NYPA to Study Cloud-Based Monitoring of Utilities

New technology would allow for quicker and more secure data transfer 

For Immediate Release: 10/26/16

Contact: 
Lynne Smith | Lynne.Smith@nypa.gov | (914) 681-6916

WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has launched a study to research the feasibility of using cloud computing for real-time monitoring of utility power systems, in an effort to craft a network that is more efficient and less expensive to run. 

NYPA will partner with Cornell University and Washington State University to study using the cloud rather than servers and hard-wired communications. 

“NYPA and other utilities would greatly benefit from a new large-scale monitoring and analysis platform able to track what’s happening throughout the entire state network,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “A cloud-based solution would allow us to act more quickly and better control access to data.” 

If deemed practical, cloud computing would be considerably less expensive than each utility building its own data and control network. Continued availability of data and control is critical in order for operators to respond to complex contingencies, especially when they affect wide areas of the grid such as the 2003 Northeastern U.S. blackout. 

Availability of data will also enable utilities to analyze past events, be notified of equipment service changes, monitor remote events and have the scalability needed to react if there was an attack by nation-state adversaries. 

The research is also consistent with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy, which seeks to create an energy system that is more resilient, efficient and affordable.

About NYPA
NYPA is the nation's largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. Follow @NYPAenergy on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, YouTube, and LinkedIn.