​​The role of private networks in the utilities sector​ 

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As utilities companies pursue digital transformation, many are exploring the value of private networks in enhancing their operations. Private networks offer secure, reliable connectivity that can be tailored to a company’s needs. They enable real-time monitoring, support decentralised energy systems, and improve operational resilience

Introduction

As the utilities sector continues to modernise, demand for fast, reliable and secure connectivity is rising. From monitoring grid assets to coordinating field crews and integrating renewable energy, the ability to connect operations in real time is critical.

Private networks – in this most cases fully dedicated, on-premise 4G or 5G networks – are becoming a key enabler for this transformation. Unlike public networks, the private and physically contained nature of these networks mean that they can be fully owned and operated by a utilities company. They can be tailored to the specific needs of the customer and the use cases that will be run on the network.

Why are private networks gaining traction in utilities?

Built for mission-critical environments

Companies in the utilities sector provide essential services like energy or water. The necessity of these resources in modern life means that any disruption can have serious consequences. Utilities infrastructure mission-critical – its enabling IT and connectivity infrastructure must live up to that standard. Private networks can be designed with high levels of resilience and availability, supporting critical operations even when public networks are unavailable or congested.

Supporting connected infrastructure

The number of connected devices in utility environments is growing fast. From cameras and sensors to drones and mobile teams, these assets need reliable and secure connectivity. Private networks can handle large volumes of data, and real-time communication, making them a better fit for industrial-scale operations.

Enabling smarter, decentralised systems

The transition to forms of cleaner and more renewable energy is reshaping utility operations. As more renewables and distributed energy resources come online, networks need to support greater flexibility and local intelligence. Private networks can deliver low-latency connections between control centres for rapid and automated decision making and grid management. This is important for both managing the growing complexity in energy infrastructure and in finding efficiency through automation and distributed intelligence in the process.

Customised support for utilities-specific challenges

Coverage where it’s needed most

Utility infrastructure often stretches across rural, remote or industrial areas with poor public coverage. Private networks allow organisations to build coverage exactly where they need it – on generation sites, substations, or along pipelines – without relying on third-party providers. Indeed, private networks can be designed to meet the multi-faceted needs of end customers through the layout of equipment across vast areas of land, ensuring connectivity where it is needed most.

Tighter control and security

Security, especially cybersecurity is of paramount importance to utilities companies, especially given the risk posed by successful attacks on critical infrastructure. Private networks offer market-leading security given the dedicated nature of a private network to one customer who then has total control over data flows and user access. Private networks can be integrated with existing security protocols and alongside edge capabilities provide local data handling to support customers’ security needs and regulatory compliance.

Enabling technologies

Private networks will be enhanced by enabling technologies that supplement both the performance of the network and also the range of use cases that can be supported.

• Licensed spectrum – Access to dedicated or shared spectrum ensures reliable, interference-free performance
• Edge computing – Processing data closer to where it’s generated reduces latency, enhances security and supports real-time applications like fault detection
• Legacy system integration – Many utilities still rely on SCADA and legacy control systems. Private networks must integrate with these while supporting new applications

Private networks will play an important role for utilities companies now and in the future

Initial deployments (12-24 months) are likely to focus on high impact use cases like remote monitoring at substations, mobile crew connectivity, and video surveillance. These early projects will help utilities build internal expertise and prove out the value of private networks. Crucially, these use cases are largely about supplying a utilities site with universal, high-quality coverage. We expect deployments in this period to focus on wide-area coverage as the key overarching use case.

Looking further into the future, private networks will integrate wider IT systems and start enabling more autonomous applications as a part of AI-driven grid management. As the utilities sector continues and extends its digital transformation, private networks will provide the connectivity, capacity and control required to maintain stability and efficiency.

Conclusion

Private networks offer a compelling solution for utilities facing growing pressure to modernise, decarbonise and improve resilience. With tailored coverage, enhanced control, and secure connectivity, they are well-suited to the unique operational and regulatory demands of the sector.

To make the most of this opportunity, utilities will need to choose the right deployment models, invest in partnerships, and ensure integration with both legacy infrastructure and new digital platforms. Done right, private networks can become a foundation for smarter, more responsive utility systems.