EPRI reliability initiative provides tools to help utilities avoid power outages

After a year of intensive research, the EPRI Reliability Initiative has produced results that are already helping electric utilities prevent outages on both high-power transmission networks and local distribution systems.

Launched in early 2000 to identify root causes of power reliability problems that have accompanied industry restructuring, the Reliability Initiative is directed by EPRI on behalf of the electric power industry, in coordination with the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC).

"A major challenge to transmission systems has been the rapid increase in wholesale power transactions--more than four-fold in some areas--combined with a lack of financial incentives to build new transmission facilities to keep up with a growing load, "says EPRI vice president for power delivery Karl Stahlkopf."

To help transmission system operators and security coordinators cope with these changes, the Reliability Initiative pioneered application of a more precise way to study regional reliability problems and developed software tools to reduce the likelihood and severity of widespread power disturbances.

"This broad collaborative endeavor shows that utilities can transcend the competitive pressures brought about by deregulation," said Stahlkopf. "It demonstrates the commitment of its members to improve reliability at both the transmission and distribution system levels, for benefit of the industry and the American people."

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