Innovative Approaches to Optimizing Distribution Asset Utilization and Reliability

摘要

The electric distribution system of Xcel Energy is a large, complex and dispersed system that serves 3.3 million customers across 11 states. This distribution system is a critical factor determining the quality, cost and reliability of the utility's service. The reliable operation of this system has been challenged by factors resulting in load growth and the subsequent overloading of dispersed transformers and feeders components. In the past, practical and scalable tools have not been available to accurately assess the utilization of system wide distribution assets and to identify these impending problems. Xcel Energy has implemented an innovative solution, Itron's Distribution Asset Optimization (DAO) model, to significantly enhance efficiency and reliability of its distribution system. The DAO model leverages readily available utility data in new and creative ways to expose a robust and granular picture of the utilization Xcel Energy's distribution assets. The result is more precise and timely analysis of transformer and feeder loading conditions. This information enables Xcel Energy to take a new approach to managing distribution asset loading and system reliability by proactively addressing reliability risks before they turn into outages and customer complaints.