Northeast Group, in its report, predicted that between 2014 and 2024, Southeast Asian countries are expected to deploy 37.3 million smart meters and also will invest in distribution automation and other smart grid technologies. Strong GDP growth of nearly 6% through 2018 and corresponding growth in electricity demand will help lay the foundation for investment as these countries start modernizing their utilities infrastructure. With this unprecedented growth and the ambitious economic growth plans, government needs to ensure they can operate safe, sustainable and efficient utilities infrastructure, backed by modern technology.

Smart grids for utilities, or the networks based on information and communication technology, are ushering in a new era of managing water and energy demand. Smart water meters integrated with sensing technologies give water utilities advanced tools for more efficiently measuring water consumption and providing water customers with data to help them monitor their water usage and reduce costs. Smart grids in energy enable access to electricity for all, quality supply on demand, exchange of energy information via smart meters and two-way communication dynamic pricing and participation by stakeholders in the energy markets.

Smart grid relies on accurate data. Utilities also have a tremendous amount of data and a large workforce in the field. As geospatial technology gets increasingly converged with IT and communication, technology like GIS has a vital role to play in smart grids. GIS can aid the electric utility companies in data management, planning and analysis and situational awareness. With GIS, utilities can capture the mashup of information related to the smart grid, from customer behavior and the placement of smart meters to the location of electric vehicle chargers and renewable resources. GIS can also help identify vulnerabilities, weigh asset investments and gauge customer response to a smart grid implementation. Through GIS-based graphic outputs and Web-based reporting, utilities can also quickly monitor and demonstrate how the organisation is progressing on smart grid activities.

Geospatial thus is playing an integral role in complete utilities lifecycle – from planning and design, asset management operational awareness, field mobility, and client services, maintenance. While the utilities companies across the region are embarking in on geospatial technology implementation, its usage is typically limited to few employees. For maximum benefits, utilities and communication service providers need to leverage existing systems to make geospatial information available across an entire organization.

Smart Network & Utilities programme at GeoSmart Asia 2016 will discuss geospatial smart grid and smart meter solutions for electricity, water and telecommunications utilities.

• Consultants (Environmental/ Engineering/ Project Management)
• Funding Agencies
• Geospatial Experts
• Geospatial Solution Providers
• Government & Public Sector Undertakings
• Policy Makers
• Utilities Asset Owners – Managing/Operating Heads, Chief Engineers
• Utilities Operators – Government / Private