News

Iberdrola has completed the process of digitising its distribution network with the installation of 10.7 million digital meters in Spain and their supporting infrastructure, as well as the adaptation of around 90,000 transformation centres, to which remote management, supervision and automation capabilities have been added. This digitisation process has meant an investment of €2 billion.

This transformation to an intelligent infrastructure in the networks means the company is moving forward in its strategy of energy transition. It is contributing to the decarbonisation of the economy, improving the efficiency of the network, optimising demand management and promoting the integration of more renewables and electric mobility.

This means it is also responding to new trends in relations with its customers, who are demanding more personalised products and services and a more active management regarding how energy is consumed.

Customers are more involved

The network’s digitisation means the electricity consumer is in a position to know in real time about, among other information, their consumption curves, as well as their demand for maximum power, or the way in which their electricity consumption is distributed. This allows for a more efficient use of electricity, being able to decide on the rate type that best suits their profile and way of life.

Iberdrola uses international standards and robust, maximum security encryption algorithms that guarantee the authentication, confidentiality and privacy of every one of its digital devices by means of unique user name and password identification. Furthermore, the digital meters use high-security cryptographic keys, in accordance with international standards, ensuring data packages leave encrypted and authenticated.

Greater efficiency and quality of supply

Customers are not the only ones offered possibilities by digitisation, but also the electrical system, since smart networks use remote management which allows for just that, quick and remote management of everything related to the point of supply and services.

An automated and digitised network has a very positive effect on the efficiency of the service and the quality of supply by reducing incidents and how long they last. In addition, more information is available to detect fraud and minimise losses, as well as to increase the security of both employees and providers who work on the network.

To manage and store all this information which the new smart meters provide, Iberdrola has updated its systems and has developed applications based on big data technology.

10 advantages of smart grids

• They facilitate a more efficient and sustainable power supply
• They allow a higher level of security and quality of supply
• They detect anomalies before they occur
• They allow you to get more precise information on electrical consumption and to personalise your use
• They contribute to giving you greater control over the use of energy
• They encourage a more client-active role in decision making
• They facilitate new business models
• They reduce the environmental impact
• They make it possible for the introduction of more renewables
• They foster sustainable mobility with the integration of the electric car.