Utilidata Tech Delivers Real Time Grid Security Alerts

New tech from automation software company Utilidata will detect cybersecurity threats to power grids and instantly deliver alerts to utility managers.

Utilidata specializes in automation software for power utilities, and the improved cybersecurity application that was announced (PDF) Monday will identify cyberattacks on the power grid using a new option from the company's Signal Intelligence Engine (SIeTM). The new monitoring technology is intended to support grid stability and physical infrastructure security, and is expected to be available for commercial use in the second half of 2016.

This is the company's first launch of a cybersecurity application.

"We believe that protecting the power delivery system is one of the greatest challenges facing our leaders today," said Scott DePasquale, chairman and CEO of Utilidata. "At Utilidata, we are focused on unlocking the potential of our technology to provide real-time operational insights that can be leveraged to protect a power grid that is becoming more and more connected. Now that our platform development and core energy efficiency applications are mature and scaling in the market place, we are looking to aggressively recruit additional talent in cyber and industrial control systems security."

American Electric Power, National Grid and Pacific Gas and Electric Company are current users of Utilidata software, which until now has focused on real-time voltage and reactive power management to enhance energy efficiency and grid security. The company's technology monitoring capabilities are moving toward actionable intelligence and automated control to help electric utilities optimize power delivery, save ratepayer dollars and mitigate risk.

The data collected by Utilidata software allows detection of and response to persistent attacks, supporting the industry's need for intelligent networking and security options. It provides information needed to save energy, mitigate issues caused by distributed energy resources and better detect grid anomalies.

Other Utilidata software analyzes the changes in current and voltage on feeder lines and automatically adjusts the voltage to a level that reduces energy losses. Its software sits at the utility's operations center, collecting data from sensors that can tell the upper and lower thresholds of the correct voltage levels.