A smarter electric transmission system goes hand-in-hand with the smart grid-enabled  utility future. Advanced power electronics like flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices and high voltage DC (HVDC) transmission are being added to transmission systems for various functions, including voltage support, renewable resource integration, and increased line capacity.

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.

California and Texas media have picked up on customer concerns surrounding new smart meters—surfacing questions on how new advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) devices will affect their bills, and apprehensions about the “accuracy” of these new solid-state devices. Current results of forensic activity have shown that, in general, meters are very accurate measurement device. However, activities [...]