Enhancing Power Grid Management with IoT: A Case Study of CPFL and Hitachi

CPFL, a major power distributor in Brazil, is responsible for supplying electricity to 9.1 million consumers across 12 of the 27 Federation Units and four of the five regions of Brazil. The company's operations are not limited to preventing or repairing household outages but also extend to supporting industries, local businesses, and vital societal subdivisions such as education, transportation, and health. To manage this vast network, CPFL relies on a system that manages the map of its complete power grid. This system is regularly updated and maintained through a process known as a compression routine, which organizes and compresses the database to optimize space for data storage. However, CPFL faced a challenge as the compression routine was taking days, or sometimes weeks, to complete. This delay affected new installations, customer service, and the efficiency and safety of company electricians who relied on information from the System Operation Center while working in the field. The slow process compromised overall sustainability, development, and growth potential, leading CPFL to seek a third-party vendor with experience in the energy sector.

CPFL is a major power distributor in Brazil, responsible for distributing power to 9.1 million consumers across 12 of the 27 Federation Units and four of the five regions of Brazil. The company's operations extend beyond preventing or repairing household outages to supporting industries, local businesses, and vital societal subdivisions such as education, transportation, and health. CPFL's power management also assists with ensuring access to drinking water and sanitation and helps meet the heating, lighting, and safety requirements in people’s homes. To manage its vast network, CPFL relies on a system that manages the map of its complete power grid, which includes streetlamps, substations, transformers, and cabling.