Utility companies need to institutionalize a datadriven value chain that enables them to integrate their information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems, and convert real-time data into actionable intelligence. Leveraging Asset Information Management (AIM) frameworks can achieve this goal, and boost efciency, trim expenses, and enable customer engagement. Disruptive changes...

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) was formed in 1973 to apply advanced science and technology for the benefit of its member utilities and their customers. Funded through voluntary contributions by some 700 member utilities, EPRrs work covers a wide range of technologies related to the generation, delivery, and use of electricity, with special attention paid to cost-effectiveness and ...

Evolution of information systems (ISs) is a multi-facetted issue that over time has proved arduous to manage. On the enterprise level of ISs, an organization's total portfolio of interconnected information systems is considered as one system – an enterprise information system (EIS), consisting of course-grained and heterogeneous components that in themselves may constitute complex ISs. In EISs,...

There is a growing interest in ‘Smart Grid’ technologies in both industry and academic circles. Few attempts have been made to develop a written specification consummated with standards agreed upon by members of both coteries, due to lack of government support. Utilities in the state of California are obligated, by state legislature, to create a more: efficient, reliable, and intelligent electr...

The interconnection of modern electric power systems allows utilities to obtain significant savings in operational cost by scheduling power purchases. In a deregulated environment, utilities have only partial knowledge of the price of power available in the market. This paper presents a solution to the optimal power purchase problem in a utility by considering ellipsoidal cost coefficient uncer...

Electric utilities are finding it increasingly necessary to better monitor, analyze and control their distribution systems. Planning and operation of the grid is increasing in complexity on 0 one hand but subject to ever more binding constraints on the other. Real-time analysis is being seen as necessary to achieve acceptable operational efficiencies and quality of service. Real-time analysis i...

The distribution grid for delivering electricity to the user has been paid for as part of the charge per kilowatt-hour that covers the cost of the energy itself. Conservation advocates have promoted the adoption of policies that “decouple” electric distribution company revenues or profits from how much electricity goes through the lines. Their motivation is that usage-based pricing leads utilit...

Transient voltage surge suppressors are characterized from the point of view of electric utilities wishing to ofler to their customers a comprehensive surgeprotection plan. This plan involves a surge arrester installed at the service enlrme and one or more plug-in suppressors installed within Me premises, at the point of connection of a surge-sensitive appliance. Complementary tests were conduc...

Data from weather satellites have become integral to the weather forecast process in the United States and abroad. Satellite data are used to derive improved forecasts for short-term routine weather, long-term climate change, and for predicting natural disasters. The resulting forecasts have saved lives, reduced weather-related economic losses, and improved the quality of life. Weather informat...

Bulk electric system reliability analysis is an important activity in both vertically integrated and unbundled electric power utilities. Competition and uncertainty in the new deregulated electric utility industry are serious concerns. New planning criteria with broader engineering consideration of transmission access and consistent risk assessment must be explicitly addressed. Modern developme...