Topic: The Smart Grid Business Case

Host: BC Hydro

As the power grid ages, utilities have the opportunity to scope up their replacement/refurbishment investments to include grid modernization. However, the addition of intelligence and communications to the grid does not come free and requires a business case. The investment in these incremental grid modernization projects and programs typically require either the utility's board or regulatory to sign off on the investment.

All utilities are driving to more robust investment management processes that require business case benefits to be monitored and tracked over time, often with operational budgets and headcounts being cut to justify the investment. As such, obtaining consensus on the benefits of grid modernization across multiple lines of business for some areas of new technology can be difficult.

SmartGrid Canada will host a Utility Forum, in Vancouver on May 17 2016, to discuss the business case of grid modernization for the Canadian utility. The one-day forum will be a closed door member-only event where utilities and vendors can share their experiences in justifying their grid modernization business cases. It will entail both industry-member round tables as well as a closed-door utility only discussion. The outcome for the attendees is to return with new ideas for benefits that can be incorporated into your own business cases.

This event is open to SmartGrid Canada members and invited guests. If you are interested in participating, please email us at [email protected]