Combining technologies provides best distribution asset control

In the electric utility industry today, optimizing important distribution volt/VAr assets requires savvy planning, integration, and automation. Investigating and selecting the best control for local intelligence, the best communications media, and the best overriding control program, then integrating each into DMS (distribution management system) or EMS (energy management system) requires coordinated diligence, utility-proven technologies and the cooperation of vendors with the systems knowledge to bring it together. This paper examines the elements required to meet these tough criterion.