Developing a reliability improvement strategy for utility distribution systems

Abstract

A practical procedure for developing a comprehensive reliability improvement strategy for electric distribution systems has been developed. The procedure is based upon three elements: (1) a system design audit and review of past performance (2) system modeling and simulation studies, and (3) a prioritization methodology. Examples of applying these three steps to an actual distribution systems are described. This three-step practical procedure can be used to develop a strategy for implementing reliability improvement programs on a particular distribution system, so that given cost and reliability performance targets can be addressed.