Powering digital transformation across critical infrastructure
Image supplied by TEPCO Power Grid
Key outcomes
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Centralized management of 30,000+ surveillance cameras across a high volume of substations and service centers
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Shifted operations from headquarters-only to local communication centers across the Kanto region for faster on-site decision-making
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Enabled remote access via PC and mobile devices, supporting remote work and rapid incident response
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Established a scalable foundation for future AI integration, video analytics, and predictive equipment monitoring
The company
About TEPCO Power Grid
TEPCO Power Grid transmits and distributes electricity across the Tokyo metropolitan area and eight surrounding prefectures, serving as critical infrastructure for Japan's economic heartbeat. Operating both substations and service centers, TEPCO Power Grid manages one of the world's most complex and densely networked power grids and supplies nearly one-third of all power in Japan.
The challenge
TEPCO Power Grid’s legacy surveillance system served effectively for seven years. But the growing number of camera units exposed critical gaps in this aging technology. Managing the system centrally became increasingly difficult, and the system couldn't export camera data or allow remote viewing via mobile devices or PCs. It lacked compatibility with 50+ existing camera models and offered no pathway for AI integration and advanced video analytics, capabilities essential for digital transformation and operational resilience.
“The deciding factors for adoption were the power and scalability of the basic functions, the overwhelming number of use cases for the system, and the inclusion of a software development kit that could be easily customized.”
Ryuta Kanekubo, DX Promotion Department, TEPCO Power Grid
Why TEPCO chose Genetec
TEPCO Power Grid’s evaluation process was rigorous: a cross-functional team of 20 people assessed multiple vendors, visiting the sites of other companies that had implemented the technology they were evaluating. The decision criteria centered on three factors: the enhancement and scalability of core functionalities, a proven track record across comparable organizations, and the availability of a simple, customizable development kit for third-party software integration.
Genetec stood out across all areas. More importantly, the scalable architecture and open SDK of Genetec Security Center provided confidence that the platform could grow with TEPCO Power Grid's needs and support the organization's ambitious digital transformation goals.
The solution
Centralized management across distributed sites
TEPCO Power Grid deployed Genetec Security Center to create a unified security environment for 30,000+ cameras installed at substations and service centers spanning Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures. Previously, camera management functions were fragmented and insufficient, preventing the organization from gaining real-time visibility into equipment status or operation. Security Center established a single pane of glass where administrators can register, configure, monitor, and maintain the entire camera network, a critical capability when managing distributed, large-scale infrastructure.
Distributed operations and remote access
One of the most significant operational shifts came from the ability to move decision-making closer to the field. TEPCO Power Grid shifted operations from its headquarters to regional communication centers across the Kanto region, enabling rapid, accurate management without omissions. Plus, the web-based architecture of Security Center allows managers, stakeholders, and on-site personnel to access footage from anywhere via PCs and mobile devices. During emergencies or incidents, teams can review footage and make critical decisions in real time, essential for a utility where response time directly impacts public safety.
Improved responsiveness and usability
Field teams immediately noted dramatic improvements in system responsiveness. Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera operations became fluid and intuitive, unlike the previous video surveillance system's sluggish response, which had caused operational stress and inefficiency. The flexible interface of Security Center allows operators to customize screen layouts to match their specific workflows. When the system detects camera malfunctions, it displays them in red for instant identification and response. These changes compound across thousands of daily operations, translating to measurable efficiency gains and reduced operator fatigue.
A foundation ready for digital transformation
TEPCO Power Grid has used Security Center to put its company-wide focus on digital transformation into practice. The platform's flexibility and scalability allow for future integration with video analytics, AI-powered anomaly detection, and predictive equipment monitoring. Early feedback is signaling the demand for AI-powered capabilities among personnel: operators have asked about features like detecting anomalies in power meter readings across multiple cameras, identifying wildlife threats (e.g., bear detection for worker safety alerts), and pulling operational insights from video data. The open architecture of Security Center and the SDK will enable these innovations without disrupting existing operations.
“Security Center offers a wide range of solutions, including authentication features such as advanced access control, key cabinets, and other cabinets storing valuable items, which we plan to roll out and leverage. We’re impressed that the solutions from Genetec are proactively delivering features that are helpful to end users and operators on the ground.”
Ryuta Kanekubo, DX Promotion Department, TEPCO Power Grid
Image supplied by TEPCO Power Grid
Results
Within two months of launch, Security Center delivered measurable operational improvements. Camera registration and maintenance tasks, previously handled at headquarters, are now executed at regional centers more quickly and accurately. It became easier to monitor camera status and identify faults, streamlining maintenance workflows. Remote access via the internet has proven its value for remote work and rapid emergency response. Field feedback has been notably positive, with minimal confusion and strong praise for the solution’s operational smoothness. Most significantly, field teams began asking what’s possible rather than reporting limitations, indicating the platform is exceeding expectations.
Looking ahead, TEPCO Power Grid views Security Center as an important part of its digital transformation strategy. The organization established a DX consultant role within its DX Promotion Department to identify new use cases and innovation opportunities from the field. Pre-launch workshops introduced operators to the advanced features of Genetec Security Center, positioning each regional site manager to propose solutions tailored to local operational needs. For TEPCO Power Grid, Security Center is the strategic platform underpinning their vision of a digitally enabled, AI-ready power grid that can support Japan's evolving energy landscape.