In this Util-Assist Connections Newsletter . . .

Power up your AMI 2.0 strategy with the latest use cases, learn how to keep your customers informed during power outage emergencies, supercharge your substation security, and understand why Util-Assist is one of the best in the business.

Empowering Your AMI 2.0 Strategy: The Latest Use Cases

The electric utility sector is witnessing a revolution with the advent of next-generation Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). These cutting-edge systems can now go well beyond traditional smart metering, offering enhanced capabilities that drive operational efficiency, distribution grid management, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.

AMI 2.0 meters deliver higher resolution and lower latency data on energy consumption patterns, voltage levels, and power quality. This opens the door to new capabilities and supports advanced use cases to optimize grid performance, predict maintenance needs, respond swiftly to outages, empower customers with detailed usage information, and support integration of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles. And with the ability to run apps at the edge and process data locally, next-generation AMI brings a new dimension to utility management, allowing for immediate action and real-time analytics, transforming AMI meters into multifunctional devices that drive efficiency and innovation.

Although each AMI vendor’s solution varies in terms of capabilities, they collectively represent a significant leap forward in technology, particularly with the integration of additional software, such as analytics and edge computing applications, to fully realize their potential. Get up to date on the latest use cases.

However, transitioning to AMI 2.0 is not as simple as pressing a button. To fully harness the benefits of these sophisticated systems, utilities need to develop a strategic roadmap that outlines how the latest AMI platforms can be translated into new business benefits. Find out how Util-Assist can help unlock the full potential of this groundbreaking technology.

PowerAssist to the Rescue

When torrential rains and severe flooding hit the Toronto area last month, causing major power outages that affected more than 160,000 customers, our PowerAssist team was powered up for action. With a range of digital inbound and outbound channels, including voice, text messaging, and webchat, the team kept utility customers informed and reassured until power could be safely restored.

As climate change continues to bring more frequent and severe weather events, the threat of power outages looms larger than ever. And with hurricane season in full swing, having an effective communications service will be key to ensuring the safety and well-being of your customers. That's where PowerAssist comes in as a cost-effective and scalable solution to keep customers updated while freeing up your operational staff to focus on restoring power.

Don’t wait until the storm hits. Take proactive steps now to ensure effective communication during power outages. Find out how PowerAssist can help.

Supercharging Substation Security

Electric utility substations are critical to the electric grid, acting as the interface between transmission and distribution systems. Despite their importance, many substations are operated remotely and left unattended for long periods, making them vulnerable to intruders and malicious actors. With over 75,000 substations in North America, it is impractical to continuously staff these sites, especially for small and medium-sized utilities.

A specialized monitoring service like SecureAssist offers numerous benefits over traditional approaches to substation security. The solution combines multiple layers of protection and defense, live monitoring, and advanced AI to secure your facilities against intruders, increase uptime, and reduce repair and maintenance costs. Our agents, who are fully trained in the utility industry and understand the equipment and the potential risks of unauthorized access, monitor for alerts and follow customized action plans for each scenario. And with AI as part of the solution, the service is more cost-effective than having a physical presence or conducting the work in-house.

Secure your critical physical assets today - learn more about SecureAssist live monitoring.

Best in the Business

We are delighted to share that Util-Assist has been recognized with two prestigious awards from Great Place To Work® Canada. For the third consecutive year, we have been re-certified as a Great Place to Work, and this year, we are especially honoured to be named one of the Best Workplaces in Professional Services.

These awards reaffirm what we have always known - that Util-Assist is an exceptional workplace. Our unwavering commitment to prioritizing our people ensures that our team members feel valued and fulfilled, helping them thrive both personally and professionally to deliver outstanding service to our clients. Earning two Great Place to Work badges this year is a testament from our own employees that Util-Assist is not only a great place to work but also an excellent choice for a career in professional services.

Learn more.

Power Surge: Introducing our Newest Talent

Our newest team members are charged up and ready to deliver electrifying service across PowerAssist, CustomerAssist, and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) consulting.

Alon Gat

Lead Strategist

Youssef Youssef

Sync Operator

Saaruca Kugarajh

Billing Coordinator

Timothy Sinclair

CIS Database Analyst

Sabrina Sutram

Billing Coordinator

Jack Samways-Pull

Project Coordinator

Natalia Castano Jaramillo

Contact Centre Representative

Noorjahan Shaik

Business Systems Analyst

Joanna Ramage

PowerAssist Agent

Drew Eastmond

Billing Coordinator

About Util-Assist

Util-Assist’s solutions merge technology with strategy to streamline processes, boost productivity, enable data-driven business decisions, and deliver enhanced customer experiences, transforming how utilities operate and deliver value to their customers. Driving digital innovation with professional services and managed services for electric, water, and gas, Util-Assist is shaping the utility of the future.

www.util-assist.com | info@util-assist.com

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