Abstract

The Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County Washington (Snohomish PUD) project involves several types of smart grid systems to enhance distribution system performance and reliability. The project includes a digital communication network covering Snohomish PUD’s entire distribution system to better respond to changes in electricity demand and grid conditions. The project upgrades 42 of 85 substations with automated control capabilities to prepare the substations for full-scale deployment of distribution automation and integration of distributed energy resources. The project is deploying advanced automation equipment to 10 circuits to reduce line losses and to improve service reliability. These assets are being managed through a distribution management system, which allows Snohomish PUD to better monitor and control grid operations and conditions. These upgrades allow Snohomish PUD to reduce operations and maintenance costs and improve distribution system efficiency, reliability, and power quality.