Hardware/Firmware Considerations for Integrating Load Management into System Operations

The demand-side control and data acquisition capabilities of two-way power line carrier load management systems enhance and complement the Supervisory Control and Energy Management (supply-side) operations. Many utilities now recognize that the supply-side and demand-side functions should be integrated into one system and placed under control of the same operator. This paper discusses the hardware and firmware which is required for system integration and illustrates some alternative methods used to achieve full system integration.