Abstract

Hawaiian Electric Company’s East Oahu Switching project involves the installation of automation equipment for a key part of the utility’s distribution grid, coupled with upgrades to the control and communications platform for grid operators. The distribution automation involves upgrades in eastern Oahu near Honolulu, with eight of the company’s 146 overall substations receiving new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) equipment and software. A new automated switch for a 46-kV sub-transmission line, along with a communication and monitoring system, integrates the new automated distribution equipment with the existing grid. Projected benefits include more precise and timely response to outages, enhanced distribution system reliability, and the reduction of operations and maintenance costs.