Smart grids transform how we think about public infrastructure. These intelligent systems reshape power distribution by making it faster, more efficient, and more responsive to real-time demand.
We need smart grids at large-scale developments like The Point Project in Utah. With advanced dry utility infrastructure, high-speed fiber, and smart traffic signal systems woven into the design, The Point sets the standard for future-ready communities powered by innovation.
Let’s look at The Point Project and why it exemplifies the role of smart grids in modern power infrastructure.
What is The Point Project in Utah?
The Point Project is one of Utah’s most ambitious and forward-thinking redevelopment efforts. Located on the former site of the Utah State Prison in Draper, the plan is to transform this 600-acre master-planned community into a dynamic innovation hub focused on technology, sustainability, and economic growth.
Designed to be an innovative, integrated development model, The Point will blend residential neighborhoods, retail spaces, entertainment venues, research campuses, parks, and public spaces into one cohesive, walkable environment.
Central to the plan is an “Innovation District,” which will house startups, universities, and tech companies working together in spaces like Convergence Hall — a collaborative anchor for research, education, and workforce development.
What sets The Point apart is its long-term vision. It incorporates public transit corridors, green building practices, high-speed data networks, renewable energy systems, and a vast network of trails and green spaces.
Public and private investors are also backing it, including strategic funding from the state for essential infrastructure like roads, utilities, and transit systems.
As a result, The Point will likely generate tens of thousands of jobs, attract billions in private investment, and significantly boost the state’s economy.
It reflects Utah’s commitment to building communities where innovation, sustainability, and quality of life are tightly woven together. It will serve as a national model for redeveloping public land for maximum long-term impact.
Why The Point Project needs smart grid infrastructure
A new kind of community needs a new kind of grid
The Point Project is unlike traditional developments. It’s designed from the ground up to be a sustainable, tech-driven, mixed-use innovation district. We need smart grid systems to meet the energy needs of The Point because they:
- Balance two-way energy flow, especially as homes and businesses integrate solar panels, EV charging stations, and battery storage.
- Support distributed generation and demand-side energy management.
- Provide grid automation to detect faults, reroute power instantly, and maintain uptime across critical services like transit, healthcare, and communication.
Integration with dry utility infrastructure
The backbone of The Point’s utility systems includes dry utility infrastructure — such as underground conduits for electricity, telecommunications, fiber, and data. This provides the physical space and connectivity needed to support advanced smart grid technologies.
Key integrations include smart metering infrastructure, high-speed data lines, and coordinated utility corridors to streamline maintenance, reduce service disruptions, and allow future scalability as the area grows.
Powering mobility and public safety
Smart grids also power traffic signal system installations, a major component of The Point’s advanced mobility plan.
A resilient and responsive power grid ensures the continuous operation of smart traffic lights and pedestrian signals, supports real-time traffic flow optimization, prioritizes emergency vehicles, and integrates autonomous shuttles, EV fleets, and transit hubs.
Smart grid-enabled public infrastructure solutions are key to keeping everything connected and powered without interruption in a development that prioritizes walkability, sustainability, and transit connectivity.
A model for public power distribution services
As a state-led development, The Point represents a unique opportunity to reimagine how public power distribution services get delivered. Instead of retrofitting old systems, planners can embed smart energy strategies into the community’s foundation.
This includes resilient microgrids for backup power in case the grid fails, community solar and shared energy storage projects, and advanced demand-response programs that incentivize energy efficiency.
This model can serve as a blueprint for how future developments across the country approach public infrastructure and power planning.
The infrastructure behind innovation at The Point Project
As Utah’s most ambitious redevelopment effort, The Point Project is about building a smart, resilient foundation that supports innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth. Let’s break down four core infrastructure systems powering this next-generation community:
Dry utility infrastructure: Powering innovation from the ground up
The Point’s design centers on an advanced dry utility network. This network includes underground power conduits, vaults, sectionalizers, transformers, and pedestals that provide the backbone for safe, scalable, and reliable power distribution.
By installing these components below ground, the project enhances safety, supports clean urban design, and ensures uninterrupted public power distribution services.
This system serves The Point’s mix of residential, commercial, and institutional spaces well. It allows for flexible load balancing and future expansions without major disruptions. It’s the invisible force enabling 24/7 operations across tech labs, homes, public spaces, and more.
Communication infrastructure
Digital speed and reliability aren’t luxuries for a community rooted in innovation — they’re non-negotiables. That’s why The Point integrates a robust communication infrastructure of high-capacity fiber optics and well-placed communication boxes across the development.
This system enables ultra-fast internet, real-time data sharing, and seamless connectivity. As a smart city in the making, The Point depends on this infrastructure to deliver the high-performance digital experience modern residents and businesses demand.
Lighting systems
Lighting at The Point is part of the community’s identity. The integration of highway lighting, street lighting, and tree uplighting creates a safe, welcoming, and visually compelling environment that enhances walkability and encourages outdoor activity.
Whether it’s lighting the way home, spotlighting trees along The Promenade, or creating ambiance in entertainment districts, the lighting systems support both public safety and the project’s design-forward vision. Every fixture is part of a bigger plan to make The Point feel livable, modern, and thoughtfully built.
Traffic signal systems
Mobility is central to The Point’s layout. Advanced traffic signal system installation — including conduit, foundations, poles and arms, and cabinet integration — ensures smooth, efficient traffic flow through every phase of the project.
These systems integrate with adaptive traffic control, smart pedestrian detection, and more. In a space where transit, bike paths, pedestrians, and cars all converge, The Point’s traffic infrastructure keeps movement safe, connected, and intelligent.
Why it matters
For businesses
Businesses at The Point will rely on seamless power, data, and transit systems to function fully. The dry utility infrastructure ensures reliable electricity without visual clutter or outage vulnerability. Meanwhile, high-speed fiber communication lines support cloud operations, digital collaboration, and smart systems integration.
This reliability reduces downtime, improves operational efficiency, and makes The Point more attractive to high-growth sectors like tech, research, and advanced manufacturing.
For residents
For residents, infrastructure translates directly into quality of life. Smart lighting means safe, walkable neighborhoods. Reliable traffic signal systems improve safety at intersections and reduce commute times. Underground power and communication systems mean fewer outages and stronger internet connections.
These systems also enhance neighborhood aesthetics and reduce maintenance disruptions. They create a clean, safe, connected, and convenient community.
For the future
The Point is Utah’s opportunity to build a smart city from scratch. That’s why all infrastructure must be smart-grid compatible, digitally connected, and designed for real-time data monitoring.
Smart traffic signal systems allow for dynamic traffic management, while advanced communication infrastructure supports everything from environmental sensors to autonomous vehicles. These systems lay the groundwork for adaptive technology and continuous innovation, making The Point a true model of future-forward development.
For public safety and sustainability
Public infrastructure at The Point is also designed with risk reduction in mind. Underground power systems reduce the risk of wildfire sparks and weather-related outages. Smart lighting increases pedestrian safety and lowers energy use. Intelligent traffic signals decrease the risk of accidents and improve emergency vehicle response times.
From an environmental standpoint, these systems support more efficient energy use, enable renewable integration, and minimize long-term ecological impact. It’s a smarter, cleaner way to build — and it reflects Utah’s broader commitment to sustainability and safety.
Let The Point be your blueprint — Partner with Jackson Infrastructure
The massive transformation happening at The Point Project in Utah is a blueprint for how modern infrastructure should be designed, built, and integrated. At the heart of this effort is B Jackson, a trusted name under the Jackson Infrastructure umbrella that is leading the way in delivering smart, efficient, and future-ready systems.
From dry utility infrastructure like underground power conduit and transformer vaults to fiber-optic communication networks and advanced traffic signal system installations, B Jackson is managing every layer of this project with precision and purpose.
Their work is enabling the innovation hub to function smoothly, safely, and sustainably — setting the standard for smart city development across the country.
B Jackson works shoulder-to-shoulder with city leaders, state agencies, and private developers to keep complex timelines moving and ensure every project meets the demands of tomorrow’s communities. This coordination keeps projects like The Point on track and ensures long-term success for everyone involved.
So whether you’re planning a mixed-use development, upgrading utility systems, or preparing for smart-city integration, Jackson Infrastructure has the experience, innovation, and team-first approach to get it done right.
Contact Jackson Infrastructure Services for more information.
