The electric utility industry has rallied gallantly as it always has done in times of great need. Witnessing the armies of bucket trucks streaming southward to help systems devastated by the storm and ensuing flooding was awe inspiring. The sacrifice of the workers racing to restore power—where power can be restored—is a continuing testament to the proud history of this industry that has flourished for more than a century in a spirit of collaboration and cooperation.

But, unlike the majority of past disasters, the erasure of entire parts of service territories brings a chance that could never occur under “normal” conditions where the cost and difficulty of revamping infrastructure can be great. In many areas, the reconnection of electrical service is far more than restringing lines, replacing power poles and reattaching meters given the depth of the devastation and temporary abandonment of areas by the populous. While the priority is correctly placed on service restoration to meet the needs of devastated communities, the industry should take a longer view of the process and the possibilities it offers.

It is critical to the success of this industry and the country that we take this opportunity to build out new infrastructure for the 21st Century - not just replace the system “as it was”, but rather rebuilding “as it should be”. Even absent such a disaster there are a multitude of reasons for bringing the electrical grid into the 21st century by incorporating the latest in communications and computing power. Now there is the chance to do this on a large scale, in an integrated fashion while making a huge impact for the future.

This is also a chance for the industry to put its dreams into reality creating a highly evolved, technically integrated and more efficient system. This is a chance to do it right the first time in the areas that need it most. Whether it is advanced meters or portals, self healing grids, uninterruptible substations, linking distributed resources into the grid or smarter distribution networks, this is an opportunity that should not be passed.

The financial component in these times must be managed, but should not be allowed to prevent the placement of advanced technology. In fact, the ability to reach into new and differing pools of capital such as economic development funds, federal disaster monies as well as customer participation (especially for industrial and commercial loads) make this the ideal time to build to the future rather than the present or past.

We know from past research and experience that advanced technologies will create financial benefits that go far beyond the simple paybacks. This ranges from more efficient system operations and flexibility to the creation of new business opportunities. Specifically, an advanced system can allow for enhanced productivity, lowered operation costs, increased security, a reduction in carbon and improved power quality.

What will it take? Vision, leadership and a commitment to doing what is right for the longest term possible recognizing the payback from such an infrastructure development program may take years to achieve. Recognizing the complex nature of the investment, the government, regulators as well as public power agencies will need to lend their support. It will also take a unified industry helping to justify the advanced technology expenditures. And, most importantly, it will take engineering talent to make this all real.

The slate has been wiped clean—let us use this opportunity to write the future for the benefit of all.

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