Consumers around the world want to invest in smart city solutions, and 70 percent of utility executives say that implementing smart city solutions is a priority. This is according to research from the latest Itron Resourcefulness Report. As the digital transformation of the industry continues at a breakneck pace, how can utilities and cities work together to build more sustainable, safe and efficient communities?

The answer lies in collaboration—in an ecosystem of like-minded organizations banded together to share knowledge and learn from one another to bring sustainable, positive change. That’s why Itron is convening leaders and innovators from across the industry at Itron Utility Week 2019 this October. As part of the program of more than 100 breakout sessions, utilities and cities will have the opportunity to better understand the business and technological steps to creating smarter, connected and more resourceful communities. The evolution of smart cities starts with digital transformation and unlocking innovation.

Defining a Vision for Digital Transformation

By deploying digital infrastructure consisting of sensors, devices and applications, utilities and cities can incorporate intelligence throughout their operations and information systems. A smart network connects all of these technologies into a unified platform, enabling communities to improve services, reach sustainability goals, create economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

To deploy such a network, utilities can leverage their existing infrastructure and expertise by installing industrial IoT-connected smart streetlights or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). With network infrastructure in place, it becomes easier for communities to gain immediate operational benefits, while layering advanced applications that modernize and transform the citizen experience long into the future.

Getting Started

Digital transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Designing, deploying, and managing an industrial IoT platform requires careful planning across multiple teams to set up the back office for long-term success. This means getting tactical with IT and OT systems, workforce management and deployment tools. Key stakeholders need to be engaged to ensure initiatives and incentives are aligned, and that projects aim for clear, measurable goals.  

Successful smart utility and city initiatives usually start small, demonstrating value and ROI—and then scale to support new and more advanced capabilities as needs evolve. Many cities and utilities adopt smart LED street lighting first because the business case is compelling, with typical energy savings exceeding 50 percent and 20 percent in operational savings. Beyond the energy savings of the LED streetlight, smart lighting offers a wide range of benefits, including enhanced safety, support for time-of-use pricing, increased customer satisfaction and faster service restoration.

With the network foundation in place, utilities and cities can explore future expansion to enable new use cases and maximize ROI.

Unlocking Innovation

The next frontier for smart utility and city modernization lies in innovation. An open development platform creates opportunities to foster home-grown innovation and catalyze economic development.

Through Itron’s robust ecosystem of developers and partners, utilities and cities can quickly scale their digital transformation initiatives while expanding the value of their investments through new use cases. Everything from smart parking and traffic management to acoustic monitoring and public safety are possible, helping drive efficiencies and accelerate progress toward sustainability goals.

Learning by Example

Digital transformation will take time. But it’s a critical step to a more sustainable future and world.

When critical infrastructure assets are connected to a common, open platform, utilities and cities unlock unprecedented visibility and control, generate strategic insight for long-term planning, and can transform operations with truly modern, digitally connected services.

At Itron Utility Week 2019, hear from those who have begun the journey, ask questions and learn the best practices needed to create smarter, better connected and more resourceful communities.  

Join Itron October 11-18 in Marco Island to learn more. As a special offer to Smart Cities Dive readers, click here to receive $200 off your registration.