Energy supply, new services and business opportunities

In 1992/94 ENEL have proceeded to install the first industrial implementation of a Distribution Automation System (DAS) for both supervision of secondary substations and service to customers. This DAS uses an attractive and privileged solution, called SITRED, for a two-way telecommunication system using both MV and LV distribution power networks as data transmission media. The installation program, following the pilot installation in Rome and before the end of 1995, includes another 15 “Zones” corresponding to the major Italian urban areas. The experience acquired during this period has permitted ENEL to improve the performances of the SITRED system “Integrated System for data Transmission on Electricity Distribution network” and to promote new services in two directions: automation meter reading service directed to other utilities (gas, water, heating); and electricity customer service automation system towards our customers. The decision, to verify these new business opportunities is supported by strong arguments such: the electrical network, used as a communication channel, is an existing wiring which arrives at each room, at each customer´s premises, thus there are no extra costs for installation; ENEL´s customer assistance is organised in small teams covering all the territory and they could extend their competence; and the relationship between the electrical utility and customer is normally very good