Load Forecasting
When all energy use is monitored by smart meters, utilities will receive a much more accurate overview of energy consumption in their service area. This means they can examine suspicious areas where energy use is higher than expected and act upon those suspicions.
Large Loads
Mobile Computing
Mobile computing is an exchange of information with computing devices such as laptops in trucks or handheld devices. This exchange and accessibility of information enables increased productivity, decreases paper flow and reduces voice or radio traffic. As an integral part of utility automation mobile computing relies on integration with other systems for true system optimization and asset management. These systems would include a customer information system, billing system, Outage Management System and a Geographical Information System. Together these system leverage the data stored and collected and allow for optimized efficiencies, increased productivities and reduced costs.
More information
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is a combination of integrated hardware and software that allow for remote monitoring and control of the system. Downline Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED’s) collect data from the system in real time and report back through software, enabling System Operators and Managers to make informed decisions in real time. The utilization of assets in this capacity enables greater system optimization and improved operating efficiencies.
OMS
An Outage Management System is a software application that gathers and processes incoming outage notification data as well as downline distribution system connectivity data in a fast an organized manner for determination of outage cause and location. The OMS enables dispatchers to dispatch crews efficiently for faster response times and shorter outage durations. The system also stores historical outage information for reporting and analysis such as reliability standards. When integrated with a GIS map and a SCADA system the OMS is a part of a utility automation system that enables improved asset management and optimized operating efficiencies.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a system comprised of real time communication between a central station, advanced electronic meters and monitoring and control devices on the electrical distribution system.
GIS 
Remote Connect/Disconnect
AMI can greatly benefit the utility by providing the ability to perform remote service connect and disconnects. This can reduce time, labor, truck expense, and the fuel costs of traditional methods, especially on accounts that are repeatedly on the schedule for delinquent disconnect. Overtime hours may be reduced and safety is increased for the employee by reducing the amount of drive time and remotely performing the task from the office via two-way communication with the AMI.
MySource Meter
MySource Meter is an online application developed through Smart Energy Source that allows residential consumers to monitor their daily and monthly energy use for free. By monitoring daily energy use, consumers will be able to see the effects various factors have on their electricity use. For example, consumers can see the difference in their energy use on weekends compared to weekdays.
More information
Pre-
pay
Pre-pay is a payment option for consumers that allows them to choose how much they want to pay for their electric use. Much like prepaid phone service, Pre-pay allows consumers to pay as they consume electricity. It allows consumers to take control of their energy bill and conserve energy.