Experiences in system voltage monitoring and control in evolving power grid and application of control room tools

System voltage control has been a challenging task in the BCHydro power system due to generating resources located far from load centers. The system is supported by emergency and quasi emergency measures such as load shedding and auto-var schemes. In addition, operating orders cover extensive voltage control measures. Due to recent changes in electric power system structure and market driven operational changes electric power system operation has increased in its complexity. Historically Control Room staff have been supported by off-line tools in the past progressively increasing the use of tools in the control room. Use of emergency schemes supported by real time tools has been an approach matured over several years of use. More recent are the upgrading the stability tools with technological progress and use of formal optimization tools as well. The authors share their experiences of managing system voltages including normal and emergency measures and also procedures such as auto-var schemes, automatic under-voltage load shedding schemes supported by tools in EMS to arm the load shedding schemes, formal optimization tools, etc., with the technologies that are mature enough for use in control room.