Effect of environmental factors on failure rate of overhead distribution feeders

Summary form only given. Distribution system reliability relates to performance of distribution system in delivering power to customers without failure. Since a very large part of the distribution systems in the US consist of overhead feeders with radial configuration, failures on distribution systems are responsible for most of the interruptions experienced by customers. Distribution system reliability has been of prime importance to the utilities and now it has become more important due to restructuring and competition in the electric utility industry. The presentation discusses methodologies for mapping various environmental features to failure rates of overhead lines. Another goal of the presentation is to discuss issues related to collecting data needed for implementing these models. The models allow utilities more accurate forecast reliability of their systems.