Improving Distribution Circuit Performance without Circuit Rebuilds

Utilities often address distribution circuit performance by categorizing circuits as "Worst Performing" and then implementing circuit rebuilds to overcome operational issues. New analysis technologies that use predictive maintenance or conditions-based analytics guide maintenance personnel to specific, pin-point actions minimizing maintenance costs and improving customer service. This paper will review the data analysis and conditions based circuit measurements that avoid the need for circuit rebuilds as a method for circuit performance improvement. Case studies will be presented that review all steps of the predictive maintenance strategy and results of the programs. Specific targets for SAIDI/SAIFI improvement will be evaluated and project outcomes will be discussed.