Optical fiber integrated in the distribution overhead lines

CEMIG-Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais, one of the most important power utilities in Brazil, has developed a mutual technical cooperation together with ALCOA to study the use of optical cables in overhead distribution lines. CEMIG serves approximately 4.4 million of customers spread over a territory of 560,000 km². Its activities include power generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power, with an installed capacity of 5,000 MW. Since CEMIG and other electric utilities have an adequate infrastructure of power network already installed, they could easily invest in the installation of an optical fiber system. This paper shows the construction patterns and accessories developed to use optical fibers integrated into the distribution overhead lines, as well as their application at CEMIG