Vertical: Utilities
Application: Grid modernization
Ecosystem: Nokia
Private Network: 5G, CBRS
Southern California Edison (SCE) and Nokia have marked a significant milestone in grid modernization with the launch of the utility industry’s first private 5G Field Area Network (FAN). This network establishes new capabilities for managing California’s evolving energy landscape as the state progresses toward its goal of 40% greenhouse gas reduction by 2029 and carbon neutrality by 2045.
The private 5G network, built on SCE’s Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, creates a secure, high-capacity foundation for next-generation grid operations. By integrating Nokia’s latest 5G radio access technology with existing IP/MPLS infrastructure, the system delivers the reliability and performance essential for critical utility operations.
“Realizing the clean energy future depends on high-performing, scalable and secure technology,” explains Todd Inlander, SCE senior vice president and chief information officer. “Our grid modernization program includes upgrading the wireless communications network that helps our teams, and our systems, talk to each other.”
The FAN technology enables seamless communication between devices, power lines, substations, and grid equipment. This enhanced connectivity allows crews to:
- Monitor sensors for rapid fault detection on power lines
- Enable remote connections to equipment in hard-to-reach areas
- Collect real-time smart meter data
- Improve power delivery reliability
A key innovation is the network’s slicing capability, which allows different applications to operate independently with dedicated resources. This ensures critical functions like emergency response and equipment control maintain optimal performance even during peak demand periods.
“The 5G FAN is helping enhance our visibility into our system, which makes that system safer and more reliable,” noted Carlos Carazo, SCE Managing Director of Digital Grid Services. “Instead of our team members physically responding when issues occur, they now have the ability to diagnose problems from handheld devices in near real time.”
The network supports SCE’s broader mission of grid modernization and renewable energy integration. Over the coming years, SCE plans to expand the 5G FAN across its entire 50,000-square-mile service area, ensuring all customers benefit from improved grid reliability and performance.
Jeff Pittman, head of North America Enterprise, Mobile Networks at Nokia, emphasizes the project’s significance: “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to driving innovation in the energy sector. By harnessing the power of 5G, we are setting a new standard for grid efficiency, reliability and sustainability, and offering a model for utilities worldwide to follow.”
