The electrical reliability plan — A tool to bridge business strategy with electrical investment

Maintaining reliability for electrical distribution systems that support processing facilities is a constant challenge due to aging equipment and other factors. Upgrades and replacements require significant engineering, extensive capital, scheduling, and shutdowns. Investment in electrical infrastructure is often marginalized and only addressed upon an unplanned failure or necessary expansion. Without an overall comprehensive strategy, it is difficult to ensure that these expenditures meet the facility's business objectives and contribute to long-term value. An Electrical Reliability Plan (ERP) is a tool that helps align business strategy with capital investment. An ERP evaluates the facility's electrical infrastructure and determines a prioritized strategy for replacement, modification, or upgrade based on specific criteria of risk to business, safety, capacity, environment, and other factors. The criteria are evaluated, weighted, and risk-ranked within the facility's risk management structure. Baselines are established upon which an organization may measure risk reduction and continuous improvement. This paper describes components of an ERP and discusses the criteria and evaluation procedures that were used to develop comprehensive ERPs for two large petroleum refineries. The paper also discusses how support was achieved from the key facility stakeholders and how the ERPs have benefited the facilities.