Automatic detection and indication of supply state on remote sections of overhead lines

In common with many other supply authorities, Northern Ireland Electricity has no method of determining remotely whether supply is off or on beyond automatic sectionalising devices on rural overhead line networks. To improve service to the consumer some method of providing this information at the distribution control centres was considered desirable, possibly by utilising the public telephone network. Following discussion with British Telecom (Northern Ireland) a possible system is proposed which meets the requirements. These were that the system should be automatic, not affect the consumers telephone service or generate call charges, and have some form of alarm management at the control centre