Telecommunication Infrastructure and the Electric Utility Enterprise(s)

摘要

Electric utilities have always relied on an extensive telecommunication infrastructure for monitoring, control and protection of the geographically dispersed power network. Two recent developments - restructuring of the formerly vertically integrated industry and the advances in communication technology accompanied by a fall in the prices - have significantly changed the electric utility landscape. The liberalization and restructuring of the industry has dramatically increased both the number of participants and the range of their expertise. Furthermore, there is considerable pressure to provide additional functionality and reduce costs - objectives that are difficult to reconcile. In mis paper, we examine how the new telecommunication technologies are being deployed to improve efficiency and increase competitiveness. This is accomplished by examining the electric utility functions that utilize these technologies. The telecommunication networks in a modern utility can be as extensive and more complex than the power network. Furthermore, the types of devices being employed in the system, especially in substations, are becoming more varied. We therefore address the future needs including telecommunication network management and network security that have not been given sufficient attention in the past.