PPL Using Telemetric Modules

PPL Electric Utilities has deployed a system for monitoring and control of distribution reclosers based on Telemetric’s intelligent wireless remote telemetry modules (RTMs) and supporting software applications. This allows PPL Electric Utilities operations personnel to receive near real-time status information from mid-point and tie-point reclosers installed on distribution feeders.

In addition, Telemetric worked with PPL Electric Utilities operating center personnel to provide integration of the recloser status/control functions into PPL Electric Utilities’ operations center (SCADA).

PPL Electric Utilities has utilized electronic controlled reclosers for several years to improve system reliability and minimize customer interruptions. Line and tie-point recloser installations have grown steadily at PPL Electric Utilities. The company has deployed Cooper Form 4C and the newer Cooper Form 6 recloser controls. Some of the Cooper Form 4C controls had analog wireless modems, which were becoming obsolete and expensive to maintain. PPL

Word on the Street

At Distribu TECH 2007, UAE partnered with the Smart Energy Alliance to survey attendees about their views on the industry. Here’s what we found out.

Where do you think your utility company will be spending
the most money in the next five years?

36% metering/advanced metering

32% distribution systems

28% transmission projects, both new and upgrades 4% base-load generation

Of the following, which technology is your company pres-
ently investing in the most?

40% automatic meter reading/advanced metering 20% distribution automation

16% transmission automation

12% geographic information systems 8% substation automation

4% field force automation

Of the following, which technology do you believe would be
the most important for your company to invest in?

32% automatic meter reading/advanced metering 28% distribution automation

12% geographic information systems 8% transmission automation

8% substation automation 4% field force automation 4% demand response

Electric Utilities sought a two-way communications solution that would be reliable, cost effective and work throughout their service territory. PPL Electric Utilities investigated several options before selecting a solution from Telemetric Corporation. PPL Electric Utilities deployed Telemetric Remote Telemetry Modules (RTMs) on Cooper Form 4C and Form 6 recloser controls installed at mid- and tie-points along distribution feeders.

PPL Electric Utilities’ engineering and operations personnel use Telemetric’s suite of web-based applications to set up and manage the RTM devices. Engineers and operations personnel use the Telemetric applications to view both current and historical recloser operations data, as well as set up automated alarm condition reports that are sent via e-mail, pager or text message. With automated reporting of recloser operations or alarm conditions, PPL Electric Utilities’ personnel get near real-time information on distribution feeder problems and can quickly operate the reclosers, or dispatch crews to needed locations.

Arizona Electrical
District Number
Three Selects ACS

Advanced Control Systems (ACS), a global provider of smart grid solutions to the electric power industry, has contracted with Arizona’s Electrical Power District No. 3 of Pinal County (ED3) for the deployment of an ACS distribution management and automation system.

With project engineering and implementation support from ACS, ED3 is deploying an ACS PRISM system composed of dual redundant Linux servers and Linux-based operator terminals. ED3 will also deploy ACS Connex 60 substation managers as part of the integrated system solution.

“We selected ACS because of its smart grid vision for distribution applications and automation, its history of customer success and for its cost-effective approach that integrates our current and ongoing infrastructure investments,” said Joseph Herrera, director of engineering and operations for ED3.

Created in 1926 and headquartered in Maricopa, Arizona, Electrical District No. 3 of Pinal County supports a rapidly growing area of 133,000 acres 20 miles south of Phoenix.

Between 2000 and 2006 the district’s customer base grew from 500 irrigation and residential, customers to more than 16,000 new residential and it continues to add more than 300 new customers per month. ED3 operates nine substations that feed a growing 12.47-kV distribution system composed of overhead lines and underground service connections.