Implementing CVR through voltage regulator LDC settings

Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) has been a hot topic in the industry for some time, particularly during the last few years. A number of methods and strategies have been employed on utility distribution systems to effectively lower the voltage with the objectives of decreasing coincident peak demand and/or energy over time. This paper will explore implementing CVR through the use of voltage regulator Line Drop Compensation (LDC) settings. The LDC feature available with most voltage regulators has been successfully used for many years to maintain adequate voltage levels at some distant load center on distribution feeders. The LDC feature can also be used to maintain lower voltage levels, but still within ANSI standard requirements, on a distribution feeder during non-peak times; thus reducing the voltage and achieving CVR benefits. A case study is presented where LDC settings have been used to implement CVR. The case study utility is an electric distribution cooperative system in up-state New York (Oneida-Madison Electric Cooperative). Successes and challenges with this specific CVR implementation are discussed in detail, with levels of voltage reduction and estimates of loss savings and energy efficiency achieved summarized.