Lightning and distribution reliability-a comparison of three utilities

Lightning can have varying affects on distribution system reliability. In areas with high lightning density, distribution system reliability can be highly dependent on lightning. In areas with low lightning density, distribution system reliability is not as dependent on lightning activity. This paper will look at lightning's varying affects on three different utilities distribution systems. One is in Florida, which has some of the highest lightning density in the United States, one is in Carolina which has a medium lightning density, while the other is in Michigan, where lightning density is about 20% that of Florida.