The automation and flexibility of the network to achieve an active participation of the demand, the adequate handling of data and the empowerment of users are the main objectives to which the digitization of electrical infrastructure should point at.
These were the conclusions of a workshop organized by CAF within the framework of the 8th CLTD and in which participated: Marcelino Bernal, project manager of the Directorate of Intelligent Networks of the ANDE (National Electricity Administration) of Paraguay; Sandra Ospina Arango, director of smart grids at CELSIA Colombia; Gabriela Bacci, general coordinator of the Smart Networks project of the National Administration of Power Plants and Electric Transmission (UTE) in Uruguay; and Ronaldo Santarem, vice president of Utilities Telecom & Technology Council Latin America -UTCAL in Brazil.
Based on their experiences in the field, both Ospina Arango and Bacci agreed that these keys are what should guide the digitization process. Bacci also said that, if there are robust technologies, "it is possible to propose the offer of new products and services to retain the user." This will lead to an increase in demand and an improvement in the profits of investments, she added.
Likewise, Bacci pointed towards the deployment of smart meters as an initial step in digitization policy, but cautioned that this requires a strong standard of connectivity and data processing. He did not say if UTE is on that path, but admitted that it is a project that the Uruguayan electricity distribution company is working on.
On his part, Santarem talked about the need to create environments with "a high level of maturity in the protection of user data." He also referred to the need of incorporating a chapter aimed at caring for the environment.
Bernal, on his part, detailed that in Paraguay there is no specific regulation for the generation and distribution of electricity. This results in the need to establish public-private collaboration mechanisms if we want to advance in plans to improve services through digitization.