What's Happening?
Avista, an energy company serving customers across eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of Oregon, has selected Heddian to modernize its field communications. This initiative involves deploying a hybrid network architecture that combines the extensive
reach of commercial cellular networks with the security and operational control of private infrastructure. This model allows Avista to utilize public networks where coverage is robust while strategically deploying private LTE assets for critical grid-edge applications requiring maximum control and reliability. Heddian CEO Joe Walsh noted that this approach eliminates the need for utilities to choose between the security of private wireless and the broad footprint of public cellular, offering an integrated solution without the burden of building and managing private spectrum infrastructure from scratch. The design integrates with Avista’s legacy infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Why It's Important?
This modernization effort is crucial for enhancing grid capacity, reliability, and resilience. By upgrading field network bandwidth and ensuring secure, reliable communications, Avista can manage its grid more closely, leading to fewer data gaps and improved monitoring of device load and health. This allows the utility to utilize existing capacity more efficiently and proactively address potential issues before they cause outages. The hybrid network also helps Avista meet evolving regulatory requirements, such as NERC’s PRC-028 for disturbance monitoring and reporting for inverter-based resources. As NERC and FERC develop new standards for large loads like data centers, the ability to collect and deliver high-resolution data from remote sites becomes increasingly vital. This approach provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for utilities facing pressure to upgrade connectivity while optimizing existing infrastructure.
What's Next?
Avista will proceed with the deployment of the hybrid communication network, integrating it with existing infrastructure. The migration process will involve installing UtiliSIMs, which allow for over-the-air updates to change network usage, including transitioning devices to private LTE as the utility expands its private infrastructure. Heddian will also offer 24/7 monitoring and operational support to complement Avista’s internal teams. Other utilities are expected to observe and potentially adopt similar hybrid communication strategies, as this model offers a flexible and cost-effective pathway to modernizing field networks. The success of this deployment could set a precedent for how energy companies balance security, control, and coverage in their communication infrastructure, especially as grid demands continue to grow with the integration of new technologies and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Beyond the Headlines
The adoption of a hybrid communication network by Avista signifies a broader trend in critical infrastructure management towards more adaptive and resilient systems. This approach acknowledges the practical and economic limitations of fully private networks while addressing the security and control concerns associated with relying solely on public carriers. The ability to integrate with legacy systems without disruption is a key factor for utilities, which often operate with long-standing infrastructure. This move also highlights the increasing importance of data in grid management; enhanced communication capabilities translate directly into better data collection and analysis, enabling more intelligent and predictive grid operations. Ultimately, this shift could lead to a more secure, efficient, and responsive energy grid, capable of handling future challenges posed by climate change, cyber threats, and evolving energy demands.
