On day two of IoT World Today, utility providers and experts discussed the pressures the industry has sustained in the wake of COVID-19.

Key takeaways from this article include the following:

  • The utilities market has faced challenges in delivering always-on services during the COVID-19 era.
  • The energy sector, like other critical infrastructure, has also suffered from an onslaught of cyberattacks.
  • IoT in utilities has brought flexibility and resilience to the industry, enabling more remote monitoring and work-from-home capability.
  • While utility providers have had to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, they have also demonstrated resilience in the face of sudden change.

On day two of IoT World, a panel of utility leaders to discuss the short- and long-term impact of COVID-19 on energy providers.. For the energy industry, the initial aftershock of COVID-19 was substantial. While numerous regions implemented stay-at-home orders, critical infrastructure has to deliver 24/7/365.

The energy industry had to quickly adjust and address worker health while maintaining operations.

“We have to keep employees safe but also make sure we keep the power grid up and running continuously,” said Joroen Leverman, IT technology director, NextEra Energy Resources.

While COVID-19 has had immense impact on industries like hospitality, transportation and retail, the energy industry has braved the disruption of novel coronavirus with relative stability—albeit despite some bumps in the road.

That’s due in part to technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), automation and artificial intelligence, which have enabled practitioners to use technology to remotely monitor equipment, automate processes and gather data in real time to make decisions. Ultimately, IoT in utilities has enabled always-on services and more remote delivery.

Delivering Always-On Energy Services from Home with IoT.

All providers noted that shelter-in-place orders required providers to deliver services in a new way.

“It’s always been a key part of our mission to deliver reliable energy to people,” said Eric Helin, senior manager, Exelon during the “Future-Proof Business Models to Bring Collaboration and Tech to the Fore” panel.

Source: IoT World Today by Lauren Horwitz

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