Remote communication devices for electric utility applications

Many rural electric co-operatives do not have extensive SCADA systems and some have none at all. Up front costs are often the primary deterrent to implementing such SCADA systems. As the number and type of remote communication devices on the market expand, new cost-effective solutions are becoming available to provide limited SCADA capability at a fraction of the cost. Such systems often use passive devices, which report by exception, rather than continuous two-way communication. These systems still allow immediate report and control on demand. Communication devices are only one leg of the SCADA program. Components on the system must be designed to collect the type of information needed by the utility. Fault location information, remote switch open and close operation, minimum/maximum feeder voltage readings, capacitor bank trip and close control, device status monitoring and load management information are examples of applications which are performed remotely.