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From Isolated Grids to Intelligent Control 

Electric utility operations have evolved from isolated, independent providers, to large-scale, centrally managed power grids. Now, power utility operators are unifying their internal operations through Integrated Operations Centers, while positioning themselves to better coordinate with adjacent providers, ensuring the grid stays lit in any situation.

Evolution of Utility Integrated Operations Centers (IOCs)

Pre 1900s – 1940s

  • Utilities localized & isolated
  • Manual Control
  • Relied on telegraphs & eventually telephones for communication

1980s – 1990s

  • Mainframe computers allowed for real-time grid monitoring
  • EMSs provided advanced grid analytics, forecasting, & load balancing
  • Utilities began to move toward RTOs and ISOs

1950s – 1970s

  • Rise of large-scale power grids led to centralized control centers
  • SCADA systems emerged
  • Development of interconnected power grids

2000s – present

  • Adoption of smart grids
  • Integration of renewable energy sources
  • visability from Activu adds new capabilities:
    • Ability to create active-active backup operations centers
    • Emergence of cloud-based grid management
    • Introduction of flexible command centers and IOCs.

The Rise of the Integrated Operations Centers (IOCs) 

As digital sensors, smart meters, and renewable power sources reshape the industry, utilities are required to manage vast amounts of data and two-way power flow. At the same time, public safety is a top concern, physical and digital grid security is more important than ever, market pricing fluctuations affect how and when load is distributed, up-to-date staff training and backup operations ensure resiliency, and consistent, transparent external communication is an emerging requirement. Integrated Operations Centers (IOCs) combine these technological and physical space requirements with flexible use facilities that make organizations more efficient. 

Grid operations, SCADA, and monitoring can move actively and seamlessly to another room or another location without compromises or a slow setup, in the event of an interruption in the main facility. Network operations can participate in security operations if needed, monitoring physical and cyber risks concurrently, while deeply integrating with monitoring tools. A training room can convert to emergency operations instantly, when the need arises. Merchant operations can function on the same platform and technology, while still firewalled from other operations, using the same tech employed at the Pentagon and in the US Government’s most secure facilities. 

IOC: Flexibility & Security Across Critical Operations

Visability from Activu is the only software platform advancing this evolution, enabling utilities to integrate Next-Gen, Flexible Command Centers within their IOCs. 

By consolidating these functions, IOCs improve uptime, readiness, and incident resolution. Through visability, a single-platform IOC realizes multiple efficiencies and simplifies content distribution, creating a safer, more streamlined, and responsive grid.  

Enhancing Disaster Preparedness and Response 

IOCs play a critical role in helping utility companies manage and respond to catastrophic events, such as: 

Wildfires
Real-time monitoring and coordination reduce impact and improve response time.

Hurricanes
Improved disaster preparedness and rapid restoration efforts. 

Winter Storms
Increasing grid resilience and enhance situational awareness. 

Flooding
IOCs help monitor flood levels, coordinate emergency response and ensure timely communication with affected communities. 

By integrating advanced monitoring, data analytics, and real-time communication, IOCs empower utilities to anticipate, respond to, and manage crises more effectively. 

The Future: Flexible Command Centers 

As the evolution of IOCs continues, visability is enabling utilities to build multi-purpose rooms within their facilities. These rooms can function as training and team spaces under normal conditions, but can instantly transform into Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), Security Operations Centers (SOCs), or even a real-time backup grid operations center during a crisis. With a touch of a button, access permissions can be adjusted to secure sensitive content while ensuring the right personnel can act quickly.

Visability is the only platform that leverages the existing network to expand the common operating picture to multiple locations without excessive hardware. Currently deployed in over 1,400 mission-critical next-gen control centers, visability delivers three times more of the desired functional capabilities with one-third of the hardware compared to legacy systems.

Prepare for the Future 

Ensure your utility is equipped for whatever challenges lie ahead. Contact us today or request a demo to see how vis/ability can transform your Integrated Operations Center.

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By Insight, Next-Gen Control Room, press on homepage, Thought Leadership, Utility Insight

About Activu

Vis/ability makes any information visible, collaborative, and proactive for people tasked with monitoring critical operations. Users of the platform see, share, and respond to events in real time, with context, to improve incident response, decision-making, and management. Activu software, solutions, and services benefit the daily lives of billions of people around the globe. Founded in 1983 as the first U.S.-based company to develop command center visualization technology, more than 1,300 control rooms depend on Activu. activu.com.