Many new pressures are increasing risk for the grid’s performance. Traditional power system protection in the United States is not sufficient for all new features of the evolving utility future.  System protection is a critical infrastructure component that protects smart grid investments to ensure optimal performance.

Standardized data communication protocols for utilities establish common languages that enable new applications to talk to old equipment throughout the smart grid network. Such protocols help maximize the capabilities of new smart grid investments and maintain reliable system operations to ensure the network’s success.

CapEx deferral is plausible for energy storage devices applied to T&D power transformer upgrades for subtransmission and distribution substations. Yet, another substation application tells a different story.