Improve Reliability, Increase Operating Efficiency & Manage Peak Demand

Improving reliability and operating efficiency are common distribution utility goals that present special challenges due to the nature of distribution systems. The traditional need to provide reliable energy delivery, combined with a renewed focus on energy efficiency, loss reduction and peak load management, create an environment with plenty of challenges. Distribution Automation (DA) has emerged as a key component of Smart Grid that provides a path to achieve these critical goals.

Structure has worked with distribution utilities supporting small & large DA deployments that meet regulatory commitments and internal goals, while providing the necessary infrastructure to improve operating points (e.g., by reducing system losses) increase operating efficiency through remote status monitoring and manage peak demand through voltage optimization.

How Structure Can Help

Conceptualization
Helping clients envision the overall goals and objectives by defining requirements for DA programs, including system monitoring and automation, integrated Volt-VAR control, communication infrastructure and IT requirements.

Business Case Development
Supporting the development of sound business cases for DA, including each aspect of the program and synergies between different components and systems.

Procurement
Creating technical specifications, developing RFIs and RFPs, assisting in vendor evaluations and selection to achieve your targeted objectives: system automation, peak demand reduction, power factor improvement, and loss minimization.

Implementation and Regulatory Support
Structure deploys experienced experts “on the ground” to help, utilities implement initial deployments and develop processes for system wide rollout of DA. Our experts stay with you from day one through the program life cycle to ensure project success. Additionally, we can assist in the development and support of regulatory filings.

How Structure is Different

• Structure deploys experienced experts “on the ground” to help, from day one and continue throughout the program life cycle to ensure project success.
• Structure has worked across the entire utility footprint and recognizes the benefits that can be achieved between operational groups.
• Structure utilizes a unique mix of experts to address both the technical aspects, as well as the business and process transformation impacts of DA deployments.