Scada system aids remote communications

Flathead Electric recently completed a major upgrade to the supervisory control and data acquisition system that allows remote communication with Co-op substations.

Flathead Electric recently completed a major upgrade to the supervisory control and data acquisition system that allows remote communication with Co-op substations.

Dispatchers at Co-op headquarters can monitor the electrical system, which is mapped on computer software.

They can communicate with the substations and diagnose problems.

"The system allows us to see at an instant what's going on in the field", said Brian Plunkett, System Protection Engineer for the Co-op.

"It allows us to be proactive rather than reactive".

"We're alerted to the potential problems before we start getting phone calls".

Fourteen of the Co-op's 26 substations are linked to the Scada system, which was first instituted in 1999, and more substations are being added each year.

Two proposed new substations serving the Lakeside and North Kalispell areas will go on line sometime in 2005, and both will be connected to Scada.

Plunkett said the Scada links strengthen Flathead Electric's system and improves reliability to members.

Dispatchers can operate system equipment from headquarters, saving crew time and shortening the length of an outage.

"It's a tool to help us monitor and maintain the system", Plunkett said.

"Basically, we have immediate feedback on major system disturbances".

"This allows for quicker outage response".

"We've got people dispatched almost before members even know they're out of power".

Back to top