A MORE RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT POWER SYSTEM

Smart grid technologies allow utilities to more efficiently manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of their electricity networks, resulting in better customer service.

Automated controls of the system have the ability to detect a fault, isolate it, and reroute power to restore service, creating what is in effect a self-healing grid.  Most utilities will take a step-by-step approach to incorporating digital monitoring and control technologies, using them first to identify problems more quickly, and then moving on to full automation.

Utilities will also be better positioned to plan upgrades to their systems.  Digitals sensors will reveal which transformation and distribution equipment need to be replaced because they are reaching full capacity and which ones don’t.  In this way, investments can be targeted to where they are needed most and others can be safely deferred.

Smart Grid Facts:

• Since adopting an automated switching system, Burlington Hydro has reduced the number of outages by 40 per cent, shortened them by 20 per cent and has virtually eliminated outages within their downtown core. (See: GridSmartCity)
• Ontario’s distribution sector had over $11.1 billion worth of assets (net of depreciation), spent over $ 360 million in maintenance and incurred a further $765 million in depreciation and amortization costs in 2009 alone. 
• The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that every dollar invested in smart grids has the potential to return roughly $4 in benefits.