Today’s utilities need to integrate their power system operations — from wholesale power markets through distribution to retail consumers. OATI GridControl™/℠ is an integrated hardware and software solution that connects the industry’s most stringent cyber security measures, distributed processing, and plug-and-play functions to connect demand-side resources to grid operations and bulk power markets.

GridControl is made up of several unique components: GridPort™, an easily deployable, secure gateway device that communicates with field assets over multiple protocols; MyGrid Switch™, which works with GridPort to monitor and manage indoor plug loads; and GridSafe™/℠, the patented Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) authentication and security process that ensures the security of the GridControl system.

With these components, the highly scalable GridControl headend system integrates existing data streams with new data from deeply dispersed monitoring and control devices in a unified operator interface. Distribution operators can now see and control Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) anywhere within the distribution system in near real time — an essential capability when continuously variable DERs, such as renewable energy installations, are involved.