As utilities transition from legacy SONET/TDM to packet-based networks such as MPLS, automation has become an essential part of maintaining quality, reducing costs, and ensuring reliable operations. Over the years, utilities have developed their own in-house automation solutions—ranging from simple scripts to complex platforms—to generate configurations, enforce quality assurance, and streamline troubleshooting.
These homegrown tools reflect both the unique requirements of utility communications and the growing need to manage increasingly sophisticated network architectures. Early automation efforts often focused on repetitive configuration tasks and validation checks. Today, utilities are expanding into model-driven configuration, centralized orchestration, and advanced monitoring that supports mission-critical services such as teleprotection and synchronization.
This presentation will trace the evolution of automation in utility networks, highlight practical examples of how in-house solutions are used in packet migration projects, and examine how automation is scaling with the complexity of MPLS. Attendees will gain perspective on how utilities are balancing innovation and practicality—leveraging automation not only to improve efficiency and reliability, but also to build the foundation for future grid modernization.
