Maximizing Cable Reliability at the Lowest Possible Cost

Several market dynamics are causing utilities to review their current cable rehabilitation practices. These dynamics include rising costs such as fuel and raw materials, which are accelerated by increased demand from developing countries, assets operating beyond their projected life, an increase demand for electric power, and a limited cable manufacturing capacity. As these dynamics converge, the risk of a public backlash is real if alternative methods of dealing with these challenges are not adopted. This paper presents the economics of traditional approaches and compares them to a new strategic method based on defect specific condition assessment. This new approach is supported by a combination of traditional economic analysis and actual field data collected over the past decade. The analysis is a tool which can assist a utility in developing the optimum strategy which balances planned investment and desired system reliability improvement.