Dive Summary:

• The San Diego- based startup On-Ramp Wireless, just raised $31 million in venture capital to sell its ultra-sensitive and long-range communication technology, helping utilities and oil and gas pipeline owners monitor their smart grid and other equipment.
• “Industrial assets can be in the middle of nowhere and can’t be reached by cellular technology,” CEO Kevin Hell said. “You need low-cost wireless technology.” The technology can be embedded in underground or above land equipment and creates a much stronger wireless signal than cellular technology. The company’s C round investors include Energy Technology Ventures, a fund convened by GE Ventures, NRG Energy and ConocoPhillips.
• So far, San Diego Gas & Electric is On-Ramp’s first major customer. The utility has installed 38 above-ground On-Ramp devices and 150 underground ones to cover its entire territory. But utilities needing government approval to spend on this technology may slow its market penetration.

From the article:

“Until now, owners of electric transmission and distribution networks and fossil fuel pipelines usually send crews out in the field to inspect and report problems, particularly during big storms or other natural disasters. That’s partly because building and maintaining a communication network to automate the monitoring and reporting work is expensive, especially over vast and sometimes remote regions. Better and potentially cheaper sensors and communication technologies, along with robots and drones, are coming along and drawing interest of these companies that want more regular updates and faster detection of problems.”