, Exhibit Floor
    30 mins
    Due to the crescent usage of AMI solutions, Solar Systems, Battery Storage (BESS), EV Chargers and other products in the same distribution network, it has been clear the importance of having a unique …
11:00 AM
  1. C148
    50 mins
    Utility communication networks are essential for reliable and secure grid operations. These networks facilitate data collection, sharing, and analysis, providing valuable insights for improving grid p …
  2. C144/ 145
    50 mins
    Demand response (DR) programs are key for enhancing grid reliability and resilience, yet face significant participation hurdles in low-income and underserved multifamily communities due to connectivit …
1:00 PM
  1. C148
    50 mins
    Utilties are actively modernizing their grid infrastructure to enhance reliability and control, with the overarching goal of creating a ‘smart grid.’ Achieving this vision necessitates deploying numer …
  2. C142
    50 mins
    The growing number of distributed energy resources (DER) connected to power systems can lead to an overload condition on the distribution substation transformers. Bidirectional power flow, alternating …
2:00 PM
  1. C142
    50 mins
    One of the biggest gains from upgrading to AMI 2.0 is the transformative power of big data.  With vast amounts of quality data available, many utilities are not aware of the extent to which these data …
  2. C148
    50 mins
    Designing and deploying a private LTE utility network presents challenges. This presentation reviews private deployment from two distinct perspectives, those of the utility operator and the user equip …
3:00 PM
  1. C148
    50 mins
    The presentation will go through some of the new applications developed for the second generation of smart meters in the North American utility market which are now being rolled out in millions of uni …
  2. C142
    50 mins
    Utilities collectively are under increasing pressure to act to ensure their critical infrastructure is ready to meet future grid modernization, resilience, security, and clean energy requirements. Ove …
3:30 PM
  1. Innovative and Emerging Technologies Knowledge Hub- Booth #4733, Exhibit Floor
    30 mins
    TBD Session sponsored by Accenture
  2. Grid Transformation Knowledge Hub- Booth #1051, Exhibit Floor
    30 mins
    In the ever-evolving world of power system automation, the IEC 61850 standard serves as a cornerstone for seamless communication and interoperability. However, like mastering a complex spell at Hogwar …
4:00 PM
  1. C140
    50 mins
    There is a growing number of power grid devices that receive time syncronization from GPS. However, the problem is that GPS is an identified cybersecurity risk— it can be easily jammed or spoofed, com …
  2. C148
    50 mins
    ComEd is preparing to deploy a private LTE network to provide additional flexibility to the current network design and deployment with fiber optics communication. Preliminary tests were conducted at C …
  3. C142
    50 mins
    Last-mile broadband connectivity is driving a convergence between the telecommunications and electricity sectors in the form of enabling widespread and equitable access to energy programs and technolo …
8:00 AM
  1. C143/ 149
    240 mins
    Join us for an insightful and practical session on the potential of quantum technologies for the grid. This session will explore a range of quantum innovations, from those available today, such as qua …

 

FULL AGENDA

ATTEND

SPONSOR/EXHIBIT