Two-way data communication between utility and customer

Journal Article · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · EPRI J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5188136

Lihach, N; Blair, W

Distribution automation is the remote control of the distribution network that carries power from local substations to customer meters. The system, which seems to be feasible for the near future, provides two-way communication between utility and customer; not only must the utility operator be able to issue commands to automated equipment but the customer's meter must be able to answer the controller, reporting status and relaying data. Although there are other available, three types of communication systems are being investigated at present as the most feasible: power line carrier, telephone, and radio. Each system has its own special capabilities and limitations. Hybrid systems (two or more different communication systems) are also a possibility. Besides fault location and service restoration, distribution automation could facilitate time-of-day metering, load control, voltage control, and even meter reading. Most aspects of this two-way communication are accepted as beneficial by the customer; load control, however, which could selectively interfere with major appliances like water heaters, air conditioners, etc., during peak demand by selectively switching them off to level peak loads, might not be so readily acceptable. (SAC)

• OSTI ID: 5188136
• Journal Information: EPRI J.; (United States), Journal Name: EPRI J.; (United States) Vol. 5:4; ISSN EPRJD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

200300 -- Electric Power Engineering-- Power Transmission & Distribution-- (-1989)
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
296002* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power Transmission & Distribution-- (-1989)
AUTOMATION
COMMUNICATIONS
CONSUMER PROTECTION
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
HYBRID SYSTEMS
LOAD MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT
PEAK-LOAD PRICING
POWER DEMAND
POWER SUBSTATIONS
POWER TRANSMISSION
PRICES
PUBLIC UTILITIES