Rural Distribution System Planning Using Smart Grid Technologies

1. Rural Distribution System Planning Using Smart Grid Technologies Bob Saint Principal Distribution Engineer, Energy Policy NRECA Arlington, VA robert.saint@nreca.coop IEEE Rural Electric Power Conference Ft. Collins, CO April 27, 2009 Transmission and Distribution Engineering Committee (T&DEC)

2. Conclusion #1 • Smart Grid technologies are being utilized on rural distribution systems today and in many cases the value of Smart Grid technologies is greater for rural systems than urban systems • Interoperability of the Smart Grid technologies being utilized is key to making rural distribution systems really smart

3. Conclusion #2 • In today’s world, we need to utilize all available technologies in planning a system that is as energy and operationally efficient as possible • This will require a change in attitude (a paradigm shift) in the way we approach distribution system planning

4. Smart Grid Definition Smart Grid is a transformed electricity transmission and distribution network or "grid" that uses robust two-way communications, advanced sensors, and distributed computers to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of power delivery and use. --Wikipedia

5. Statement of Smart Grid Policy “It is the policy of the United States to support the modernization of the Nation's electricity transmission and distribution system to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure that can meet future demand growth.” --Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, Title 13

6. EISA 2007 - Title 13 • Section 1301 establishes a federal policy to modernize the electric utility transmission and distribution system to maintain reliability and infrastructure protection. • Section 1302 calls for DOE to report to Congress on the deployment of Smart Grid technologies and any barriers to deployment. • Section 1303 directs DOE to establish a Smart Grid Advisory Committee and a Smart Grid Task Force to assist with implementation. • Section 1304 directs DOE to conduct Smart Grid RD&D and to develop measurement strategies to assess energy savings and other aspects of implementation. • Section 1305 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish protocols and standards to increase the flexibility of use for Smart Grid equipment and systems.

7. EISA 2007 - Title 13 • Section 1306 directs DOE to create a program that reimburses 20% of qualifying Smart Grid investments. • Section 1307 directs states to encourage utilities to employ Smart Grid technology and allows utilities to recover Smart Grid investments through rates. • Section 1308 requires DOE to prepare a report to Congress on the effect of private wire laws on the development of combined heat and power facilities. • Section 1309 directs DOE to report to Congress on the potential impacts of Smart Grid deployment on the security of electricity infrastructure and operating capability.

8. DOE Smart Grid Characteristics The Smart Grid will: • Enable Informed participation by consumers • Accommodate all generation and storage options • Enable new products, services and markets • Provides Power Quality for the Range of Needs in the 21st Century Economy • Optimize asset utilization and operate efficiently • Addresses Disturbances through Automated Prevention, Containment, and Restoration • Operates Resiliently Against All Hazards

9. Smart Grid Interoperability Framework • NIST has been directed to identify the existing protocols and standards and to identify gaps • GridWise Architecture Council (GWAC) has identified areas for standardization for improvement between system components • MultiSpeak® is an example of a standardized method to define the format of data transferred between distribution software applications

10. Smart Grid Technologies • Smart Meters • Other Sensors • Voltage Control • Capacitor Control • Outage Detection • Weather Conditions • Demand Control/Response

11. Smart Grid Technologies • Distribution Substation SCADA • Automated Switching • Distributed Generation • Geographic Information Systems • Outage Management Systems • Work Force Management • Plug-In Electric Vehicles

12. Smart Grid Technologies Used for Distribution System Planning • Accurate and Real Time Load Modeling • Accurate and Real Time Losses by Feeder • Outage Cause Tracking • Spatial Substation Locating • Distributed Generation

13. T&DEC System Planning Subcommittee Updating and improving RUS Bulletin 1724D-101A – “Electric System Long-Range Planning Guide” that was last updated in May 1995

14. Conclusion #1 • Smart Grid technologies are being utilized on rural distribution systems today and in many cases the value of Smart Grid technologies is greater for rural systems than urban systems • Interoperability of the Smart Grid technologies being utilized is key to making rural distribution systems really smart

15. Conclusion #2 • In today’s world, we need to utilize all available technologies in planning a system that is as energy and operationally efficient as possible • This will require a change in attitude (a paradigm shift) in the way we approach distribution system planning