Taking another look at electrical system reliability

Journal Article · Thu Mar 17 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Public Util. Fortn.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7293905

Williams, P B

Power systems designed to meet customer service quality standards are proposed as a way to provide reliable power without increasing the generating capacity. A unified reliability standard is needed for the combined bulk power system and the distribution network, which is responsible for nearly all customer power failure. Criteria for setting acceptable reliability levels vary for different groups of customers, hospitals requiring the highest quality. Utilities under this system will guarantee a certain service level and prices will be geared accordingly. Costs can be charged directly (i.e., extra charges to cover the cost of higher quality or the customer can install his own back-up arrangements) or indirectly through rebates to the customers receiving lower-quality service. Improvements in distribution systems will require additional investment, but should be looked at as alternatives to new plant investment. Areas for improvement include underground and alternate lines, better maintenance, improved substation equipment, sectionalized circuits to isolate faults, and dispersed generation and storage. Ways to improve the bulk power system portion are also identified as alternatives to new construction. A utility wishing to try these alternatives must first analyze the present quality of its composite bulk power and distribution system to determine the true level of existing reliability. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 7293905
• Journal Information: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States), Journal Name: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States) Vol. 99:6; ISSN PUFNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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CHARGES
COST
ECONOMIC POLICY
ELECTRIC POWER
ELECTRICAL FAULTS
EQUIPMENT
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT
PERFORMANCE
POWER
POWER GENERATION
POWER SYSTEMS
RECOMMENDATIONS
REGULATIONS
RELIABILITY
STANDARDS