Safety and compliance is a crucial priority for utilities. These businesses must comply with strict regulations because of the risks associated with supplying critical resources to customers. Upholding safety protects the public and workforce and decreases the possibility of infrastructure damage and environmental impact. Further, adhering to compliance regulations minimizes legal liabilities and improves your company’s reputation among stakeholders.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements
Utility companies must follow stringent local, state, and federal government regulations. These regulations cover several critical aspects ranging from environmental protection to cybersecurity. The regulatory environment hasn’t always kept pace with evolving field service technologies, making compliance an ongoing challenge.
For example, the energy distribution system is the most vulnerable component of the electrical infrastructure, and 90% of power interruptions happen there. Severe weather increasingly impacts the electric power system, escalating the human and economic costs. A more reliable electricity distribution system is crucially needed. The U.S. Department of Energy is beginning to leverage technologies that strengthen the distribution grid with new microgrid operation algorithms and designs.
However, regulatory requirements are making these improvements challenging for utilities to implement despite technological advancements. Most regulatory jurisdictions lack a definition for the unique traits of microgrids. While microgrids are not technically utilities, the regulations are the same. That means most can’t operate in the same region as the incumbent utility in areas with an agreement allowing only incumbent utilities to serve clients. As is the case for most energy distribution grids in the United States.
Utilities should stay up to date with changing regulations to steer clear of legal issues and penalties. Engaging with regulatory agencies, implementing comprehensive compliance management systems, and providing employee training are all essential to staying current with regulatory requirements.
Environmental Safety Regulations
Utility companies must comply with environmental safety regulations when installing and operating distributed generation systems, especially in residential locations. They must adhere to several environmental laws, including the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act, regulations related to environmental pollution, and laws addressing emergency and backup power regulations.
Moreover, any water and other utilities considering microgeneration partner with electric utilities. This is beneficial, as the utility can sell excess energy back to the utility, or enable it to use the system during high-demand times. The utilities involved in these agreements must comply with regulatory frameworks that address electricity sales and distribution.
Cybersecurity
As utilities increasingly use IoT devices like smart grids, there is a higher risk of cybersecurity threats. Utility businesses must foster a cyber resilience culture, employ risk management initiatives, and establish comprehensive response and recovery processes to stay compliant and protect their infrastructure.
Data Management
Utilities also manage a significant amount of customer data that’s crucial for them to keep secure. They collect customer data about energy usage, payment methods, history, etc. Utilities are subject to data protection laws and regulations. They must take proactive steps to maintain safe data, including practicing secure encryption, firewalls, and regular software updates and patching.
Complying with the evolving regulatory environment can be a top challenge for utilities as they work to provide vital resources to customers and leverage the newest technologies. Businesses proactively adhere to regulatory requirements by implementing essential compliance strategies that address environmental, cybersecurity, and data management mandates. Not only will this help utilities remain compliant, but it will also cultivate trust among stakeholders and decrease risks, ensuring long-term operational success.