It is now established that the volume of data generated by individuals, or rather by their actions, has undergone a growth that it is not exaggerated to define as exponential, in an almost proportional way to the diffusion of ICT applications, so as to make their organization indispensable and, very often , the analysis.
This computational evolution is at the basis of the use of so-called "big data": hardware and software solutions that allow the analysis of enormous quantities of data often collected in an unstructured way. Elaborate calculation algorithms are already available which are able to isolate the consumption of individual appliances on the basis of consumption characteristics. To this must then be added the growth of the so-called "internet of things" (internet of things) which provides for household appliances and various devices equipped with an internet connection to allow remote control and, precisely, consumption measurement.
Among the most interested sectors there is undoubtedly the energy one, the flow of data that will be made available to utilities in the coming years thanks to the development of technology will increase by a few orders of magnitude making a much more articulated approach to collection management necessary. of data storage and analysis.
The easiest example to consider is everything related to smart metering – the new generation meters – which are a necessary condition for the more complex smart grid.
One of the purposes for which their implementation is now considered essential is precisely the possibility of predicting energy consumption, understanding consumption profiles and therefore being able to manage the demand response, but also much more, more accurately.
However, it is clear that this result will only be possible if the number of readings passes from the current monthly reading (in the most optimistic cases) to a higher frequency, up to reading on an hourly basis, for example, thus increasing however the amount of data to handle by nearly 8.750 times.
This explosion of information, often of unstructured data, imposes the need for a technological and process update within the organization: more performing systems are needed to facilitate the collection and archiving of data with new or updated skills to carry out their 'analyses.
It should not be overlooked then the fact that an advanced use of the data associated with smart grid e smart metering it can only bring great benefits to the company, reducing the return on investment times and therefore increasing the ROI of "smart" investments.
In July, a study was presented, conducted by Oracle in the United States, which involved the management of some large utilities which are dealing with the design and implementation of smart grid. The level of preparation was assessed with respect to the impacts that this huge flow of data could have on the market. The results that emerged highlighted more than one criticality.
The majority of respondents agree on the importance of collecting and analyzing this data, many are aware that their organization is not fully prepared to deal with the enormous flow of data. Above all, it emerges that even when data is collected (all or in part), it is not used to support business decisions and processes, often due to the fact that the utility does not have sufficiently powerful systems or adequately trained personnel.
Of course, the investigation carried out can be seen as biased, after all Oracle sells databases, systems and consulting. However, the indications that emerge are quite clear in showing a substantially unprepared market, even if, in truth, aware of its own inadequacy.
There are no corresponding studies done on the Italian market, but from the state of invoicing and bills it seems that there is some problem with data collection, or at least with their use. We won't name names, but the big players have often negatively surprised more than the small local operators.
Moreover, Italy finds itself in a particular condition, electronic meters for electricity now measure the consumption of all consumers, while as regards natural gas, the Authority for Electricity and Gas (AEEG) has provided for the replacement of the entire fleet of meters as early as 2008, setting the replacement obligation at 2016% (previously it was 2018%) at 60 and now at 80. The postponement was due to the availability and costs of the new generation measuring equipment but the road has now been traced. And we shouldn't overlook the fact that for some months the AEEG has also been called to deal with the integrated water service, defining its tariffs; there is recent news of a project in the start-up phase in Sydney – started by Sydney Water, the local water management company – which involves the installation of 4,6 million smart meters, with interesting return forecasts.
Finally, from January 2013, with a period of six months to be able to carry out communication and information campaigns, the new tariff profiles for electricity consumers who enjoy greater protection should be applied. Most likely, the current two-hour rate will be switched to a three-hour or even multi-hour rate, also to allow for the flexibility of the offer that a "smart" system could offer. And at that point it will be appropriate, perhaps necessary, for all suppliers to equip themselves adequately also on the ICT side of business intelligence, to ensure that investments in technology smart they come back much more quickly.
