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Asset Management & Maintenance


Critical Infrastructure Communications

Using technology to improve response and recovery BY TOM BERGER, Mutualink The electric utility industry has an outstanding performance record of providing reliable power to public agencies, private enterprises, and the general public for over 100 years. However, when outages occur due to...

Utility Automation & Monitoring T&D


Enabling Smart Grid Volt/VAR Control

Optimizing power flow using a distribution model BY TIM TAYLOR, Ventyx Today’s emphasis on implementing energy efficiency programs and limiting peak demand growth has driven renewed interest in the most effective method to implement Smart Grid volt-ampere reactive control, or Smart Grid volt/VAR...

Smart Metering T&D


FirstEnergy Explores Alternatives to PJM Capacity Market

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its power supply reliability, FirstEnergy is actively exploring alternatives to the PJM capacity market. This development reflects the company’s proactive approach to addressing challenges within the existing market structure and ensuring a more robust...

Distribution Automation


FERC Complaint Targets Duke, PJM Transmission Planning

A coalition of large energy consumers and ratepayer advocates has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), urging the agency to prohibit transmission owners from independently planning "local" transmission projects exceeding 100 kilovolts (kV). The coalition argues...

Substation Automation T&D


IT and OT Technologies for the Smart Grid

Convergence of information and operation technologies (IT & OT) to build a successful Smart Grid BY RICK NICHOLSON, Ventyx Smart Grid is a buzzword that has become an intrinsic part of the North American electric utility industry language in the past few years. Nearly every participant in the...

Energy Storage & Grid Integration


Massachusetts Utilities File $5B Efficiency Plan

Massachusetts' utility companies have unveiled an ambitious $5 billion energy efficiency plan designed to bolster the state's efforts to meet its climate goals and provide substantial savings to consumers. The proposed initiative, called the Mass Save program, aims to expand energy-saving...

T&D Automation

Neighborhood Area Networks

Standardizing communication to achieve plug-and-play interoperability

BY RYAN MALEY, ZigBee Alliance

All over the world, there is increasing demand for standardizing communication in the Smart Grid. Electric utilities and their regulators are increasingly concerned with upgrading all aspects of the Smart Grid. Utilities are taking actions to improve reliability and efficiency by upgrading infrastructure and adding communication throughout the entire grid. One particular area of focus is the so-called “utility last mile”, the neighborhood area...

T&D Automation Articles