Energy conservation and demand control using distribution automation technologies

In 2002, two Pacific Northwest Utilities placed new distribution automation technology solutions into service at four substations with a total of ten distribution feeders. These solutions use commercial-off-the-shelf control technology to closely control distribution voltages to reduce energy usage and control demand. The first system at Inland Power and Light Company, a cooperative in Eastern Washington, went into service in April 2002, and the other three at Clatskanie PUD in Oregon went into service in November 2002. Avista Utilities is installing this new technology at the time of this writing. This paper presents the results of the ongoing operation and tests at these four rural substations. It will also describe the results that other utilities could expect when this technology is used to implement demand control, load management and conservation voltage regulation.