_New global research reveals three quarters of electrical utilities
leaders believe satellite connectivity and technology partnerships will
help mitigate emerging industry threats over next five years_
CARLSBAD, Calif., 18 July – Viasat, a global communications company,
today releases the results of a global survey of senior electrical
utilities industry professionals, revealing an alarming number of
emerging threats to national grid stability over the next five years.
However, the majority of respondents (76%) are confident that
satellite-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) solutions will play a key
role in improving network reliability in the face of these risks.
The research – commissioned by Viasat and conducted by Censuswide –
is part of Viasat’s ‘_Critical National Infrastructure Series –_
_The Crucial Role of Satellite Connectivity in Safeguarding National
Electrical Utilities Infrastructure_ [1]_’_.
Wide-ranging industry threats
The most important threats identified by utilities sector leaders
include:
* Managing the adverse effects of climate change or natural disasters
(62%) emerged as the highest risk, deemed even more important by C-suite
executives (66%).
* Potential financial risks from not meeting new environmental-focused
regulations (58%) emerged as the second highest threat.
* Cybersecurity concerns were identified as the the third most
important risk (53%), including state-sponsored attacks or
cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.
* Managing fluctuating supply and demand patterns while transitioning
to more renewable energy sources (43%) was considered a key risk.
* Ageing infrastructure (42%) at a time when surging consumer demand is
putting power grids under increased pressure was also seen as important.
Satellite-enabled IoT key to navigating power grid risks
Despite these concerns, three quarters (76%) of those surveyed were
optimistic about the ability of satcom to play a crucial role in
improving infrastructure reliability, while 75% think satellite Internet
of Things (IoT) technology is already helping to mitigate some of the
biggest risks facing the industry.
Nearly three quarters of respondents (70%) feel satellite-enabled IoT
is helping to mitigate climate change and natural disaster-related
threats through sustainability-focused innovations, including
environmental monitoring, early warning systems, and remote asset
management in regions prone to climate-related risks.
Almost four in five (79%) also feel satcom is helping address risks
associated with cyberthreats through advanced encryption and
authentication mechanisms, and secure traffic routing systems.
Over half (57%) expect satellite IoT solutions to improve overall
business performance through effective cost reduction and risk
mitigation via remote monitoring and controlling of assets, highlighting
the broader expected positive impact of such technologies over the years
to come.
Jat Brainch, Chief Commercial and Digital Officer at Viasat, said:
_“As modern consumers and businesses place unprecedented levels of
demand on electrical power networks, their status as critical elements
of national infrastructure is increasingly clear. However; with the rise
of threats from climate change, bad actors and ageing infrastructure,
managing the supply and distribution of electricity has never been so
complex. The good news is that satellite-enabled Internet of Things
technologies offer a proven, reliable way to tackle these risks head-on,
and the industry is becoming increasingly open to leveraging them to
protect and maintain their networks going forward._
_“Over the next five years, we expect such technologies to become
integral to the successful functioning of electrical grids, as well as
playing a central role in the broader transition to renewable energy
sources worldwide. Satellite IoT will also be key to driving operational
efficiencies, improving profitability and strengthening sustainable
outcomes for critical national infrastructure as a whole.”_
