The future of Operational Telecommunications associated with a power distribution network

Operational Telecommunications (OpTel) play a vital role in the safe, reliable and efficient operation of a power distribution network. Over the time, different OpTel services and technologies have developed around individual power system applications. This has resulted in the creation of isolated islands of telecommunication technologies. The technologies associated with telecommunication services, equipment and protocols change at much faster pace than utility technology. This exposes utilities to the risk of obsolescence and associated cost of maintaining obsolete technologies. The power utilities also have to deal with the issues associated with third party provider´s transition to IP based next generation networks which affect critical power system applications like tele-protection. The emerging ideas of smart grids are presenting new challenges for operational telecommunications. This paper examines the considerations regarding the provision of operational telecommunications and IP based self provided networks in the future.