Background
Approximately 85% of trouble occurrences on power distribution lines are caused by temporary issues such as lightning, windblown tree branches, or activity from animals (e.g., birds or squirrels). These temporary events will often resolve quickly and without any lasting issue as long as power is shut off before permanent damage occurs to the lines. To facilitate these temporary issues, a recloser is critical infrastructure that senses when trouble occurs and momentarily shuts off power. A recloser utilizes an algorithm to restore power, if possible. However, in some circumstances a recloser will keep power turned off until a field crew can resolve the issue such as when a tree falls against a power line and must be removed before power is restored.
Challenge
A major Investor Owned Utility (IOU) did not have fully visibility into the current configuration settings for all reclosers in their service territory. Also, in some cases, the recloser device settings were not configured to coordinate with other devices. However, the IOU did not have spare labor capacity to update recloser device settings as quickly as needed.
Approach
EPE successfully reprogrammed approximately 100 reclosers in accordance with the IOUs guidelines and oversight.
Solution
As work was completed, EPE documented relevant utility systems for tracking, cost allocation, and auditing. EPE also provided critical insights to inform process improvements for future work.