Smart Grid Improvements Focus on 'Distribution Automation'

Electrical distribution automation has become a top priority for smart grid utilities, across the board and around the world. 

"In recent years, advanced metering infrastructure and demand response were the darlings of the industry, but now the utilities are turning their attention to improving efficiency and control in the distribution segment of the grid that lies between the substation and the meter,” said Steve Clouther,  the author of ARC’s “Electric Power Distribution Automation Systems Worldwide Outlook”.

Besides the tangible benefits of improving reliability and efficiency within grid operations, distribution automation system implementations and upgrades have another important attribute—the ability to deliver strong return on investment without requiring extensive consumer engagement or behavior change.  In a nutshell, said Clouther, utilities are placing increased emphasis on adding greater intelligence and control capabilities to their distribution infrastructure.

“The Electric Power Distribution Automation System market is being driven by the world’s continued demand for more energy as utilities are faced with the challenges of realizing a good ROI while providing a higher level of service to their customers. These challenges drive the need to conserve energy (specifically the energy lost in the distribution network), defer the building of additional generation facilities, and improve customer service,” said Clouther.

"Sovereign investment programs are focused on the expansion of capacity in emerging markets, upgrading of aging transmission and distribution infrastructure, and improvement of reliability and efficiency," Clouther added.