Xylem Inc. has unveiled Sensus Evolve, a new intelligent grid platform aimed at empowering electric utilities to navigate the complexities of the modern energy landscape. The platform, launched this week at DistribuTECH International 2026 in San Diego, California, transforms grid data into actionable intelligence, supporting smarter decision-making, operational efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Derl Rhoades, director of electric metrology at Xylem Sensus, emphasized the platform’s role in addressing the increasing pressures on utilities. “Utilities are under increasing pressure to deliver greater reliability, transparency and value, even as grid complexity continues to grow. The meter remains the central hub for customer operations, data and actionable insights,” Rhoades said. “Evolve establishes a more intelligent, adaptable foundation for the modern grid—transforming data into timely, meaningful insights that enable utilities to make informed decisions and operate with greater confidence.”
The platform represents a shift beyond traditional advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Instead of focusing solely on measurement for billing, Evolve delivers real-time, operational intelligence that helps utilities dynamically manage the grid, improve reliability, and plan for future capacity needs. By turning the electric meter into an active grid sensor, Evolve enables continuous system awareness, faster fault detection, and data-driven operational decision-making.
Rhoades highlighted the platform’s scalability, stating, “Evolve is purpose built to scale with the grid. By providing faster access to critical data and the flexibility to introduce new capabilities, the platform enables utilities to adapt to changing needs without disrupting daily operations.”
Key features of Sensus Evolve include:
– **FlexNet Communications Network**: Builds on Sensus’ FlexNet communications network designed specifically for electric utility operations while supporting cellular connectivity to increase resilience and reliability.
– **Data Delivery**: Enables large volumes of data to be delivered back to utility systems and end users.
– **Higher Data Sampling Rates**: Supports higher data sampling rates for increased customer and grid insights.
– **Data Integrity**: Strengthens trust in data integrity and operational performance indicators.
– **Software-Based Platform**: Offers continuous updates, including utility-specific customization and broader system-wide enhancements.
– **Rapid Deployment**: Helps utilities deploy new electric grid applications, analytics, and solutions more quickly.
– **Actionable Insights**: Delivers actionable insights that empower customers and utilities to make more informed decisions.
– **Adaptability**: Built to evolve alongside changing grid and customer needs.
The launch of Sensus Evolve comes at a time when electric utilities are grappling with rapid load growth driven by electrification and distributed energy resources, along with tighter reliability expectations and evolving regulatory requirements. The platform’s ability to provide real-time operational intelligence and support continuous system awareness positions it as a critical tool for utilities looking to enhance grid management and reliability.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the introduction of Sensus Evolve could spark a broader industry shift towards more intelligent, adaptable grid solutions. By focusing on real-time data and operational intelligence, the platform sets a new standard for grid management, potentially influencing how utilities approach grid modernization and resilience in the years to come.