“We switched over to a digital platform for substation protection and control, compared to the hundreds or thousands of copper cables. Our new solution enables us to complete construction more efficiently. We can deploy this type of technology and construct a substation control house in a matter of months instead of years.”

An overview of this year’s top innovators from fourteen utilities, as well as some excellent nominations.

When asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest, George Leigh Mallory famously said, “because it is there.” I thought of that inspiring line when wondering why this year’s Fortnightly Top Innovators wanted to innovate. Is it because the challenge, and the fruits of conquering it, were right there before them, beckoning them?

“Because we are owned by the city, our customers are at the heart of all we do at JEA. It seemed only natural that, as we began the process of examining our future energy needs for the next thirty years, our community members would be a part of the process to develop our electric Integrated Resource Plan.”