Honeywell and Verizon partner to modernize utilities with 5G-powered smart grids

Honeywell‘s partnership with Verizon represents a significant advancement in smart grid technology, combining 5G connectivity with AI-powered utility management. This collaboration aims to modernize electricity infrastructure by enabling remote meter data access for both utilities and consumers, potentially reducing service interruptions while improving grid performance and resource management in an increasingly complex energy landscape.

The big picture: Energy automation leader Honeywell has selected Verizon Business to provide 5G connectivity for its smart electric meters and help utility customers modernize their grid operations.

• Both utilities and end users will gain remote access to essential data for managing energy resources, aligning with standard smart meter business cases.
• The partnership is part of Honeywell’s broader initiative to leverage well-connected hybrid cloud infrastructure for new artificial intelligence services.

Why this matters: The integration of 5G technology with smart metering creates a more responsive and flexible energy monitoring system that can adapt to changing demands.

• Cellular-connected intelligence enables better monitoring of grid operational efficiency, health, resiliency, and performance.
• This technological advancement comes at a critical time as charging infrastructure and energy management innovations are poised for rapid growth.

Key benefits: Verizon emphasized several advantages of cellular-based 5G communications for energy customers.

• The high reliability and security of 5G networks support both home and grid-level IoT sensing and AI-powered analytics.
• Remote software upgrade capabilities reduce maintenance truck rolls and extend the operational lifespan of meters and IoT devices.
• Customers can expect fewer service interruptions and more reliable utilities through enhanced remote connectivity.

How it works: The integration creates a comprehensive utility management ecosystem powered by real-time data.

• Meter data can be managed via Verizon’s public 5G networks in platforms like Honeywell Forge Performance+ for utilities to gain operational visibility and demand forecasts.
• The same data flows into broader fleet management applications such as Verizon ThingSpace to monitor IoT device health and performance.

What they’re saying: Industry executives highlight the transformative potential of this technology partnership for utility operations.

• “By leveraging the power of AI, cloud, and 5G, we are driving the shift to autonomy for utilities and fundamentally changing the way energy distribution is managed by offering real time connectivity,” said Amol Motivala, president of Honeywell’s smart energy business.
• TJ Fox, senior vice president at Verizon Business, emphasized that “Secure, reliable connectivity… makes it easier to monitor the usage of resources and performance of equipment. We can reduce waste, unburden our grids, and take time and cost out of the utility management process.”