UPS's Smart Electricity Networks Researh Group (Grupo de Investigación en Redes Eléctricas Inteligentes GIREI)  signed an agreement with the Electric Power transmission and distribution Research Group (Grupo de Investigación en Transmisión y Distribución de Energía Eléctrica GITYD) from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) from Colombia that will allow both groups to conduct research related to the multiple needs of the Ecuadorian and Colombian electric system.

With the agreement the research groups will be able to use the services and work of the resources available at both institutions in order to carry out their academic and scientific activities.

Some of the objectives of the agreement are to design a micro smart grid that can generate a smart field; develop a control center that facilitates the visualization of the variables in a micro grid; the integration of the micro grid control centers for the smart campuses at UPS and UPB; the transfer of technology through an international event that show the accomplishments of the conducted research.

The agreement seeks to design a system of advanced metering infrastructure that allows the acquisition of information generated by smart meters implemented in both institutions. Also, both institutions intend to make high-impact scientific publications, and consultancy for students, graduates and people related to the electricity sector.