Voltage regulation for energy conservation: a utility case study

As a critical function in distribution automation, voltage regulation enables the reduction of peak demand and contributes to energy conservation. This paper presents a utility case study of Sioux Valley Energy´s voltage regulation strategy for energy conservation. The strategy involves software modeling, voltage setting recommendation and implementation, result analysis, and cost benefit analysis. The utility applies this strategy in its distribution network. Three different substations are considered to represent various load profiles of the rural, the urban, and the mixed areas. Typical winter, summer, spring, and fall loads are used and compared in this case study. The analysis and implementation results demonstrate the benefit of energy conservation from voltage regulation. Utilities could achieve long-term cost reductions and energy savings.