Advanced Distribution Operations

Overview

The Advanced Distribution Operations Interest Group aligns with the evolution of the distribution system’s operations in becoming multidirectional to optimize the grid for both the customer and the utility. As such, ADO includes the integration of demand side energy management (DSM) within distribution operations.

The group focuses on technologies and system software (ADMS, OMS, DERMS, SCADA, and decentralized automation) that are essential for modernized grid operations and its evolving requirements, as well as DSM, including behind-the-meter DERs, beneficial electrification, and emerging technologies related to energy management.

Focus areas

Grid Operation with DER and with New Load Types at the Grid Edge
Distribution Automation Deployment Strategy
Organizational Transformation to Support Modernized Operation of the Grid
Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization
Electrification Strategy and Impact
Energy Affordability

This group is for

Distribution operations engineering managers, distribution engineers, planning managers, managers of utility distribution system control centers, grid modernization managers, and OT/IT integration specialists

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Technical Advisor Support

Gary Brinkworth

Advanced Distribution Operations

Gary S. Brinkworth, (B.Eng., M.Sc., P.Eng.) has over 42 years of utility industry experience in system planning, forecasting, resource optimization and modeling. He has worked in generation, transmission and distribution teams for both investor-owned and municipal utilities on a variety of projects and planning studies. Gary has also led multiple integrated resource planning studies where he gained experience with advanced scenario analysis techniques and stakeholder engagement processes. He then transitioned into leading research and innovation teams focused on emerging technologies, resiliency, grid modernization and regional integrated systems planning.

Top Resources

RESEARCH REPORT

Consolidation of Legacy Operating Systems in the Utility Control Room

The survey results and utility interviews documented in this report provide a baseline of data for utilities considering consolidation of legacy control room operating systems. Consolidation was found to focus on two areas: 1) SCADA vendor consolidation (as combined or separate TSCADA and DSCADA systems) and; 2) Distribution function consolidation to provide a common platform for distribution operators and support personnel. Recommendations focus on areas that utilities should evaluate as part of their consolidation decision and lessons learned from consolidation and separation journeys of other utilities.

RESEARCH REPORT

Business Transformation for Data Management in Modern Grid Operations

To effectively modernize grid operations, utilities are implementing new technologies and systems. They also need to consider the design and selection of organizational changes and structures that are important for modernized operations. This report consolidates the experiences of utilities who are early integrators of key technologies and are assessing the challenge of adopting new systems, capabilities, and data management challenges.

RESEARCH REPORT

Monitoring the Operation of Mass Penetration Small Scale DER

This report summarizes the best practices and forward-looking views related to monitoring small-scale DER and the challenges for utilities considering deploying monitoring systems. Findings conclude that cost is currently the primary limiting factor for deploying monitoring systems for small-scale DER. Alternatives to monitoring, including the potential to leverage third-party monitoring systems, are also discussed.

RESEARCH REPORT

Controlling the Operation of Mass Penetration Small-Scale DER

This report focuses on the next-level capability of monitoring small-scale DERs, controlling their operations. It summarizes best practices and forward-looking views related to controlling small-scale DER, as well as current progress in the planning and implementation of systems and technologies enabling DER control. The report investigates the two sides of the challenge: the organizational and operational changes required for effective DER control and the technology solutions enabling the control and realization of value.

WEBINAR

Intelligence that Empowers: Grid Edge Solutions Overview

This webinar, featuring presenters from Itron, provides a high-level review of distributed intelligence (DI) applications to demonstrate how they are enabling new and innovative approaches to solving critical challenges facing the world’s power grids, as well as transforming utility consumer engagement. Adding more intelligence means augmenting centralized processes with ones that are distributed throughout the grid, closer to where and when action and control take place. DI provides those needed insights so utilities can empower decision-making at the right place and at the right time across their systems.