Sectionalizing adapting to high growth on a rural system

Many rural utilities are discovering that their once sparsely populated service territory has begun a rapid change from a rural system to an urban type setting. Their typical system configurations of long radial feeders to serve few customers are now being utilized to serve high growth areas with vast spreading residential subdivisions and associated commercial areas and business parks. With increased loads and customers continuing increase in service expectations, utilities´ approach to distribution system protection may change. This paper discusses some of the methods that may be used to sectionalize a system that is experiencing high growth to help maintain reliable service