Adaptive reliability revisited

In this paper we start by recalling the seminal concepts underlying adaptive reliability of Tom Dy Liacco conceived almost four decades ago [1]. Unfortunately, these concepts have not developed nor have been adopted by the industry yet. Recent efforts toward grid modernization will fall short of the anticipated expectations unless this gets implemented. Two distinct, yet related, challenges and opportunities are: 1) making electric energy services reliable and secure over broad ranges of conditions created by un-intended and/or intended system failures; and, 2) ensuring at the same time environmental and economic sustainability of energy services. We stress that even in the regulated industry this can be achieved only by implementing adaptive reliability. Moreover, as the industry restructures and novel resources get deployed the notions of adaptive reliability must evolve as well.