The Evolution of the Power Sector with an Interoperable Smarter Grid Using Digital Insfrastructure

What does interoperability truly mean for the future grid and what will it look like? This piece explores the importance of interoperability to build a smarter grid to meet future energy demands and achieve decarbonization goals.

As a result, governments are offering incentives to boost the energy transition, encouraging the installation of cleaner energy at homes, buildings and industries, injecting electricity into the grid with multiple power flow directions, increasing instability. Consequently, utilities must control their grids in real time.

The evolution of the grid and energy market are demanding an Interoperable Smarter Grid (ISG) based on Digital Infrastructure:

• Networks: Private LTE, Wi-SUN, and/or Wi-Fi. 
• Grid Edge Devices: based on Operating Systems like Linux.
• Data Centers: cloud/on-premises advanced grid software.

Hence, an ISG would look like this: smart meters of different manufacturers running under the same operating system supporting the same grid edge apps of third parties; exchanging data between them and data centers, using networks like Private LTE.

It frees utilities from single-vendor lock-in of grid products, while fostering innovation and enabling third parties ecosystems to create apps supporting AI/ML to drive the evolution of a truly smarter, reliable and resilient grid. 

Introducing ezMGrideEdge Framework

The ezMGridEdge is designed for open-architecture Grid Devices, supporting hardware and virtual integration. Thus, it addresses lifecycle challenges from manufacturing, installation, operation, up to maintenance.

For smart meters, the framework supports multiple brands and includes:

• eSIM/NIC management: remote SIM provisioning, failover/failback.
• AMI 1.0 features: meter programming, data collection, event logs, alarms, and more.

Designed for scalability, ezMGridEdge supports AMI 2.0 and beyond, which in turn allowing structured meter data for third-party AI-powered applications to enhance grid intelligence.

It reduces unneeded interactions of grid device and network operator teams within utilities. It simplifies the management of SIMs, NICs, and Grid Devices through a unified interface, significantly cutting installation and operational costs.

If you’re a key driver of the modernization movement, leverage the ezMGridEdge Framework. Join us in building the Interoperable Smarter Grid of the future! of the future.

Author:

Byron Rojas, CEO at EASYMETERING, LLC.