The future of Distribution System Resiliency

Improving Distribution System Resiliency will take considerable time, effort and innovation. Much of the effort is dependent upon modernizing the grid. All of the stakeholders involved in this effort are aware that grid modernization is an expensive and complex endeavor, and where this endeavor has many conflicting interests and goals. Yet numerous organizations and associations have begun the effort in earnest providing the nation with lessons learned and well thought out recommendations. Starting with design, there are many construction standards and inspection and maintenance programs that prepare the system for storms. Beyond this, there are many other programs such as vegetation management, damage assessment, application of communications and other technology, to name just a few, that will be part of any comprehensive distribution resiliency effort. This article will outline a distribution resiliency roadmap, identifying critical pieces of such an effort.