Planning response to increase system reliability of the aging T&D infrastructures

In the new competitive environment, owners of power transmission and distribution (T&D) assets are under pressure to increase system reliability and improve the power quality of the customers served by their T&D system, and, at the same time, reduce power delivery cost. One of the challenges facing many utilities is that they must do so starting with systems that are composed of much aged equipment, and with capital budgets which are severely restricted compared to traditional levels. To support these objectives, the T&D planning functions have been realigned closer to the day to day operation of the T&D system. Planning and operations must be tied closer in both approach and goals, and actual daily function. This approach is needed to assist the electric system planners so they can respond quickly to deteriorating reliability conditions of specific elements of the T&D system