Transmission Efficiency Initiative Workshop The electric power industry itself is the largest user of electricity. EPRI is working with a number of leading utility organizations to explore and research ways to reduce delivery losses in transmission. As part of this effort, Distribution Green Circuits is identifying and implementing a variety of distribution efficiency options and evaluating their effectiveness by comparing the results with previously established baselines. EPRI’s Transmission Efficiency Initiative has the same objectives but focuses on transmission. Oct 3, 2009    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Strategic Technology Research Backgrounder - Sensors and Operations Advanced sensor technology could change the way in which the power delivery grid is operated by moving from a deterministic approach to a probabilistic approach based on sensor information. Utilities may be able to extend the life of existing power generation and delivery assets via improved knowledge of their condition. Jun 15, 2009    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   1 Active Comment(s)

Managing Enterprise Information for Smart Meters and Smart Grid A five-page white paper from a vendor explaining the IT and back office implications of smart meters and smart grids. The paper points out that metering and distribution automation will create a flood of data and suggest how utilities should prepare for the changes. Jan 26, 2009    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Smart Grid Application of Optimal Transmission Switching This PowerPoint presentation suggests that the control of transmission assets are not fully utilized today. The PPT format may not satisfy those looking for a full discussion or detailed insights. Oct 15, 2008    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Time, who has the time? Smart Grid time that is. Power engineer Erich W. Gunther gives the Arbiter Satellite Clock from Arbiter Systems an 84 out of 100 on the SGN Smart Grid Scorecard. Click to read why it scores so well (and where it still has problems). Aug 26, 2008    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   1 Active Comment(s)

IntelliTEAM® -- Designed With the Smart Grid Utility in Mind This Tech Take examines the IntelliTEAM II® system, a collection of products from S&C Electric Company that provides the distribution network owner an effective automated response to faults on feeders. Overall, IntelliTEAM II scores reasonably well, though some key challenges remain to be addressed. Jul 22, 2008    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   2 Active Comment(s)

Proposed SCE Approach Could Defer or Do Away with Tens of Millions in New Construction A new concept from SCE may provide a way for utilities to do away with excess capacity reserves and substantially reduce the need for new wires and new generation. It’s an early example of the kind of centralized, wide-area approach the Smart Grid makes possible. Utilities with transmission assets will want to take notice. Jul 21, 2008    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Enterprise GIS and the Smart Electric Grid A four-page white paper from the utility sector's leading provider of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that explains the relationship between the Smart Grid and "enterprise-class" GIS. It begins with typical descriptions of the Smart Grid, its drivers and its uses, with emphasis on distribution automation and asset management. It includes a discussion of the ways a GIS helps a utility manage its field assets and monitor their condition. The ESRI view is that the GIS provides the detailed, comprehensive network model necessary to manage a Smart Grid. Although a bit dense, it is written to a general audience and is a useful overview of GIS and asset management, which are sometimes overlooked as valuable benefits from a Smart Grid. May 26, 2008    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Does your power system always have a pulse? Does your power system always have a pulse? Use this Smart Grid technology -- Dranetz-BMI’s 5530 Signature System DataNode® for a continuous view on the instantaneous pulse of the power system at the point it is connected. Scoring 76 out of 100, it achieves a passing grade and qualifies as Smart Grid technology but needs some updating on the communications side. Mar 26, 2008    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Rising Utility Construction Costs: Sources & Impacts This 37-page report documents the amount and causes of recent increases in construction costs for electric power infrastructure. Includes a discussion of the likely rate impacts. Sep 7, 2007    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

A Systems View of the Modern Grid - Sensing and Measurement This 26-page white paper is part of a series produced by NETL's Modern Grid Initiative. It provides an overview of the meters, monitors and sensors that "watch" grid components and report back. It describes the current state of the art and suggests likely advances in the near future. It also describes the benefits of deployment and the barriers to adoption. Mar 1, 2007    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

A Systems View of the Modern Grid - Optimizes Assets and Operates Efficiently This 19-page white paper is part of a series produced by NETL's Modern Grid Initiative. It explains how the Smart Grid gets more out of existing assets, including additional capacity, condition-based maintenance and other control techniques. Jan 1, 2007    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   1 Active Comment(s)

SMART GRID NEWS TALK BACK BUZZ Re:Mr Andersons concerns The intent of Smart Grid in places such as Southern California is not for the utility to control things such as thermostats but to provide information so consumers can make choices. If a consumer were to receive a pricing signal that indicated energy was going to be higher at a given point in the day they could chose to act ... Talk Back right now to Michael Mayer