Modernize Distribution Circuits
Improve Optimization. Learn more about the challenges, benefits and best practices for successfully implementing a modernization program on a large-scale distribution network.
In today’s dynamic power delivery world, utilities are increasingly focused on electrical distribution systems and reliability.
Distribution automation (DA) modernizes distribution circuits to enable automated operation, enhance real-time visibility of system events, and improve network optimization and reliability. This process involves implementing a system-wide distribution automation project, focusing on database management, equipment validation, and commissioning while addressing challenges related to project scale and duration.
In this webinar, hosted by T&D World, TRC and AVANGRID discuss their experiences with implementing a system wide distribution automation project. Topics covered include the concept of distribution automation, benefits of modernizing a distribution system, challenges of project scale and duration, database management, equipment validation and commissioning.
Improve Optimization. Learn more about the challenges, benefits and best practices for successfully implementing a modernization program on a large-scale distribution network.
Nos praticiens partagent leurs idées et leurs points de vue sur les tendances et les défis qui façonnent le marché.
Comprendre la résilience du réseau électrique. Pérenniser vos opérations avec les sociétés TRC, en utilisant la technologie et l’expertise pour renforcer la résilience du réseau aujourd’hui.
L’utilisation conjointe n’a jamais été aussi importante qu’aujourd’hui. Alors que la demande d’infrastructures de télécommunications monte en flèche, les gouvernements investissent beaucoup dans des initiatives comme le Programme de déploiement de l’accès à l’équité à large bande (BEAD) de 42,5 milliards de dollars et le Fonds d’opportunités numériques rurales (RDOF) de 20,4 milliards de dollars.
La NERC a soumis à l’approbation de la FERC de nouveaux critères de conformité pour l’enregistrement des RCI dans le cadre des efforts continus visant à réduire les risques de fiabilité. Il est essentiel que les développeurs d’énergie renouvelable, les propriétaires de production et les propriétaires de réseaux de transport comprennent les implications potentielles pour les études d’interconnexion et les files d’attente d’interconnexion.
Comment la CVR s’adapte pour fournir des résolutions uniques pour la transition énergétique
L’utilisation conjointe a des défis qui peuvent être résolus avec une gestion appropriée. Découvrez comment nos services de gestion peuvent vous aider à rester au courant de vos contrats d’utilisation conjointe.
Les microréseaux peuvent vous aider à rester opérationnel dans les conditions les plus critiques. Découvrez comment nos services peuvent vous aider à tirer parti des systèmes de microréseaux.
Avoid common pitfalls by following these five best practices
La transition du travail sur le terrain des services publics à la gestion peut être une décision gratifiante, mais elle peut également être écrasante.
The rapid growth of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) on the power grid brings many opportunities and challenges to energy utilities.
As extreme weather events increase and installation costs decrease, moving to underground distribution systems is becoming a popular way to prevent power outages.
In today’s dynamic power delivery world, utilities are increasingly focused on electrical distribution systems and reliability.
There are significant market forces at work that are driving a substantially increased volume of third-party pole attachment applications that the electric utilities must process.
TRC’s partnership with Opus One will enable utilities to seamlessly plan, build and manage the grid of tomorrow.
TRC is partnering with Opus One Solutions to help utilities to seamlessly plan, build and manage the grid of tomorrow.
LOWELL, Mass. – TRC, a leading provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions fueled by innovative technology, announced today it has acquired IJUS, a top power/utility engineering firm based in Gahanna, Ohio. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
LOWELL, Mass. – TRC, a leading provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions fueled by innovative technology, announced today it has acquired IJUS, a top power/utility engineering firm based in Gahanna, Ohio. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “By acquiring IJUS, TRC is now one of the leading power distribution engineering and consulting firms in the country,” said TRC CEO Chris Vincze. “This is a sector of the power market that is primed for strong growth over the next decade, with utilities looking to improve grid reliability and resiliency and harden their infrastructures. This move positions us to capitalize on that increased demand and continue to meet the growing needs of our clients.” Founded 13 years ago, IJUS has 320 employees across 15 offices in Ohio, California, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The firm specializes in tech-enabled engineering design, attachment services, field services and project management. “This is a great move for IJUS,” said Wil Schulze, company founder and president. “I am excited to bring the company into a premier organization like TRC, which will enable us to expand the breadth of our services and build on our client-first approach to doing business.” IJUS performs work for some of the nation’s largest utilities, including American Electric Power, Duke Energy, Wisconsin Public Service, Nashville Electric Service, Tampa Electric, and Dayton Power & Light. With the acquisition, TRC now has more than 700 employees delivering a full complement of transmission engineering and power distribution engineering in 30 states. “IJUS complements us geographically and helps expand the robust distribution engineering practice we already have,” said James Mayer, president of TRC’s Power Sector. “The company has a strong leadership team and is known throughout the industry for its creativity and innovation.” Since incorporating in January 2005, IJUS LLC has established itself as an industry leader in Engineering Design, Attachment Services, Field Services, Expanded Services, and Project Management for the Telecommunication and Electric Utility industries. We provide our clients with a wide range of skills and technical service knowledge deeply rooted in sound engineering principles. Every IJUS employee understands that our success hinges on our clients’ success. It’s a philosophy that drives our culture. Through collaboration and mutual achievements with our clients, IJUS is able to excel and form long-lasting partnerships.
A series of converging trends are spurring U.S. power utilities to begin mapping out their strategies for making Virtual Power Plants (VPP) an important new element of their infrastructure.
NFPA 660 will make it easier for all industries to manage dust related hazards making for safer work environments.
On November 1, 2024, FERC Commissioners led a technical conference regarding co-locating large loads at generating facilities.
On Tuesday, December 17th, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued a final rule reclassifying several ozone nonattainment areas as “Serious » nonattainment for the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standard.
In 2023, the Texas State Legislature approved Senate Bill 1397 and House Bill 1505, which require that “A person who holds a temporary permit or permit with an indefinite term shall report to the commission annually whether the activity subject to the permit is ongoing” and that the person “shall first report to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality the status of the permitted activity not later than December 31, 2024”. The Texas Water Code has been amended to include this requirement in Sec. 5.587.
On November 1, 2024, FERC Commissioners led a technical conference regarding co-locating large loads at generating facilities.
Over 70% of the power grid is more than 25 years old, and much has changed in the last quarter of a century. From increasing demands on existing infrastructure to a renewed focus on moving away from fossil fuels, the grid must achieve unprecedented goals. However, today’s grid cannot meet growing energy needs or complex challenges brought on by a shift to renewable energy sources. A modern grid design is the only way to reinvigorate existing infrastructure and assets to cope with challenges ranging from climate anomalies to cybercrime. Grid modernization blends advanced technologies with a sustainable strategy to make the electric grid more reliable, resilient, secure and affordable. An Introduction to Grid Modernization In simple terms, electric grid modernization is the process of upgrading the grid and integrating new technology to make it more efficient and resilient. It requires several significant changes, including incorporating new energy generation and storage forms, installing smart technologies and upgrading or extending the existing infrastructure. Today’s electric grid is one of the most complex machines in the world. Yet, objectives have evolved in the face of climate change. Grid modernization paves the way for a complete energy transition — eliminating reliance on fossil fuels to produce energy. The power industry has changed considerably, from generation to transmission and distribution. An effective grid modernization strategy allows the grid to keep up with these changes. Increasingly complex energy challenges combined with the grid’s age make providing consistent and continuous energy more challenging. In short, the current grid alone cannot support the energy transition. More consumers are turning to renewable energy sources and distributed energy resources (DERs) to ensure a reliable, separate power source. Integrating these advancements into the existing grid can make it capable of supporting and maintaining a complete energy transition. Power Grid Modernization and Its Critical Importance Power outages have become more frequent across the United States as the grid struggles to cope with evolving power requirements and increasingly severe weather events. Modernizing the grid to align with smart technology makes it more reliable and resilient. Blending the latest technologies and equipment with digital controls that integrate and communicate can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of power outages and the impact of inclement weather. In addition, grid modernization supports faster service return when outages occur. Smart grid technology also gives consumers easy access to their energy data, empowering them to manage their consumption and costs. The process also benefits utilities, and 60% of leaders and investors in the energy sector identify the need to monitor, control and protect grid conditions as a primary driver for global grid modernization. It provides improved security and load management, lowers costs and facilitates the integration of renewables. Many existing grid modernization projects are already meeting 21st-century energy needs. In the U.S., the modern grid will incorporate innovative technologies like microgrids and smart grid technologies to boost grid flexibility and agility, meeting today’s needs. Renewable energy sources could provide 90% of the reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In line with global net-zero goals, integrating renewables like wind, solar and hydrogen power into the grid is a top priority. Grid modernization aims to address many of today’s energy challenges, optimize grid operations, enhance reliability and support frictionless integration of renewable technologies. The Crucial Role of Technology in Grid Transformation Digital transformation profoundly impacts the energy sector, providing benefits like improved efficiency, cost reduction and elevated consumer experience. Implementing grid modernization technology is the only way to boost grid reliability, resiliency and power quality. Several groundbreaking technologies have emerged as many utilities, organizations and communities collaborate around grid modernization. Leveraging Smart Grid Technologies The smart grid is the heart of the grid modernization effort. It enables real-time monitoring through advanced sensing, communications and control capabilities, optimizing the energy system to meet modern demands. Instead of the one-way flow of communication in the traditional grid, the smart grid leverages digital technology that allows for two-way communication between consumers and utilities. Smart meters, distribution automation and intelligent grid management systems empower utilities to monitor energy consumption. They can detect faults in real time and manage demand. When all the smart grid elements work together, it ultimately results in improved reliability and resilience in times of crisis. Integrating Renewable Energy Sources Renewable energy sources are an integral part of the modern grid. Solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, hydrogen power and hydropower systems have experienced massive growth as industries aim to minimize emissions. Innovative technology allows the integration of renewable technologies and smart grids, offering abundant clean energy alternatives alongside efficient energy management, distribution and consumption. Climate variability and weather unpredictability are significant challenges in transitioning to renewables. The energy demand is inconsistent, and people use energy in peaks and valleys. Grid modernization facilitates the transition to renewables, counteracting source variability with innovations like advanced forecasting and demand response programs. These technologies reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector while enhancing grid flexibility and reliability. Incorporating Energy Storage Systems Energy storage systems like DERs remove much unpredictability in renewable energy integration. DERs integration, including small-scale clean energy installations like photovoltaic panels and energy storage, enhances energy efficiency and resilience while supporting the decarbonization of the energy sector. DER technology can transform energy systems, decentralizing the energy market and reducing pressure on the grid. While often provided as standalone solutions, the value of DERs compounds when integrated into smart grids. Modernization includes adapting the grid to integrate and optimize power from DERs. Once integrated, DERs need extensive monitoring and control via an advanced distribution management system to detect and mitigate faults before they become outages. Distributed energy resource management systems can solve many modern grid resiliency challenges. Modernizing With the Cloud Grid modernization requires complete visibility. A modern grid requires transparent communication across all components. The cloud is critical in achieving grid modernization objectives, including resilience, flexibility and affordability. Cloud services and solutions are designed to provide extreme redundancy and availability while optimizing cost and performance. Agility is another critical grid modernization goal. The grid must meet growing customer demands, maintain compliance with evolving regulations and respond to unforeseen events. The cloud can facilitate rapid system positioning and help utilities stay agile despite shifting operating conditions.
L’industrie de l’énergie est au milieu d’une transformation importante entraînée par les progrès technologiques, les préoccupations environnementales, l’évolution de la dynamique du marché et la demande sans précédent de nouvelles énergies. Alors que le secteur subit un changement fondamental dans la façon dont l’énergie est produite, consommée et gérée, les services publics doivent s’adapter aux défis multiformes et forger de nouvelles voies de croissance – non seulement pour leurs propres opérations, mais aussi pour les clients et les communautés qu’ils servent. Comprendre les mégatendances clés qui façonnent le paysage énergétique aujourd’hui peut aider les services publics à prospérer en ces temps de transition et de flux.
La cartographie mobile moderne améliore la précision des données et la mobilité sur le terrain pour les services publics avant, pendant et après les événements
Cette mise à jour fournit des détails du rapport du personnel de la FERC 2024 sur les audits CIP, afin que les services publics puissent améliorer la conformité et réduire les risques pour la sécurité.
Garanzuay Consulting fournit une base en Irlande pour poursuivre la croissance et l’expansion de TRC en Europe à l’appui de la transition énergétique pour tous les participants au marché de l’énergie.
La combinaison de systèmes d’entreprise et de solutions géospatiales apporte des données et des analyses de haute qualité aux inspections, à la maintenance et à la construction.
La North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) a récemment publié son rapport sur l’état de fiabilité 2024, examinant le rendement du réseau électrique au cours de l’année civile 2023.
Comprendre la résilience du réseau électrique. Pérenniser vos opérations avec les sociétés TRC, en utilisant la technologie et l’expertise pour renforcer la résilience du réseau aujourd’hui.
Les cotes d’installation jouent un rôle essentiel dans la planification et l’exploitation fiables du système électrique en vrac (BES) et pourtant, le maintien de la conformité aux normes NERC pertinentes reste un défi de l’industrie.
À la suite de sa discussion sur l’efficacité énergétique, Duane Baldwin, vice-président de l’énergie avancée de TRC, partage maintenant ses idées professionnelles et son engagement personnel envers l’équité énergétique.
Renseignez-vous sur les récentes perturbations géomagnétiques qui ont amené les intervenants du réseau électrique en vrac à réagir rapidement pour protéger la fiabilité du réseau. Découvrez les impacts et ce que la NERC et l’industrie font à ce sujet.
WINDSOR, Connecticut (16 juillet 2024)—En décembre 2023, Locana a annoncé son acquisition par TRC, un chef de file mondial fournissant des solutions axées sur l’environnement et alimentées par le numérique.
L’utilisation conjointe n’a jamais été aussi importante qu’aujourd’hui. Alors que la demande d’infrastructures de télécommunications monte en flèche, les gouvernements investissent beaucoup dans des initiatives comme le Programme de déploiement de l’accès à l’équité à large bande (BEAD) de 42,5 milliards de dollars et le Fonds d’opportunités numériques rurales (RDOF) de 20,4 milliards de dollars.
Alors que les services publics travaillent souvent dans des silos techniques, les auditeurs NERC sont formés pour vérifier les preuves de conformité et les données entre les normes interdépendantes.
Cet article a été rédigé à l’origine par Locana, qui fait maintenant partie de TRC. Remplacez le papier et le crayon par des outils géospatiaux pour transformer les processus sur le terrain.
Dans le cadre des efforts continus de la NERC pour renforcer les exigences en matière de protection des infrastructures essentielles (CIP) et permettre la mise en œuvre d’un concept d’amélioration de la sécurité connu sous le nom de virtualisation.
Dans le paysage énergétique en évolution active, les services publics sont aux prises avec de nombreux défis liés à la main-d’œuvre liés à la transition en cours vers une énergie plus propre et la modernisation des réseaux électriques. À mesure que les employés vétérans prennent leur retraite, il est essentiel de combler le manque de connaissances et de compétences en recrutant et en développant des talents plus jeunes.
Dans le paysage des transports en évolution active, l’électrification des parcs de véhicules est devenue une étape cruciale vers un avenir énergétique durable et propre. L’électrification peut, dans les bonnes applications, aider les flottes à réduire considérablement les émissions, à réduire les coûts d’exploitation totaux à vie et à améliorer la qualité de l’air dans et autour de leurs communautés.
Pour créer de nouvelles voies de perfectionnement de la main-d’œuvre, il faut s’adapter aux besoins changeants d’une nouvelle génération Dans le paysage énergétique en évolution active, les services publics sont aux prises avec de nombreux défis liés à la main-d’œuvre liés à la transition en cours vers une énergie plus propre et la modernisation des réseaux électriques. À mesure que les employés vétérans prennent leur retraite, il est essentiel de combler le manque de connaissances et de compétences en recrutant et en développant des talents plus jeunes. Bien que l’éducation et la technologie jouent un rôle crucial, l’adaptation des comportements et de la culture en milieu de travail pour répondre aux préférences et aux attentes des diverses générations est tout aussi vitale. La croissance d’une main-d’œuvre forte et multigénérationnelle a ses défis, mais il existe de nombreuses opportunités à venir pour s’assurer que les professionnels des services publics d’aujourd’hui peuvent soutenir un système électrique résilient capable de répondre aux demandes de l’industrie de demain. Contactez-nous
La NERC a soumis à l’approbation de la FERC de nouveaux critères de conformité pour l’enregistrement des RCI dans le cadre des efforts continus visant à réduire les risques de fiabilité. Il est essentiel que les développeurs d’énergie renouvelable, les propriétaires de production et les propriétaires de réseaux de transport comprennent les implications potentielles pour les études d’interconnexion et les files d’attente d’interconnexion.
Ce blog explore les idées fausses courantes entourant la migration vers le cloud dans le secteur des services publics, abordant les préoccupations relatives à la sécurité, à la fiabilité, à la conformité réglementaire, à la rentabilité et à la complexité, tout en soulignant les avantages substantiels et les stratégies pour une adoption réussie.
On aurait du mal à trouver un sujet plus saillant à l’intérieur (et à l’extérieur) de l’industrie des services publics que l’intelligence artificielle (IA).
Les solutions géospatiales modernes connectent les systèmes et améliorent la capacité d’exploiter les données à une échelle, une vitesse et une précision supérieures.
Miki Deric a rejoint TRC pour accélérer la croissance et l’expansion de TRC à travers l’Europe.
Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) enable a utility to monitor, control and optimize a variety of types of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).
La NERC a soumis des propositions de révision à la norme EOP-012-2 – Norme de préparation et d’exploitation par temps extrêmement froid, aux fins d’approbation par la FERC sur une base accélérée. Les révisions proposées tiennent compte des recommandations clés restantes du rapport d’enquête conjoint de la FERC et de la NERC sur la tempête hivernale Uri et des directives découlant d’un arrêté de la FERC de 2023 concernant les normes de temps froid soumises précédemment.
La mise à jour du FAC-003-5 apporte des changements radicaux aux classifications de transmission à compter du 1er avril
Chaque service public enregistré auprès de la NERC doit s’efforcer de se conformer en permanence à son portefeuille de normes de fiabilité NERC applicables
TRC permet de passer à des réseaux intelligents qui créent de nouvelles voies pour que le monde prospère
Comment les solutions de réseau intelligent de TRC peuvent aider les services publics à relever avec succès les défis complexes de la transition énergétique
Comment la CVR s’adapte pour fournir des résolutions uniques pour la transition énergétique
L’utilisation conjointe a des défis qui peuvent être résolus avec une gestion appropriée. Découvrez comment nos services de gestion peuvent vous aider à rester au courant de vos contrats d’utilisation conjointe.
Les microréseaux peuvent vous aider à rester opérationnel dans les conditions les plus critiques. Découvrez comment nos services peuvent vous aider à tirer parti des systèmes de microréseaux.
La technologie de l’IA peut changer la façon dont vous utilisez les données au profit de votre entreprise de services publics. Découvrez comment les entreprises TRC peuvent vous aider à tirer parti de la technologie de l’IA et de ses avantages.
La gestion de la végétation évolue afin de réduire le risque de dommages à l’infrastructure des services publics. Découvrez comment nos services de gestion de la végétation peuvent vous aider.
La conservation de l’eau est essentielle pour réduire la consommation globale d’énergie et l’impact environnemental. Découvrez comment nos services peuvent vous aider à gérer votre conservation de l’eau.
La NERC a soumis son plan d’élaboration de normes de fiabilité 2024-2026 à la Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), décrivant ses priorités actuelles et ses futurs plans d’élaboration de normes pour protéger la fiabilité du réseau électrique en vrac au cours des trois prochaines années.
Suivez les données et les logiciels avec l’évolutivité, la vitesse et la sécurité que vous souhaitez.
Les entreprises peuvent convertir des quantités massives d’images brutes en données utilisables qui alimentent plusieurs systèmes d’entreprise.
Les ressources basées sur les onduleurs jouent un rôle central lorsqu’il s’agit d’ajouter une nouvelle capacité de production d’électricité dans le système d’alimentation en vrac.
Locana, un leader international de la technologie spatiale, a reçu le prix de la gestion de réseau moderne lors de la conférence Esri Infrastructure Management and GIS (IMGIS) 2023 qui s’est tenue à Palm Springs, en Californie, du 10 au 12 octobre 2023.
La cartographie mobile moderne offre une approche d’entreprise qui réduit la complexité et les risques.
La transition du travail sur le terrain des services publics à la gestion peut être une décision gratifiante, mais elle peut également être écrasante.
Les solutions basées sur la localisation fournissent une grande valeur commerciale à vos données et applications opérationnelles.
Learn how to deploy faster and more efficiently using in-built SAP HANA platform capabilities.
Locana, an international leader in spatial technology, received Esri’s ArcGIS Cloud Services Specialty, which designates Locana as an expert in deploying and managing ArcGIS in cloud environments such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
As technology advances and cybersecurity threats loom, companies must prioritize communications retrofits and upgrades to ensure reliability, availability and business continuity.
Heat pump technology is still evolving and real challenges exist to widespread market adoption.
Expert Discussions and Key Takeaways Focus on Physical Security
As the urgency to decarbonize and build resiliency grows, renewable energy continues to be a pivotal solution for reshaping the future of power in the U.S. From solar to wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass, each renewable resource has its sweet spot for efficient development, deployment and optimal performance. And while they all have their own pros and cons, it is imperative that we leverage them all into the energy mix to achieve decarbonization goals and ensure adequate capacity to meet increasing load demands.
As renewable energy proliferates across the US power system, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) continues to actively address reliability risks resulting from the implementation of inverter-based resources (solar and wind generation technology) connected at both transmission and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) levels.
The rapid growth of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) on the power grid brings many opportunities and challenges to energy utilities.
Electric vehicle use is on the rise, and cities need to prepare. Discover how the power grid can accommodate growing transportation electrification trends.
Leveraging new tools and technologies such as mixed and virtual reality (MR/VR) to develop a new generation of skilled engineers and technicians to maintain the reliability and resiliency of the future grid.
TRC has submitted public comments related to EPA’s proposed compliance timeline and schedule.
FERC issued a Final Rule directing NERC to develop a new or modified reliability standard addressing transmission system planning performance requirements for extreme heat or cold weather events.
The impact of adapting behavioral and cultural norms to focus on the principles of human performance cannot be underestimated in building the power workforce of the future.
According to the Edison Foundation’s Institute for Electric Innovation, over 124 million smart meters were expected to be installed in 78 percent of US households by the end of 2022.
Multi-year telecommunication projects need to be efficient, cost-effective and meet the current and future needs of network end-users in order to be successful.
EPA recently clarified requirements for LNAPL recovery and remediation.
The role of field service management continues to dominate the world economy, as the market grows at an exponential rate. The market was estimated at 3.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach 5.7 billion by the end of 2026.
On behalf of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), its President and CEO Jim Robb, recently presented to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) a summary of NERC’s report on the effectiveness of NERC’s CIP-014 Physical Security Standard. There were almost 1,700 physical security incidents reported to the Electricity-Information Security Analysis Center (E-ISAC) in 2022, an increase of 10.5% from 2021.
Explore the pillars of project controls software—People, Processes, and Products—and what elevates projects from mediocre to outstanding.
How outsourcing this critical project phase can save money, minimize risk and improve outcomes.
As renewable energy development booms, and distributed energy resources (DERs) proliferate across the grid, the demand for a more efficient and timely interconnection process is at an all-time high. To meet regulatory deadlines and satisfy the needs of both developers and customers, utilities must tackle an increasingly complex array of system impact studies, analyses and reports, under ever shrinking timelines.
Gain insight on several key points when strategizing and integrating two crucial systems successfully
As extreme weather events increase and installation costs decrease, moving to underground distribution systems is becoming a popular way to prevent power outages.
FERC directed NERC to develop Reliability Standards to implement INSM within trusted CIP environments.
TRC Companies announces its role as a consultant in supporting the new transmission project by LS Power Grid Maine.
NERC and TRE release the Odessa II Power System Disturbance Report
How we can advance utility industry recruiting and training solutions, together
Decarbonization of the U.S. building stock presents an enormous opportunity to enhance the quality of our built environment and combat climate change, given that commercial and residential buildings account for over 30% of GHG emissions in the U.S. This critical transition – long underway – has recently been catalyzed by the enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which promise to bolster the entire clean energy supply chain, including support for the development and enforcement of building energy codes, as well as the introduction of new consumer incentive programs for electric and high-efficiency equipment. As energy utilities and governmental agencies accelerate energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives for the communities they serve, they are successfully leveraging two important tool sets: 1) Building efficiency and electrification incentive programs 2) Building energy codes, reach codes and appliance standards. Respectively, these are the carrots and sticks of market transformation toward building decarbonization. Presently, governmental initiatives and organizational commitments to decarbonization are motivating industry practitioners to apply these toolsets more aggressively, to accelerate this transition; as a result, the legacy market interactions between these carrots and sticks are increasingly complex and at times, contested. However, our teams and partners who expertly apply both toolsets – designing and implementing incentive programs and supporting local jurisdictions in advancing their energy codes – believe that they can work together. Contact Us
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently proposed actions to keep the regulatory process and requirements ahead of reliability risks resulting from the accelerated deployment of Inverter Based Resources (IBR) based solar, wind and battery storage projects.
NERC report on best practices for utilities that have encountered facility ratings program challenges.
Steps to improve physical security at substations, chemical plants, pipelines, data centers, hospitals and other critical infrastructure
Follow these preliminary steps for long-term grid modernization project success
Facilities dealing with hazardous materials must prepare for extreme weather events that pose a risk to their operations and the community.
The rulemaking addresses improvements needed to reliably facilitate the power industry’s transition to renewable and distributed generating resources utilizing inverter-based technologies.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released an Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Strategy, which details the steps needed to successfully integrate IBR facilities into the planning and operation of the power system. The strategy was put in place due to the rapid interconnection of IBR systems, which are extensively used for solar and wind generating facilities, including new battery-based energy storage systems and are one of the most significant drivers of power grid transformation. Because of control system inconsistencies, IBR facilities pose well-documented risks to power system reliability when this strategy’s practices are not adhered to. NERC’s plan calls attention to the need for thoughtful integration of IBRs and identifies current and future work required to mitigate reliability risks resulting from the deployment of this technology.
Utilities are transforming the way they approach vegetation management programs, thanks to new advancements in technology.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released its 2022 State of Reliability report, which examines power system performance in calendar year 2021 and evaluates reliability performance trends. The 2022 report identified six key findings regarding power system performance that are summarized as follows:
Produced and hosted by the staff of TRC’s Advanced Energy practice, the podcasts are a forum for current trends in the energy industry.
NERC has proposed implementation guidance for PRC-019-2, the standard that verifies coordination of generating unit facility or synchronous condenser voltage regulating controls, limit functions, equipment capabilities and protection system settings.
Reliability Standards FAC-001-4 and FAC-002-will resolve uncertainty regarding the meaning of “materially modify” under the currently effective standards.
Updated Order will have significant impact on NERC compliance programs related to both PRC standards and facilities ratings. Utilities should review the Order’s requirements and prepare for changes needed to remain compliant.
Locana, a global leader in technology consulting and geospatial systems development, today announced the successful deployment of its LemurSM Solution by Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.).
Changes to PRC-024-3 in support of inverter-based generation performance are going into effect in October of this year. Interconnection programs and documentation procedures may need to be updated in order to maintain compliance.
View our webinar replay of our IIJA funding initiatives webinar with Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office – US Department of Energy.
There are significant technical challenges involved in implementing Dynamic Line Ratings in the planning and operation of utility systems. Utilities should be prepared to modify their NERC compliance programs as necessary to address the potential introduction of DLR in their businesses.
Modernizing utility equipment, standards and processes pays dividends for improved safety, security and reliability. But transitioning to a new high-tech system model can be challenging.
NERC has issued a new report highlighting the key attributes of various inverter controls to support proper implementation and to protect reliability.
Find out how reach code initiatives are driving decarbonization with TRC. Our team offers decarbonization consulting and solutions. Turn To The Experts at TRC!
In a recently released reliability guideline, NERC recommends additional approaches for Underfrequency Load Shedding (UFLS) program design to help utilities effectively consider the effects of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). The guidance was developed to address the accelerated transition of the power system to locally installed, decarbonized resources that depend on inverters. These new technologies introduce operational controls issues into the electric grid. UFLS data gathering and analysis methodologies may require modification to address reliability risks.
La FERC a publié le projet d’émission O. 2222 pour permettre aux ressources énergétiques distribuées (DER) de mieux participer aux côtés des ressources traditionnelles dans les marchés de gros régionaux et organisés.
Between 18 and 36 percent of reported utility misoperations were attributed to issues that could have been detected through a properly implemented PSC.
The in-depth report outlines twenty-eight recommendations to address freeze reliability failures, including operating practices and recommendations for NERC standards modifications surrounding generator winterization and gas-electric coordination.
At its November 2021 meeting, NERC’s Board of Trustees took aggressive action to advance critical cold weather Reliability Standards. Most notably, the group approved the 2022-2024 Reliability Standards Development Plan, which prioritizes standards projects for the coming years including a resolution to include new cold weather operations, preparedness and coordination standards as high priority development projects.
The utility industry is under tremendous transformation, and more companies are working toward a clean energy future.
Protecting our critical energy infrastructure from physical security threats is certainly not a game, but the process can take some important lessons from the game of chess.
With a focus on the reliability impact of extreme weather and the shortcomings of current system planning approaches, both NERC and FERC conference participants opened the door to potential forthcoming compliance standard enhancements or changes.
While NERC has analyzed multiple similar events in California, this is the first disturbance involving a widespread reduction of PV resource power output observed in the Texas Interconnection.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) formally announced TRC as the designated lead Program Implementer for the Statewide New Construction (SWNC) Residential All-Electric and Mixed Fuel Programs following a competitive solicitation process.
Snohomish PUD selected TRC to implement, integrate and deliver their meter data management system (MDMS) on the Siemens EnergyIP® platform as a part of the utility’s Connect Up program.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved changes to three mandatory NERC Reliability Standards that aim to better prepare the North American power system to withstand extreme cold weather events.
ERCOT’s recently released “Roadmap to Improving Grid Reliability” presents a plan for change in Texas that includes increasing electric power generation and purchasing significantly more power reserves.
With 2020 right around the corner, there are many new NERC standards and standards requirements set to go into effect in the areas of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Transmission Operations and Planning.
As part of its grid enhancement program, OG&E will leverage collaborative AI-powered image recognition technology that enables engineers to complete distribution pole inspections with greater accuracy and helps to reduce manual review of images.
Many utilities face challenges that can make IT/OT convergence difficult, including security concerns, technology issues and cooperation within the organization.
With increases in data accumulation and advances in technology, IT and OT are now converging.
Opposites attract, and information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) are no exception. At one end of the digital grid sits IT as a business application, while OT exists at the other end of the digital grid as an asset-oriented application. For decades, IT and OT have been operating separately and are often physically isolated.
The future of electric utilities depends on IT/OT convergence to ensure reliability and resiliency.
A successful IT/OT convergence strategy involves identifying desired outcomes, managing the fragmentation of OT solutions, and developing common key performance indicators (KPIs) for both IT and OT teams. This approach helps in optimizing resources, driving effective collaboration, and ensuring a smooth transition towards a unified IT/OT environment.
Transitioning to renewable energy requires examining its economic impacts.
Two recent actions will change the current system planning, investment needs and operating procedures for electric utilities. New infrastructure investments and more robust compliance programs will be needed.
In today’s dynamic power delivery world, utilities are increasingly focused on electrical distribution systems and reliability.
Today, TRC announced the expansion of its digital capabilities with the acquisition of Quatric, a Montreal, QC and Quincy, MA-based firm that provides engineering services and technology solutions to electric and gas utilities.
FAC-008 is one of the most data-intensive standards in the NERC regulatory framework. Compliance has been difficult for many utilities. Recently, FERC made public it’s intent to address serious allegations of facility ratings violations, including a lack of rigor by one utility.
In preparing for Utility Network Migration, taking an intermediate approach will allow you to resolve some key points. Utility Network Migration will run smoother if you build a “sandbox environment” and begin to 1) prioritize features 2) explore licensing options and 3) practice moving data.
While ArcGIS on HANA implementation patterns are emerging rapidly, we continue to hear 5 persistent questions about how implementing ArcGIS on HANA would benefit an organization. Let’s walk through these 5 questions, I’ll show you how we help you get started with ArcGIS on HANA. Then you may realize the benefits this solution promises.
NERC’s CIP-008 standard aims to mitigate reliability risks resulting from a Cyber Security Incident by specifying incident response requirements. Newly proposed revisions would augment mandatory reporting to include incidents that compromise, or attempt to compromise, a utility’s Electronic Security Perimeter (ESP) or associated Electronic Access Control or Monitoring Systems (EACMS).
The latest weather impacts to power reliability have accelerated the need for mandatory regulatory compliance changes.
Today TRC Companies (« TRC”), announces the expansion of its advanced energy capabilities with the acquisition of EMI Consulting (“EMI”), a Seattle based firm that consults on the strategic development of clean energy solutions including energy efficiency, demand management, decarbonization and customer engagement.
In its 2020 Report on CIP Reliability Audits, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission found that most of the cybersecurity protection processes and procedures adopted by utilities met the mandatory CIP requirements for protecting the Bulk Electric System. However, there are areas for improvement.
LineHub™ brings PLS-CADDTM model data together with enterprise GIS, SAP and other data systems from across the utility, providing a digital story of the entire grid infrastructure.
Dominion Energy, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, has partnered with TRC Digital to evaluate, implement and integrate technology to further the utility’s distributed energy goals. TRC Digital will facilitate Dominion Energy’s strategy development and technology execution, allowing Dominion Energy and its customers to accelerate the shift to distributed energy resources (DER) and net carbon reduction.
The Report identifies areas of ongoing concern including generation reserve margins and the reliability risk from shifting the resource mix toward renewables.
Together, TRC and Reactive combine TRC’s industry-leading power engineering expertise with Reactive’s machine learning software to provide utility teams with high-resolution frequency monitoring and automatic event analysis.
LineHub™ est une solution révolutionnaire qui rassemble des données provenant de l’ensemble d’un service public, offrant une vue globale de l’ensemble du réseau.
Myszka brings over 30 years of innovation, market development and operations experience to TRC.
On July 10, 2020 NERC released new Lessons Learned guidance to address situations where multiple composite protection systems have misoperated as a result of mixing protective relay technologies at the remote terminals of directional comparison blocking (DCB) schemes. This technical information will help utilities improve the reliability of the Bulk Power System.
On July 9, 2020 NERC standard PRC-024-3 was approved, paving the way for improved protection systems in support of keeping generating resources connected during defined frequency and voltage excursions.
FERC has released a notice of inquiry seeking comments on potential enhancements to NERC’s Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards.
As part of TRC’s LineHub solution, Treverity helps transmission engineers get a holistic view of the grid through powerful digital data visualization and a customer-centric user interface.
With the rise of smart meters, sensors, solar panels, EVs and battery storage, utilities are tasked with managing a bidirectional grid – not just the power, but also the data.
For the traditional electric utility business model, microgrids could be perceived as a financial threat. But we see many ways microgrids can be both moneymakers and cost-savers for utilities.
EE as a Resource programs that provide capacity and energy savings to the grid must be dependable and persistent to replace essential power plant capacity.
As we look to spur strategic electrification across the US, it will be up energy providers and solution implementers to continue sharing ideas, insights and lessons learned
NERC’s 2019 ERO Reliability Risk Priorities Report identified and prioritized the major risks facing the utility industry with a particular focus on security issues.
Au cours de la dernière décennie, les services publics ont adopté l’intégration informatique / OT – mais n’ont fait qu’effleurer la surface de ce qui peut être réalisé.
TRC is partnering with Opus One Solutions to help utilities to seamlessly plan, build and manage the grid of tomorrow.
TRC’s new Testing and Commissioning Center is home to the TRC Power Academy, an intensive educational program that provides hands-on training for engineers and technicians.
LOWELL, Mass. – TRC, a leading provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions fueled by innovative technology, announced today it has acquired IJUS, a top power/utility engineering firm based in Gahanna, Ohio. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This month, NERC released the first draft of its 2019 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Plan (CMEP) which identifies power delivery system risks and outlines compliance audit requirements for next year. The risk elements outlined in the plan include significant differences from previous years, as shown in the table below. Each NERC region must consider these risks as they develop their monitoring and audit scopes for utilities. Utilities should be prepared to be audited and implement any necessary compliance initiatives in these areas.
The approval of NERC Standard PRC-005-2 extends protection system maintenance obligations to Generators and crates one comprehensive standard establishing minimum maintenance activities and maximum time intervals for protection systems and load shedding equipment affecting the bulk electric system.
TRC Companies has acquired Georgia-based Utility Support Systems, Inc. , a professional engineering company primarily supporting the power/utility market.