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Distribution automation (DA) optimizes a utility’s operations and directly improves the reliability
of its distribution power system. Adding targeted distribution automation capabilities can be
economical when they are an extension of your existing SCADA investments and the
communication infrastructure. The success or failure of an automation program hinges on proper
selection of equipment and communications to seamlessly integrate data into the utility control
room. The key is to choose equipment that leverages your current assets wherever possible. With
the latest in high speed communication technology, there has never been a better time for utilities
to extend their automation beyond the substation.

Power System Engineering, Inc. (PSE) has years of experience designing a wide range of DA
applications and systems for utilities, such as applications that include automatic sectionalizing
and SCADA controlled switching. Known for our experience with automation projects and power
delivery planning, PSE understands both the benefits and the technology involved with DA. Some
of the services PSE can provide include:

· Evaluating the present status of the utility’s communications infrastructure and designing a
DA system that leverages current assets to provide the most cost-effective solution.

· Providing project management support throughout the DA procurement and installation

process with a focus on utility risk, cost, and time management. This process can include
creating a unique project scope based on the utility’s needs, developing detailed Request
for Information (RFI) and request for proposal (RFP), preparing cost and benefit
evaluations of each potential DA application, and creating equipment and services
purchasing contracts that focus on protecting the utility’s interests.

· Providing hands-on system configuration and integration services that include independent
third-party site acceptance testing (SAT) to verify that the system was delivered as
advertised by the supplier.

· Providing repeatable software integration checklists verified in our on-site laboratory

using the communications and automation equipment to be used in the DA project.

· Developing business models and designing volt/VAR applications that save the utility
operational costs.

· Developing load management program designs and assisting in implementation.

· Presenting and leading workshops addressing DA applications.

Most utilities want to reduce customer complaints, outage lengths, and crew response to outages.
Until recently, DA has been thought to be beneficial only for large urban utilities. Today, with the
advances made in communication media, DA can be successfully installed in many utilities, even
rural systems, providing immediate payback in member satisfaction and reduced operating
expenses. Utilities using DA can achieve:

· Significant reduction outage time for customers, with minimal circuit reconfiguration
resulting in improved reliability indices.
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· Automatic/semi-automatic feeder tie switches.

· Reduction in travel time to remote locations, reducing fuel and labor costs.

· Reduction in feeder patrol time to isolate faults.

· Information reported back to the office immediately, providing a clearer picture of what is
happening in the field.

The gauge of effectiveness of DA implementation is reflected in reduced outage times, reduced

responses to outages, and the level of automation desired by the utility. In this area, a higher cost
does not necessarily indicate a smarter purchase. PSE can help unravel the mystery and make it
work for you.

The experienced team at PSE can assist your utility by:

· Providing executive- and performance-level evaluation of DA solutions to determine the

benefits for the utility and its members.

· Training utility personnel on specific DA operations and the best way to utilize the
information retrieved by the system.

· Limiting the risk of capital equipment procurement by creating the specifications needed
for a DA system, writing RFIs and RFPs with utility-favorable terms and conditions,
evaluating vendor bids, timing implementation, and integration to other systems
(Geographic Information System (GIS), SCADA, dispatch, Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI), Outage Management System (OMS)); all in a manner that saves the
utility money and time.

· Creating field-reproducible DA automation schemes in PSE’s lab.

· Providing experienced project management for integration and implementation of large

scale projects that may be out of the scope of the utility personnel.