Utility SCADA solutions are critical to keeping the grid operating at its maximum availability, but they rely on communications systems that connect the head end to sensors, reclosures, and other distribution elements to enable a reconfiguration of the distribution grid.
Many utilities rely on cellular communications (public and private) to enable the required connectivity. Here’s the challenge: cellular networks were never designed to maximize availability and only considered resiliency as secondary to mobility.
John Nachilly, Manager of Operational Network Strategy & Architecture at Eversource Energy, will speak about multi-carrier SIM technology evolution to support SCADA and utility field area network functionality at DTECH (fka DISTRIBUTECH) March 24-27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
Nachilly will participate in the session Leveraging eSIM technology to improve SCADA resiliency on March 25 from 4 PM to 4:50 PM.
One way to address the low availability (~99.9%) of cellular is to leverage the emerging GSMA eSIM standards which enable access to multiple public and private networks. By adding fallback connectivity to a primary cellular network, utilities can enhance overall communications availability as network outage events are often independent random processes. The added redundancy to one or more fallback networks has the potential to improve network availability by an order of magnitude.
eSIM (embedded SIM) technology allows end users to change the network they are connected to without swapping a physical SIM card. While they are available for mobile phones, they are also often used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications, smart meters, GPS tracking devices, CCTV cameras, and more.
For Nachilly, the most critical issue utilities face today is “the ability to develop secure communication technologies to achieve grid modernization goals.”
John Nachilly is responsible for defining the network strategy for Eversource Energy. John brings over 40 years of experience leading projects for Eversource including Telecommunications, Enterprise Network Design, Desktop & Infrastructure, Cloud Services Optimization, Field Automation, and Smart Grid Initiatives. John’s current projects include defining a multi-carrier wireless strategy for Field Area Networks and designing and implementing the mesh and backhaul network for Advanced Metering Infrastructure.
Attending DTECH this year? Don’t miss these other great sessions!
- Itron’s Amanda Dixon on the future of municipal energy management
- Dominion Energy’s Aaron Winter on meeting cloud computing demands
- National Grid’s Jon Malaver on utility talent acquisition retention amid rapid industry changes
- Eversource Energy’s John Nachilly on leveraging eSIM tech for SCADA resiliency
- National Grid’s Bridget Powers Beggs on ‘right-sizing’ distribution systems and the economic, societal value of DERMS
- UConn Eversource Energy Center’s Dr. Diego Cerrai on AI for storm and damage prediction
- Evergy’s JJ Stutler on what utilities actually do with all of their private LTE data
- Alectra Utilities’ Vivek Somasundaram on building the control room of the future
- PPL’s Shelby Linton-Keddie on tackling rapid load growth
- Xcel Energy’s Marcus Johansson on building digital twins for the future grid
- Evergy’s Chad Carsten on communications networks for utility unity
- Duke Energy’s Jason Handley on utility policy impacts, grid edge investments, and more
- Liberty Utilities’ Sam McGarrah on improving utility asset management
- Southern California Edison’s Jerome Marr on long-term distribution planning and modern grid challenges
- AES’ Christian Lopez on the challenges of cultivating a skilled utility workforce
- National Grid’s Jesse Harvey on harnessing the next wave of smart meters: AMI 2.0
- Duke Energy’s John Pressley on how AI is reshaping utility work
This list will be updated as more sessions are previewed.
