North America | March 3, 2025

Alabama Power Advances Predictive Power Mapping

The predictive power mapping system developed by Alabama Power focuses more on data-driven insights to enhance grid operations rather than physical infrastructure like switchgear.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

Alabama Power, in collaboration with E Source, has made significant strides in enhancing power grid reliability and resiliency through the development of a predictive power mapping system. This innovative approach has earned them the U.S. Department of Energy’s Digitizing Utilities Prize, securing a cash award of $275,000 and a technical voucher worth $75,000 to a national laboratory.

The predictive power mapping system is based on a custom Enterprise Graph Database, which organises and connects various datasets to analyse network connections, asset relationships, and risks. This tool allows for the simulation of distribution networks, analysis of power flow, optimisation of grid operations, and assessment of investments on both the grid and customer sides. One of its key benefits is providing near real-time updates and insights, enabling continuous monitoring instead of relying on annual system updates.

This achievement is part of the Department of Energy’s initiative to encourage utilities to leverage data analytics and system digitisation to improve grid performance. The Digitising Utilities Prize was launched in October 2023 and has incentivised partnerships between utilities and data experts to address complex challenges in the electricity sector.

Alabama Power and E Source will now proceed to the third round of the competition, where they will refine their solution to demonstrate its effectiveness and scalability for industry-wide adoption. The next phase offers a $2.5 million prize pool and focuses on either resource integration or grid-sensing capabilities, with winners to be announced in December.

Source: EEPower