Driving Forces behind Grid Modernization (Including Smart Grids and AMI)

There are numerous internal (i.e. to the utility, its customers, and the regulatory regime) and external (i.e. societal and technological) forces that have established a compelling need for grid modernization, and understanding these forces is central to understanding why modernization is a vital topic for each electric utility, its customers, and all its stakeholders. Forces Driving Grid...

Grid Modernization- The Path to Full Network Automation

Current priorities placed on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and SmartGrid technologies at the highes levels of state and federal government are creating compelling pressure on every utility to commit significant investment to such initiatives. But the path to success involves a plan that integrates myriad of factors, including: Electric Grid Modernization Broad array of developed and...

Animal Guarding and Impact on Electric System Reliability

The most common example of an animal-caused service outage involves a squirrel and less frequently involves a bird, raccoon or snake. The figure nearby illustrates a typical example of a squirrel sitting on the top of a transformer  tank (which is grounded) and making contact with the primary lead above the bushing (or sometimes through the lighting arrester attached to the tank). Other less...

Enhanced Vegetation Management-Impact on Electric System Reliability

Electric Utilities typically evolve through three stages with respect to vegetation management (commonly referred to as tree trimming): Get on Cycle Tree trimming specifications normally establish a periodic (commonly a four- or five year) cycle to ensure proper clearances are maintained between vegetation and electric distribution lines. However, electric utilities have commonly deferred tree...