Trial application of intelligent power at Pacific Bell

The process and criteria for the selection of an intelligent power monitor and control system at Pacific Bell are discussed. A three-year study resulted in a two-year trial of two different systems. Requirements for intelligent power are formulated, and the two systems and their specific features are outlined. The greatest difference between the two trial systems is that the vendor A system allows complete data monitoring and control through the local telephone access port in the event of a dedicated facility or host computer failure. Thus the unanswered alarm escalation features will still function even to the point of beeper call if the facility or host computer system is down. The vendor B system, at present, only allows network access (both in and out) to any office under surveillance through the host computer. Thus either a computer or facility failure would totally isolate the intelligent power plant interface and any assigned satellites.<>