Cuffing Through the Fog: To improve service reliability and cut operational costs, more electric co-ops are implementing down-line automation solutions

摘要

Since the first electric lines were energized, monitoring and control of electric distribution feeders has largely remained a manual process. Unfortunately, those in charge of distribution feeder management have largely been saddled with "poor visibility" regarding actual system conditions, giving them little ability to remotely control electrical equipment located outside a substation fence. But thanks to technological advancements, especially in wide area communications, low-cost down-line automation (DIA) options that can improve service reliability, reduce truck rolls, and save money are starting to appear.