Feeder and Network Evolution for the Distribution System of the Future

Historically, electrical distribution systems have been designed to deliver power from the distribution substations to the end users. The future evolution of the distribution system, as envisioned in EPRI´s Advanced Distribution Automation (ADA) initiative, will merge power delivery with distributed intelligent control and communications systems. This paper covers the results of a survey of electric utilities and a follow-up seminar with survey participants. Survey responses were obtained from eleven US and Canadian utilities across a wide spectrum. Responders included large multi-state utilities, companies in large urban areas, publicly and privately owned utilities, and a small rural utility. These results will help to shape future planning as to the most effective pathways to move forward in the evolution of the distribution system of the future