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Smart Grid as a Service

SAIC's new Smart Grid as a Service (SGS) is providing affordable and flexible solutions for utilities' smart grid needs today.

SGS: Creating an Integrated Energy System

One of the challenges that utilities from 1,000 meters to 10,000 meters have is the need to implement smart grid technology that is integrated. From advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to customer information systems (CIS) and geographical information systems (GISs), traditionally integrating technologies requires a great deal of capital, skilled information technology (IT) labor, and network personnel. SAIC's new Smart Grid as a Service (SGS) helps solve these smart grid integration challenges. By offering a flexible and affordable technology service, SAIC's SGS provides a turnkey, customizable solution for utilities deploying a smarter grid.

"SAIC's SGS provides out-of-the-box operational maturity and excellence that allows utilities to realize smart grid benefits immediately, whether deploying one part of the functionality or an entire system," says Mark Fronmuller, SAIC executive vice president of Energy IT and Smart Grid.

SGS vs. Do-It-Yourself Smart Grid

A traditional smart grid implementation usually provides the utility with one option of technology and the burden of implementing that technology themselves. This is considered a do-it-yourself model. SAIC's SGS out-of-the-box smart grid implementation provides the people, process, tools, and technology required to achieve business value at every stage of smart grid implementation. The SGS approach moves the single point of integration to SAIC, speeding up the implementation so that a utility can focus on their core business needs and realize the benefits sooner.

Fronmuller points out, "We are not selling one type of smart grid technology to implement or one service to include for utilities' smart grid systems. SGS is providing a turnkey solution with customized services and technology. SGS is designed for those utilities that seek to maintain focus on their core functions and staff and are looking for a more rapid, customized, and affordable smart grid implementation."

SAIC's Smart Grid Solutions in Action

SAIC is providing the complete program management solution for Lakeland's Electric Smart Grid Initiative, which is expected to reduce the utility's annual carbon footprint by 14,000 tons through installation of smart grid infrastructure to facilitate future demand response and distributed automation capabilities.

SAIC is helping Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) advance its smart grid program by coordinating with 19 power distribution utilities, including two investor-owned utilities, 14 municipal systems, two cooperatives, and the statewide transmission company to gain consensus on joint procurement, technology selection, and deployment options.

SAIC is working with a large northwestern investor-owned utility's federally funded and internal smart grid initiatives to help identify and focus investments based on cybersecurity risks, challenges, and compliance requirements, and information assurance across the smart grid program.