Papers
Below is a list of papers.
A Breakthrough: Repurposing the TV White Spaces Using Database-Driven Cognitive Radios --
Charles Plummer
A Hybrid Commercial/Private Communications Architecture Approach --
Power System Engineering, Inc.
This article provides a summary of the backhaul communications approaches for the mid-grid utilizing a hybrid of both cellular and private communications technology for the backhaul of AMI and DA and other mid-grid applications. For more information please contact Rick Schmidt at schmidtr@powersystem.org or 608-268-3502.
Carbon Impacts On Optimal Capacity Mix And Generation Mix Under Various Policy Interventions --
Power System Engineering, Inc.
Communications Networks: The Enablers of Utility Automation Success --
Charles Plummer, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Cost and Service Reliability Performance Evaluation for Electric Distribution Utilities --
Steve Fenrick
This document provides the executive summary and concluding chapter for Mr. Fenrick’s master’s thesis. The topic is on cost, reliability, and productivity performance evaluation techniques for electric distribution utilities. For more information, please contact Steve Fenrick at fenricks@powersystem.org or 608-268-3549.
Cost-Benefit Evaluation of Underground versus Overhead Power Lines --
Steve Fenrick
This document provides the Introduction to a paper on the development of a cost/benefit framework for the decision of placing power lines underground versus overhead. For more information, please contact Steve Fenrick at fenricks@powersystem.org or 608-268-3549.
DMS - "Breakthrough" Technology for the Smart Grid --
Power System Engineering, Inc.
This article discusses how new distribution management system (DMS) software applications fit into the growing distribution automation (DA) and SCADA architecture. For more information, please contact Jim Weikert at weikertj@powersystem.org or 608-268-3556.
Evaluating Distribution System Losses Using Data from Deployed AMI and GIS Systems --
Jeff Triplett, P.E.
Get More from Your GIS: Improve Data Quality --
Power System Engineering, Inc.
This paper discusses how a utility can get more from their GIS, including the importance of spatial accuracy. Methods used to improve spatial accuracy, including Field Asset Inventory, Asset Inspection with GPS, and On-screen Spatial Corrections, are compared. For more information on GIS and mapping support, please contact Kevin Zamzow at zamzowk@powersystem.org or 608-268-3515.
Implementing CVR through Voltage Regulator LDC Settings --
Jeffrey M. Triplett, P.E. and Sean A. Kufel, P.E.
Improving the Performance of Power Distributors by Statistical Performance Benchmarking --
Steve Fenrick
This paper discusses how statistical performance benchmarking can help power distributors improve their performance. For more information, please contact Steve Fenrick at fenricks@powersystem.org or 608-268-3549.
New Wireless Solutions to Meet Smart Grid Communications Requirements --
Kevin Zamzow, Power System Engineering, Inc.
This article provides guidance when creating the requirements for the communications backhaul for Distribution Automation and AMI and some of the leading media choices for both DA and AMI backhaul. For more information please contact Kevin Zamzow at zamzowk@powersystem.org or 608-268-3515.
Performance Based Regulation for Electric and Gas Distributors --
Steve Fenrick, Rich Macke, and Lullit Getachew
This paper discusses the considerations and calculations in the design of a performance based regulation (PBR) rate plan for electric and gas utilities. For more information, please contact Steve Fenrick at fenricks@powersystem.org or 608-268-3549.
Planning T&D "Reliability-Driven" Projects Using Cost-Benefit Analysis --
Steve Fenrick and Erik Sonju, P.E.
This paper discusses value based reliability planning for T&D investments. A cost/benefit framework for reliability-driven investments is discussed. For more information, please contact Steve Fenrick at fenricks@powersystem.org or 608-268-3549.
Project Management for Implementing the Smart Grid --
Power System Engineering, Inc.
This paper illustrates the enterprise impact on a utility of implementing a Smart Grid system and the business need for establishing both project management methods and a Project Management Office (PMO). The PMO provides the standards and defines the processes and templates needed for consistent project execution, as well as the documentation repository for future reference.
Revenue Decoupling: Designing a Fair Revenue Adjustment Mechanism --
Steven A. Fenrick
Breaking the connection between revenues and sales volume is a hot topic in North American regulation. The mechanisms that adjust revenue are central to revenue decoupling. This paper examines the historic and current record of revenue adjustment mechanisms within the United States utility industry. Research into appropriate revenue decoupling adjustment mechanism within the context of a rate case in Vermont is discussed.
Sharing Software and Telecommunications Resources --
Rick A. Schmidt and Candice M. Roth for Tech Surveillance
State of The Industry - Land Mobile Radio --
Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Survey Applications for Electric Utilities --
Jeff Smith, Steve Fenrick, and Christopher Ivanov, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Technology Planning for Improved Investments --
Rick A. Schmidt & Candice M. Roth, Power System Engineering, Inc.
The Strategic Communications Plan: Your Smartest Path to the Smart Grid --
Rick Schmidt & Charles Plummer
Third Generation Incentive Regulation Stretch Factor Updates for 2013 --
Steve Fenrick
PSE’s benchmarking research for the Ontario Energy Board is being used directly in determining the Third Generation Incentive Regulation stretch factors. These stretch factors are one component of the annual rate escalation formula that automatically increases electricity rates on an annual basis for Ontario’s electricity distributors.
