WPS enlisted 1898 & Co. to optimize the utility’s regional systems by leading a holistic distribution planning process. Instead of developing projects programmatically by asset type or budget category, as is typical in the industry, we applied a comprehensive set of criteria and analysis. Doing so across a geographic group of circuits and customers efficiently identifies beneficial and cost-effective projects.

For WPS, we added a granular reliability model to the company’s traditional load flow plus short circuit planning models. This approach blended the historical outage propensity of circuit subsections and devices with the typical performance of system components. DNV GL Noble Denton USA LLC, the maker of Synergi Electric, was an integral part of the project team, working closely with us to amplify the value and capabilities of the modeling software.

In this way, we were able to consider geographic compactness and efficiency of the circuit layouts, load transfer and automated restoration schemes, phase balancing, optimal capacitor placement, protection coordination, aged cable and small copper wire, and small/aged pole replacements.

Projects were developed on more than 200 circuits using Synergi Electric distribution planning models and CYMTCC protection coordination analysis. Other analyses included model cleanup, preparation and load allocation, substation modeling and model enhancements, weather-normalized load forecasting, circuit reconfigurations, and overcurrent protection analysis.

For each project, we created scope documents throughout the planning analysis. Working within the WPS design tools, we then created requests to facilitate the procurement and construction execution.

While renewing these assets, WPS is now also able to apply more consistent standards for design and construction, convert overhead facilities to underground and upgrade equipment to enable distribution automation.