Smart Grid as a Service Helps Utilities Modernize the Grid

The Evolution of the Grid

As markets continue to evolve, utilities are pressured to respond to rapid changes, make thoughtful decisions for their needs today, and strategically plan for the future. SAIC invests substantially to stay ahead of the trends impacting the utility industry and the nation's power grid. For utilities, using SAIC's Smart Grid as a Service (SGS) solutions means enhancing and modernizing the grid, as well as improving services and reducing the bottom line for their consumers.

"We offer utilities a more economical way to navigate the growing menu of advanced metering options," said Mark Fronmuller, an SAIC vice president.

One-Stop Resource

SAIC's SGS provides a comprehensive, affordable, and integrated one-stop resource for utilities. Our integrated hardware and software solution provides advanced metering infrastructure, outage analysis, remote connection capabilities, as well as the foundation for the future integration of alternative energy services.

"We try to provide a more comprehensive end-to-end set of solutions for our utility clients," said JT Grumski, senior vice president for SAIC Engineering. "For example, with our smart grid as a service, we are not only addressing the integration challenges, but also the business model challenge around trying to help utilities who may not have as much upfront capital."

Fronmuller also points out the importance of offering a solution that doesn't require raising consumer rates to pay for the latest technology. "Utilities don't want to raise rates. SAIC's SGS let's utilities improve technology, provide better customer service, and increase efficiencies - all without raising rates to consumers," Fronmuller said. "It is a comprehensive, packaged product, and because we offer it as a service, we provide a turnkey solution that we help utilities tailor to their processes to achieve the desired outcome. This approach moves the single point of integration to our responsibility while at the same time speeding up the implementation so that clients can realize its benefits sooner."

Solutions in Action