Re-engineering relay training

Many utilities are downsizing their organizations in order to become more competitive. However, downsizing only works if the operation is re-engineered so that it becomes more efficient with fewer people. Re-engineering is all about challenging assumptions and applying the power of today´s technology when original assumptions are no longer valid. The principles of power engineering have not changed but the technology we employ to protect the system has changed. The way we design, test, maintain and document the protection must be questioned because of the new technology. Major changes are being made to enhance the efficiency of relay engineering. How we train relay engineers and technicians to use and implement these new procedures must also change. The author discusses these changes with particular emphasis on electronic documentation including: fast retrieval of information; high speed image display; user customization; links to software; and just-in-time training.