Overview
Capabilities
- System planning and strategy
- Reliability and system protection
- Engineering and economic studies
Markets
- Cooperatives
- Public power
- Industrial and commercial
- Institutional and non-regulated
- Investor-owned utilities
Selected Services
- Short- and long-range planning
- Reliability assessment and benchmarking
- Circuit analysis
- Capacitor optimization
- Overcurrent and lightning protection
- Power-flow studies
- Project management
Benefits
Specialized talent – We are the consulting group, a distinct team of engineers specialized in planning and strategy. We provide focused insight and talent that allow you to free resources to address day-to-day challenges and issues while receiving premium consulting services.
Shared values – We understand quality work and outstanding service to your customers are your primary objectives. We share these goals and seek to provide the same level of service to you through communication, cooperation, and solid relationships. We never lose sight of the fact that it is your system and that you must live with our decisions. We therefore stress listening throughout the consulting process to ensure our recommendations fit your reality.
Low stress – Our proactive management and attention to detail translate into a low-stress engagement for you. Since we are fluent in many national standards and codes, we require no learning curve before delivering customized, compliant recommendations. In short, we strive to be easy to work with by delivering accurate, on-time projects.
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System Planning
Assessment of Planning Practices
We provide an overall assessment using visual observations, input from utility personnel, and a review of equipment loading and contingency planning practices. This assessment is used to formulate specific recommendations on how you can improve planning processes.
Planning Benchmarking
We summarize your planning and budget practices and trends and then compare to a group of similar utilities. We then recommend where efficiencies can be gained, best practices incorporated, and resources better utilized.
Circuit Analysis
We have the expertise to use power-flow software tools commonly used by utilities. As part of the planning process, these are used to identify overloads, address poor voltage, review system protection, and apply capacitors.
Load Forecasting
We develop corporate- or utility-level forecasts using econometric models, or we allocate a system forecast to multiple operating regions.
Long-Range Planning Development
We prepare a long-range “blueprint” for a utility or sub-region within a utility. We then develop a forward-looking budgetary plan that identifies future capacity needs and breaks out expected capital requirements at the transmission, substation, and distribution level.
Reliability Impact Analysis and Strategic Prioritization
We perform a reliability impact analysis to determine the relative impact of each type of solution or specific project on standard reliability indices (e.g. SAIDI, SAIFI, or CAIDI). Via strategic prioritization, we then combine the results of the assessment and system impact analysis with economic factors, resulting in a prioritized project list which is optimal in terms of dollars spent versus system impact.
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Reliability
Reliability Assessment
We provide an overall assessment of the system drawn from visual observations, input from utility personnel, and a review of design and construction practices and standards. Based on the results, we then provide recommendations for reliability improvement specific to your utility. You benefit by receiving a relatively quick assessment of the system and design practices. We also provide guidance for implementing reliability-based initiatives and programs.
Reliability Benchmarking
We summarize your engineering and operating practices and trends and then compare to a group of similar utilities. You benefit by learning where efficiencies can be gained, best practices incorporated, and resources better utilized. Areas covered include:
- Systems and equipment;
- Planning and engineering;
- Performance and reliability indices; and
- Operating practices.
Predictive Reliability Analysis
We model the distribution system in reliability analysis software, and, using failure rates typical for that system, we assess where gains can be achieved with additional protective devices, modifications in the system configuration, or changes in design practices. We develop improvement strategies and initiatives based on the analysis results.
Reliability Impact Analysis
We determine the impact of specific reliability initiatives or programs on standard indices such as SAIDI and SAIFI. The results are used along with a cost-benefit analysis to determine a reliability plan that optimizes reliability impact for a given budget level.
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Engineering Studies
Capacitor Optimization
We have the capability to optimize capacitor size and placement at any level of your system. Additionally, we can assist in development of guidelines and rules of thumb for capacitor application specific to your needs. Whether it is for voltage support, loss reduction, VAR support, or some other need, we have experience in the use of capacitors at all levels of the system.
Overcurrent Protection
We bring high-level expertise in distribution relaying and protection. We will work within your existing protection guidelines or assist in developing new guidelines to review any or all protective device sizes and settings on your system. We can also analyze the reliability impact of changes to coordination philosophy and guidelines.
Lightning Protection
We can assist in reviewing and developing application standards, study specific areas of concern, and help determine the extent of lightning impact on your system.
Power-Flow Studies
We have experience in performing standard power-flow analysis. The results are used to identify equipment loading issues, voltage problems, capacitor needs, and imbalance. We use our extensive knowledge of distribution systems to develop optimal solutions.
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