Evergy's Partnership with Kigen to Strengthen Grid Resilience
Evergy, a prominent utility provider in the Midwest, has taken a significant step by choosing Kigen's secure eSIM OS and eIM solution. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance grid resilience by integrating private LTE networks with public networks, ensuring more reliable operations against unforeseen challenges like severe weather and increasing energy demands.
Understanding the Importance of Grid Resilience
Reliability is at the core of Evergy's operational strategy. As the utility sector evolves, integrating distributed energy resources and advanced metering infrastructures becomes essential. The ability to ensure continuous connectivity is critical, particularly when faced with the disruptions caused by severe weather or routine upgrades. Without a rigorous automated system, managing a vast number of IoT devices poses significant risks to service continuity and cost efficiency.
Expanding the LTE Network Infrastructure
Evergy has already established an LTE network across 100 sites, supporting a variety of IoT sensors and operational technology devices. With plans for expansion that could see the number of connected devices soar into the tens of thousands, a robust system for failover between private and public networks is essential. Traditional manual methods of network management are simply not feasible at such scale.
Comments from Evergy Leaders
Bill Franzen, the lead radio engineer at Evergy, emphasized the importance of uninterrupted device data, stating, "As we modernize our grids, the visibility that comes from continuous data flow helps us prepare for potential outages. The integration of Kigen's technology will enable us to achieve new standards in grid resilience and efficiency." This shift aims to lay a foundation for more intelligent grid management.
Kigen's Innovative Technology
Kigen's latest eSIM OS and eIM solutions offer Evergy advanced capabilities. Their technology allows dynamic management of connectivity through multiple operator profiles, significantly enhancing operational flexibility. Features such as the network rescue and recovery applet support automated failover actions based on predefined business rules, managed centrally via Kigen Pulse. This allows Evergy to maintain seamless operational continuity irrespective of environmental challenges.
Ensuring Cybersecurity in Infrastructure
Cybersecurity remains a critical consideration. Evergy's configuration leverages Kigen's eIM service, which is certified by the GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme for Subscription Management, thus ensuring compliance with industry standards necessary for secure operations. This initiative not only fortifies their grid security but also aligns with broader goals regarding employee safety and environmental sustainability.
Kigen's Recognition and Future Steps
Kigen's eIM has recently been awarded the IoT Solution of the Year by the Mobile Breakthrough Awards, highlighting its innovation and effectiveness in the field. The company is set to demonstrate its solutions at industry events, showcasing how utilities can adopt eSIM technologies to build secure, future-ready networks.
In conclusion, Evergy's collaboration with Kigen is indicative of the ongoing transformation in the utility sector. By prioritizing resilience and smart technology, Evergy is setting a benchmark for reliable, sustainable energy delivery for its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What technologies are Evergy and Kigen implementing together?
They are implementing Kigen's secure eSIM OS and eIM solution to enhance connectivity and grid resilience.
Why is grid resilience important for utilities?
Grid resilience is crucial to ensure continuous power supply and management of distributed energy resources while minimizing service disruptions.
How does Kigen's technology improve operational efficiency?
Kigen's solutions enable automated failover and centralized management of connectivity, allowing for more efficient and proactive grid operations.
What role does cybersecurity play in Evergy's strategy?
Cybersecurity is vital for protecting critical infrastructure, and Evergy ensures compliance with industry standards through Kigen's certified systems.
How is Evergy contributing to sustainability?
Evergy focuses on utilizing carbon-free sources for approximately half of its power needs, aligning its operations with sustainability goals.
