The role of utility communications in a deregulated environment

Data communications has always played an important role in the operation of the utility system, from high speed relay communications to the recent expansion in "inter-control center" data sharing. The increasing incorporation of digital devices throughout the utility enterprise as well as the forces of deregulation are driving utility communications into new realms with new requirements and paradigms. The paper examines the communication issues in the Independent System Operator (ISO) environment including inter ISO communication of status data, accounting issues, and power system control. Solutions to these issues from a system protection/Intelligent Electronic Device perspective are examined. In particular, the paper examines the next generation protection communications that will be available shortly and its effect on next generation SCADA. Communication in the realm of power system control is also examined and the communication infrastructure required to achieve such is discussed.