How the Internet of Things will Transform the Electric Distribution System of the Future, and What We Are Doing about It.

The electric grid is about to be transformed. There will a huge increase of tens of thousands or more sensors not only at the individual home but on every utility pole. Transformative technologies will be needed that do not currently exist. We expect visual analytics to lead the way, providing both interactive interfaces and deep, streaming analysis to make the electric distribution system totally transparent and situationally aware. We report on a project we are leading that includes the EPIC Center, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and two southeastern utility companies: Southern Company and Chattanooga EPB.