Workshop on Utility Distribution System Planning

This training course covers the process of planning an electrical utility distribution system to assure adequacy, reliability, and economy. The course begins with an overview of the distribution system and its basic equipment. Next, the planning process is explored, step-by-step, emphasizing the importance of each step in achieving the desired outcome. An in-depth view of engineering economics is included to assure cost-effectiveness of the capital-intensive infrastructure.  Since the planning process is necessitated due to changes in load, the process of performing and interpreting load forecasts is investigated. Finally, means of quantifying and measuring reliability will be presented so the reliability of the distribution can be properly assessed.

Utility customers today are demanding higher reliability and lower costs, and this trend will undoubtedly continue for the next several decades. Effective planning techniques provide a means of meeting the customer demands of reliability and economy while better positioning the utility for adapting to future customer requirements. This training course presents proven planning methods which will benefit both the utility and its customers.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Specify optimum distribution system topologies and equipment.
• Conduct comprehensive planning studies.
• Perform the calculations necessary to economically justify system improvement projects.
• Implement and interpret load forecasts for distribution system studies.
• Quantify reliability and assess progress toward achieving reliability goals.

Duration: 5 Days

Who Should Attend

This training course is designed for utility or consulting engineers and technicians involved in the planning and/or design of distribution facilities.  If you are beginning a career in this area, this training course will be of great benefit to you. Prerequisite knowledge necessary to succeed in this course includes a basic familiarity with utility power distribution.

This training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Engineers and technicians new to the electric utility industry
• Intermediate-level engineers and technicians responsible for utility distribution planning and design
• Professionals involved with improving distribution system reliability.
• Utility engineers and consultants who conduct load forecasts and studies.
• Engineers tasked with assessing the performance of power distribution systems.

Course Content

Day One: System and Equipment Overview

• System Objectives and Hierarchy
• System Topologies and Service Areas
• True System Costs
• Substation Equipment
• Feeder Equipment
• The Need to Automate

Day Two: The Planning Process

• Evaluation Methods and Criteria
• Sensitivity Analysis
• Planning Horizons
• Planning Methods
• Four-Step Process
• Lead Times

Day Three: Engineering Economics

• Time Value of Money
• Cash Flow Constraints
• Cost of Losses
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Asset Management
• Reliability Centered Maintenance

Day Four: Load Forecasting

• Objectives of Small-Area Load Forecasting
• Informal Methods
• Simple Trending
• Sophisticated Trending
• Simulation Methods
• Putting it All Together

Day Five: Reliability Assessment

• Definitions of Industry-Standard Reliability Terms
• Reliability Indices
• Relationship between System Protection and Reliability
• Effects of Design and Operation on Reliability
• Intelligent System Components
• Reliability Improvement due to Automation

General Notes

• This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.
• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.