#USA #Kansas City #eSIM #Kigen #Evergy

Evergy Partners with Kigen to Enhance Smart Grid Resilience

Evergy, a major player in the utility sector serving over 1.7 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, has made a significant move to bolster its grid resilience. By selecting Kigen, a leader in eSIM technology, Evergy is positioning itself to manage connectivity across private and public networks more effectively. This partnership is particularly timely as the utility sector faces increasing challenges tied to severe weather and the growing complexity of distributed energy resources (DERs).

Strengthening Connectivity

Kigen's advanced eSIM operating system (OS) and eSIM Infrastructure Management (eIM) solution will provide a critical framework for Evergy, facilitating a seamless integration of various network types. This innovative technology will enable automatic connectivity failover, which is essential given the unpredictable nature of storms and outages that can disrupt energy services.

The integration of these systems allows for dynamic management of network resources, which is vital as Evergy expands its Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities. The eSIMs are designed with multiple operator profiles, allowing for enhanced flexibility and efficiency in operations. For instance, in the event of an outage or adverse weather conditions, data connectivity can automatically shift to the most reliable network option.

Automation for Modern Challenges

Evergy acknowledges that uninterrupted data flows are crucial for effectively managing modern energy systems. The utility's strategy focuses not only on maintaining affordability but also on ensuring sustainability within a framework that adapts to new technologies. As dreadful as it might sound, manual interventions in the face of network failures are no longer sufficient due to the increasing scale of operations.

Currently, Evergy's LTE network already encompasses over 100 sites, which is supporting a vast array of IoT sensors, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and a variety of operational technology devices. As the number of devices is projected to multiply significantly, the capability to automatically switch between networks is tantamount to maintaining operational continuity.

Bill Franzen, Evergy's lead radio engineer, highlighted the importance of this upgrade by saying, “In our transition to smarter energy grids, continuous device data translates to visibility and preparedness against outages driven by climate changes and emergent energy demands.” This pivot towards automated connectivity underscores Evergy's commitment to modernizing its grid systems while keeping costs in check.

Cybersecurity and Future-readiness

Another vital component of Evergy's initiative is the emphasis on cybersecurity. With Kigen's eIM solution hosted at a fully certified site, the utility can ensure its operations are secure and compliant with industry standards. This is critical as energy infrastructure becomes an increasingly attractive target for cyber threats. Kigen’s platform not only meets security expectations but also ensures scalability—a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving utility landscape.

Kigen has already been recognized for its innovation, recently winning the 2025 IoT Solution of the Year by Mobile Breakthrough Awards. Their technology is expected to be exhibited at significant industry events such as UBBA Plugfest and Enlit Europe, demonstrating its potential to redefine network security and operational efficacy for utilities.

A Bright Future Ahead

The implications of this partnership are significant for both Evergy and the broader utility landscape. As they harness Kigen's technology, Evergy not only enhances its operational resilience but also sets a precedent for how utilities can manage evolving challenges in the energy sector. As utilities navigate the complexities of the energy transition, seamless connectivity facilitated by Kigen’s solutions can lay the groundwork for future innovations, including AI-driven services and enhanced dynamic billing models. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, Evergy is prepared to lead in building the intelligent grid systems of tomorrow.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Evergy and Kigen stands as a testament to the commitment of both organizations to harness technology for improved service delivery, customer satisfaction, and sustainable energy practices.