Cobb EMC Takes Automated Approach to Shorten Outages

Jan. 1, 2013
On Dec. 10, Efacec ACS' fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR) technology went live on Cobb EMC's distribution system serving more than 195,000

On Dec. 10, Efacec ACS' fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR) technology went live on Cobb EMC's distribution system serving more than 195,000 meters. This proven technology enhances the reliability of electric service to consumers through intelligent automation.

With FDIR, faults are automatically isolated within a smaller section of the distribution system, dramatically reducing the number of customers experiencing a power outage. Many outages that occur due to a fault often can be restored quickly by automatically rerouting power from another portion of the system. Primary benefits of FDIR include shorter outage durations, fewer sustained outages, improved network performance, greater operational efficiency and improved service delivery.

“The ability to automatically isolate and restore faults on distribution feeders is an advanced technology that we're excited to be able to provide for Cobb EMC members,” said Bhaji Dhillon, manager of power system technologies and planning at Cobb EMC. “Over the years, we have aggressively deployed automation on our system to improve the reliability of service to our members, with over 650 SCADA-controlled switches installed. Deployment of FDIR on our distribution management system from Efacec ACS is the next step in leveraging this installed infrastructure.”

Visit www.cobbemc.com.

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