Advancements in connected technologies, particularly communications networking and the Internet of Things (IoT), have transformed our lives and business. Across the board, industries are undergoing digital transformation, and the utilities industry is no exception. This transformation is happening on a macro scale as an industry, and on a micro scale at the utility level.

With the wide deployment of advanced meters throughout the country, utilities now have their own platform by which they can design future applications and programs.

Grid modernization is often discussed in terms of automation and security how will the utility of the future leverage new technologies to enhance grid resilience, integrate more distributed energy resources, and improve customer experience? In addition, what role will the utility play in smarter cities, with its critical infrastructure and services at the core of city operations?

As the leading resource for public power utilities nationwide, the American Public Power Association is guiding its members through this critical digital transformation process by laying out this roadmap for the Utility of the Future in smart cities. This roadmap is derived from the essential mission of public power utilities to provide safe, affordable, and reliable electric service to its communities, and is developed as part of the Association's Public Power Forward initiative.

This paper offers guidelines and recommendations for public power utilities, while recognizing that each utility is as unique as the community it serves. While each path towards smart city may be different, the fundamental goals are the same: to leverage the latest technologies and business practices for improved operational and energy efficiency with the mission of improving customer experience and benefiting the community at large.