The business case for smart fault circuit indicators

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) started implementing distribution automation (DA) into its distribution system operations in early 2000. The advances in communications and technology have resulted in ever increasing number of available DA applications. In order to investigate the effect of fault circuit indicators (FCIs) with remote communications on the distribution system reliability, BGE utilized FCIs as part of its Smart Grid Pilot Program. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the new optimization technique that has been developed internally in order to determine the optimal location and optimum number of FCIs on the distribution feeder. In addition, the methodology provides the expected CAIDI values, cost-benefit analysis and financial analysis that helps the creation of the business case for the FCI implementation across the whole system.