UIL unit, The United Illuminating Company (UI), is upgrading its electric energy grid with smart meters to enhance consumer experience and operational efficiencies.
UI partnered with IBM to establish a secure platform that will supply the cyber security controls needed during the advanced meter deployment.
Part of the IBM Solution Architecture for Energy and Utilities framework, IBM’s WebSphere DataPower appliance filters and validates data traffic to ensure incoming and outgoing messages are legitimate.
DataPower monitors and scans data as it flows to and from the smart meters to the utility, and will provide secure communication for the 80,000 smart meters and other 244,000 automatic meter reading meters.
UIL IT vice president and chief information officer Joseph Santamaria said UI is investing in metering capabilities that will produce immediate benefits for its customers and drive future advancements in the electric grid, by enabling a more responsive ecosystem, improved customer awareness, and overall grid optimization.
UIL also said in addition to securing the advanced meters, this project will allow UI to create a secure environment for information exchange with its partners, vendors, and customers.
UI is also using IBM System p Servers and XIV Storage Systems for data management in their enterprise data center in addition to smart meters provided by Landis and Gyr.
