Smart Grid Distribution Automation Keeps The Lights On In The N.E. United States
Smart Grid Distribution Automation Keeps The Lights On In The N.E. United States
2 PagesCASE STUDY NORTHEAST U.S. ELECTRIC UTILITY After its evolution from a vertical to a horizontal utility, this major enterprise began preparing for the technology revolution and the advent of the intelligent grid. Since the early 1980’s, the utility has been experimenting with wireless technology to provide communications with field devices. In the early 2000’s, the company had run a proof-of-concept pilot network test, and had deployed a network of 400 sites connected by a 900 MHz and VHF wireless network performing traditional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) functions. By 2005, the company made the decision to automate its entire distribution system, which involved the addition of hundreds of breaker reclosers and other devices and integrating all that equipment in
