Strategic Communications Plans

A comprehensive Strategic Communication Plan forecasts growth and future needs which allows for new applications to be scaled or added to a shared communications backbone. Utilities are beginning to see the benefits of completing a multi-year communications architecture plan that considers the optimization of all communication related applications. The result of looking at the “big picture” is that a standardization of technologies is established across multiple programs. A clear communication roadmap also generates a quick introduction cycle for each new program as it is added. 

Some of the individual elements of the Strategic Communication planning that Power System Engineering, Inc. (PSE) can provide are:

1. Create voice, data, and video communications plans.
2. Develop network designs that are capable of supporting multiple utility applications.
3. Establish communications gateways/hubs in substations and other locations.
4. Convert proprietary and serial communications protocols to IP-based standard protocols.
5. Evaluate communications media alternatives.
6. Forecast and size bandwidth requirements.
7. Define network performance and communications reliability requirements.
8. Address security issues.
9. Identify costs, risks, and resource requirements.
10. Develop a communications plan to support each targeted application, such as:
    • SCADA.
    • Substation automation.
    • Direct access to microprocessor-based substation relays and other intelligent devices. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
    • Load management.
    • Distribution automation.
    • Mobile workforce management (MWM).
    • Enterprise data network for branch office locations.
    • Voice over IP design and implementation.
    • Radio repeater site backhaul network design.