IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER SYSTEMS, VOL. 19, NO.
1, FEBRUARY 2004
What Future Distribution Engineers Need to Learn
S. S. Venkata, Fellow, IEEE, Anil Pahwa, Fellow, IEEE, Richard E. Brown, Senior Member, IEEE, and
Richard D. Christie, Member, IEEE
Abstract—It is getting increasingly clear that electric distribu-
tion systems are undergoing rapid changes due to deregulation, the
penetration of distributed generation and power electronics tech-
nologies, and the adoption of efficient computation, communica-
tions, and control mechanisms. The primary goal of this paper is
to recommend the development of a new two-course sequence to
reflect the radical changes occurring or expected to happen in the
future.
Index Terms—Deregulation, distribution systems, engineering
curriculum.
I. INTRODUCTION
T HE authors propose a two-course sequence at the senior
elective/graduate level that they consider critical for the
success of future distribution engineers. The need for such a
sequence is clear due to several exciting changes that have been
occurring and continue to do so in the electric power industry.
The need also arises because the subject of distribution systems
is getting more complex and did not receive adequate attention
in the past. Presently, very few universities teach even a single
course on this topic around the world. As a matter of fact, power
engineering education curriculum is at a crossroads and needs
complete rejuvenation. The readers are encouraged to read the
article by Heydt and Vittal entitled “Feeding Our Profession”
in the premier 2003 issue Electric Power and Energy Magazine
[1].
The present state and future trends are addressed in Section II
which, in essence, establishes the motivation for developing this
paper. The new technologies for the future are covered in Sec-
tion III. These technologies represent the beginning of new and
exciting changes that will make future distribution systems more
complex. The challenges and the curriculum issues in designing
the sequence are summarized in Section IV. Some of the peda-
gogical challenges for designing and delivering the two courses
are outlined in Section V. Section VI lists the authors’ view of
the outline and syllabus for the two courses. The topics recom-
mended are by no means complete and comprehensive. Finally,
the summary concludes the paper.
Manuscript received July 7, 2003.
S. S. (Mani) Venkata is with Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011–3060
USA (e-mail: venkata@iastate.edu).
A. Pahwa is with Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66503 USA
(e-mail: pahwa@ksu.edu).
R. E. Brown is with the KEMA Consulting, Raleigh, NC 27607 (e-mail: re-
brown@kema.us).
R. D. Christie is with the University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2500
USA (e-mail: christie@ee.washington.edu).
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/TPWRS.2003.821017
0885-8950/04$20.00 © 2004 IEEE
17
II. PRESENT STATE AND FUTURE TRENDS
Distribution systems are changing from nearly every stake
holder’s perspective, including customer’s, the regulator’s, the
planner’s, the engineer’s, the operator’s, and the financier’s. Al-
though it is beyond the scope of this paper to address each of
these issues in detail, the following sections describe the major
factors related to the present state and the future of distribution
systems.
A. Uncertainties About Industry Restructuring
The electric utility structure is moving away from vertical
integration to an unbundled model of generation companies
(GENCOs), transmission companies (TRANSCOs), distribu-
tion companies (DISCOs), and energy service providers (ESPs)
or energy service companies (ESCOs). In the past, all distribu-
tion-related functions could be transparently coordinated along
the complete supply chain. In the future, many distribution
companies will manage third-party contracts by delivering bulk
power from GENCOs and TRANSCOs to meters owned by
ESCOs.
As the same time, many state regulatory commissions are
considering the viability of retail wheeling (small generators
connected to the distribution system selling electricity directly
to customers). In addition to planning, operating, and remunera-
tion difficulties, retail wheeling asks distribution systems to per-
form functions for which they were not designed.
B. Increased Regulatory Oversight
In the U.S., distribution systems are subject to state jurisdic-
tion. Statutes and approaches vary widely, but there is a general
trend toward increased oversight. In addition, recent merger ac-
tivity has resulted in a majority of investor-owned electric utility
holding companies having to deal with multiple state commis-
sions. Fig. 1 shows that a majority of utility holding companies
still only sell retail electricity in one state. However, many util-
ities are active in two or more states and these tend to be much
larger than single-state utilities.
Ironically, increased oversight is partially due to rate freezes.
Although rate freezes result in less regulatory activity, they
can lead to under-investment and performance degradation.
As such, many commissions are freezing rates but are placing
heavy reporting requirements on distribution system perfor-
mance and may even assess penalties for not meeting targets.
Presently, more than half of all states have reliability reporting
requirements and more than a dozen have penalties for exces-
sively poor reliability [2].
18
160
140
# of Holding Companies
120
100
80
60
40
20
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of States with Retail Sales
Fig. 1. States served by electric utility holding companies.
C. Increased Equipment Loading
Short-term financial pressures have led most utilities toward
increased levels of “asset utilization.” Although high equipment
loading is well understood from the perspective of thermal aging
and conductor sag, it is less understood in other ways.
With everything else equal, high loading increases failure
probability. Detailed failure rate models do not exist, but the
probability of second-order failures increases with the square
of failure rate, the probability of third-order failures increases
with the cube of failure rate, and so forth. Coupled with reduced
reconfiguration flexibility due to capacity constraints, extreme
loading often results in systems that are much more vulnerable
to major events than the same system during moderate loading.
Reliability aside, thermal aging of organic insulation in-
creases exponentially with temperature. This does not only
substantially impact the useful life of moderately loaded
equipment, but becomes a financial concern when systematic
increases in equipment loading begin to materially reduce
useful life.
D. Aging Infrastructure
Before the 1970s, electricity usage grew at an annual rate of
approximately 7%. Without considering failures, this implied
that 14% of equipment would have been older than 30 years
and 0.5% would have been exceeding 50 years. For the last 30
years, growth has been lower at approximately 2.5%, resulting
in minimal procurement need for new equipment. This implies
currently 49% of existing equipment is older than 30 years and
8% older than 50 years.
Aging infrastructure is a major problem due to growth rate
alone, is exacerbated by higher equipment loadings and less ag-
gressive replacement programs, and has been recognized by the
Department of Energy and one of the major issues facing elec-
tric utilities [3].
E. Increasing Demand for Power Quality and Reliability
While utilities are under increasing pressure to reduce cost
and deal with aging infrastructures, many customers are de-
manding higher levels of power quality and reliability. Long in-
terruptions halt production, short interruptions cause computer
systems to crash, and waveform distortions, such as sags, can
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER SYSTEMS, VOL. 19, NO. 1, FEBRUARY 2004
80 cause motor contacts to drop out and electronic controls to mal-
Companies
70 function.
Revenue
To complicate matters, many customers are not willing to pay
60
for increased quality; many see perfect reliability as an entitle-
Revenue ($B)
50 ment, and as an opportunity to ride free on others willing to pay
40 for premium service. Different customers have different needs,
30 and existing distribution systems are not able to differentiate re-
liability accordingly. Reliability is too high for most, too low for
20
some, and just right for few [4].
10
F. Performance-Based Regulation
8 9 10 11 12
In general, performance-based regulation allows utility per-
formance to dictate profitability. This generally takes the form
of a rate freeze, which encourages efficiency by allowing util-
ities to retain cost savings for the duration of the rate freeze.
Since rate freezes often lead to under investment, many regula-
tory commissions combine rate freezes with penalties for poor
performance.
In concept, penalties for poor performance provide an explicit
financial incentive to maintain or improve performance levels.
In practice, penalties are small and indirect factors drive invest-
ment behavior. The regulatory trend, however, is clear. Future
distribution companies might not have guaranteed returns on
their asset base. Asset management and operational efficiency
by these companies might become increasingly critical for sur-
vival, and profits will be increasingly linked to performance
measures such as customer satisfaction and reliability.
III. NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE FUTURE
Restructuring of the power industry, changing expectation of
the customers of the digital age, and advancements in tech-
nology will gradually impact distribution systems. The tech-
nologies that would have the biggest impact are distribution au-
tomation, power electronics, distributed energy resources, and
distribution management systems (DMS), and distribution con-
trol centers (DCCs).
A. Distribution Automation
The concept of distribution automation dates back to the
1970s. The main motivation at that time was to use evolving
computer and communications technology to improve op-
erating performance of distribution systems. Since then, the
growth of distribution automation has been dictated by the
level of sophistication of existing monitoring, control, and
communication technologies, and performance and economic
factors associated with the available equipment. Evolution of
supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems,
which have been in use for monitoring the generation and
transmission systems, has also helped progress in the field
of distribution automation. Although distribution systems are
a significant part of power systems, advances in distribution
control technology have lagged considerably behind advances
in generation and transmission control.
Small pilot projects were implemented by a few utilities to
test the concept in the 1970s. In the 1980s, there were several
major pilot projects. By the 1990s, the technology had matured
VENKATA et al.: WHAT FUTURE DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERS NEED TO LEARN
and that resulted in several large and many small projects at var-
ious utilities. Some people speculated that most of the utilities
would embark on large-scale distribution automation. However,
many utilities found it difficult to justify distribution automation
based on hard cost-benefit numbers. Business uncertainties due
to deregulation and restructuring of the power industry slowed
wide scale implementation of distribution automation. Thus, it
is prudent to re-examine the overall philosophy of distribution
automation. Instead of undertaking mega projects, it is time to
“think small.” In other words, instead of a top-down approach,
it is perhaps better for the utilities to opt for the bottom-up
approach. Moreover, selection of distribution automation func-
tions for implementation should always be need based. Improve-
ments of system reliability and voltage profile on the feeders are
two examples of the needs for utilities. Need-based automation
would be easier to justify and win approval of the management.
Distribution automation also provides many intangible benefits,
which should be given consideration while deciding to imple-
ment distribution automation.
After the deregulation and restructuring issues are settled, dis-
tribution automation activities should increase. Automation al-
lows utilities to implement flexible control of distribution sys-
tems, which can be used to enhance efficiency, reliability, and
quality of electric service. Flexible control also results in more
effective utilization and life-extension of the existing distribu-
tion system infrastructure. Many utilities are contemplating pro-
viding performance-based rates to their customers. They would
be willing to pay compensation to the customers if the perfor-
mance falls below a minimum level. Such actions will allow util-
ities to brace for the upcoming competition from other parties
interested in supplying power to the customers. Although higher
reliability and quality are the goals of the utilities, they would
like to accomplish this while optimizing the resources. Another
goal for a utility should be improvement in system efficiency by
reducing system losses.
The functions that can be automated in distribution systems
can be classified into two categories, namely, monitoring func-
tions and control functions [5]–[7]. Monitoring functions are
those needed to record (1) meter readings at different locations
in the system, (2) the system status at different locations in the
system, and (3) events of abnormal conditions. The data moni-
tored at the system level are not only useful for day-to-day op-
erations but also for system planning. Distribution supervisory
control and data acquisition (DSCADA) systems perform some
of these monitoring functions. The control functions are related
to switching operations, such as switching a capacitor, or recon-
figuring feeders. The function that is the most popular among
the utilities is fault location and service restoration or outage
management. This function directly impacts the customers as
well as the system reliability. Some customer-related functions,
such as remote load control, automated meter reading (AMR),
and remote connect/disconnect may also be considered as distri-
bution automation functions. However, AMR has evolved sig-
nificantly itself as a separate area. In addition, system protection
can also be a part of overall distribution automation schemes.
19
B. Power Electronics Devices
Electric power quality has become an increasingly problem-
atic area in power system distribution systems. Power quality
may be defined as “the measurement, analysis, and improve-
ment of bus voltage, usually a load bus voltage, to maintain that
voltage to be a sinusoid at rated voltage and frequency [8].” Any
deviation due to harmonics, transients, voltage sag, and inter-
ruption results in power-quality problems. A direct correlation
exists between the lack of electric power quality delivered to
the customer and the number of complaints received from the
customer. Although power quality is not a very huge concern
for residential customers, it can have significant impact on the
industrial and the commercial customers. Momentary loss of
power or sag in voltage could reset the manufacturing process or
the computers, resulting in loss of millions of dollars. Similarly,
such events can be disastrous for hospitals. Society will be in-
creasingly more digital in the future. The demands of customers
to receive better quality of service will increase. Even for res-
idential customers, it will not be just the nuisance of resetting
blinking clocks, but several appliances and devices would need
to be reset and require reprogramming.
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has directed
substantial research efforts into the development of advanced
technologies to improve the performance of utility distribution
systems. The technology, called custom power, seeks to inte-
grate modern power electronics-based controllers such as the
solid-state breaker (SSB), the static compensator (STATCOM),
and the dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) with distribution au-
tomation and integrated utility communications to deliver a high
grade of electric power quality to the end user [9]. Although ex-
tremely useful, custom power devices have been used in distri-
bution systems only on a limited basis. Recently, several new
devices have been developed which allow rapid control. Ap-
plication of distribution-level power electronic devices such as
the STATCOM for distribution system control has already been
demonstrated [10]. These devices are continuously controlled
and respond in real time to system changes. Coordination of
a STATCOM with load-tap-changer (LTC) and mechanically-
switched capacitors reduces fluctuations in system voltage, im-
proving the quality of service.
The power electronics devices that control quality of power in
the distribution systems have been used very sparingly mainly
due to cost considerations. Only the very critical loads such as
hospitals and some manufacturing facilities can justify invest-
ment in such devices. The most prevalent power electronics de-
vice is the uninterrupted power supply (UPS), which is very
commonly used for the computer systems. Even for individual
computers, inexpensive UPS are available. As computer tech-
nology penetrates the homes and businesses, the need for in-
expensive devices to provide ride-through capabilities against
momentary interruptions, voltage sags, and other power-quality
problems will increase. It is quite conceivable that the appli-
ances of the future would have a built-in module to provide such
features.
20
C. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
Deregulation of the power industry, advancements in tech-
nology, and a desire of the customers for cheap and reliable
electric power has led to an increased interest in distributed en-
ergy resources. Distributed resources are attractive due to lower
capitol cost, potential for reduced emissions, and possibility
of deferment of transmission upgrades. Unlike bulk power re-
sources, the distributed resources are directly connected to the
distribution system, most often at the customer end. In some
cases, utility-installed distributed resources are located in the
distribution substation.
Wind, solar, microturbine, minihydro, miniturbines, com-
bined heat and power (CHP) sources, super magnetic energy
storage (SMES), and fuel cells are some of the common
technologies available for distributed resources [11]. Cost
associated with these technologies is still reasonably high, and
must be considered along with technical issues such as in-
creased capacity, improved efficiency, and better power quality
and reliability of the systems. Issues related to reliability and
maintenance also have impeded the penetration of distributed
resources. The most common application of distributed re-
sources has been for situations where extremely high reliability
of power supply is needed, especially for businesses with very
critical loads. Businesses such as automated electronics fabri-
cation facilities, manufacturing facilities with computer-based
controls, hospitals, and a data processing center are examples
of such businesses.
Penetration of distributed resources in the residential sector
is far from realization. Poor reliability and steep rise in price of
electricity from the grid coupled with reduction in cost of dis-
tributed resources will be attractive for residential customers.
None of these are forthcoming in the near future in the U.S.
and other developed countries. Distributed resources are a vi-
able alternative for developing countries where grid supply has
reliability below desirable levels. Microturbines have the poten-
tial of being the most popular distributed generation resource
for the industrial sector. However, high penetration of microtur-
bines could put adverse pressure on the natural gas supply net-
work. Due to increased demand, the natural gas market could
become very volatile. Since the utilities are not embarking on
building large generating plants, they could use microturbines
as an opportunity to develop generating resource. As a possible
scenario, they could subsidize the purchase of microturbines by
the customers and provide them maintenance services at a rea-
sonable cost. Also, they can buy the excess energy generated by
the customers.
High penetration (say more than 20%) of distributed genera-
tion will also raise new challenges in the operation of distribu-
tion systems. Currently, most of the distribution systems operate
in the radial configuration, that is, the power flows only in one
direction. Installation of distributed resources will not alter the
topology of the system, but the power will be able to flow in mul-
tiple directions. The biggest impact of this is on the protection
of distribution systems. Present protection schemes are simple
in which fuses are used for protection of laterals and these fuses
are backed by recloser on the main feeder or breaker at the sub-
station. Such simple schemes will not work with distributed re-
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER SYSTEMS, VOL. 19, NO. 1, FEBRUARY 2004
sources. Advanced protection schemes, which can adapt to the
changing distribution system configuration, would be essential.
They will depend on measurement of data at strategic locations
and communication of these data to intelligent relays for protec-
tion of the system. Therefore, protection will become an integral
part of distribution automation. Large numbers of distributed
generation could also lead to stability and frequency control
problems. The problems that were only relevant to transmission
systems will become relevant to distribution systems too. There-
fore, new technologies to operate and manage the micro-grid at
the distribution system will be needed.
Regulatory issues are also significant for the growth of dis-
tributed resources. Presently, regulations on citing and metering
are not very well defined. The issue of metering, which is called
“net metering” is the most important issue. Regulation on net
metering will set rules for buying and selling the power between
the utility and the customers. Setting such rules will be very cru-
cial for the growth of distributed resources.
D. Distribution Management Systems (DMS) and Distribution
Control Centers (DCCs)
Increased applications of advanced technologies will pro-
mote the evolution of distribution management systems (DMSs)
and distribution control centers (DCCs) similar to energy man-
agement systems (EMS) and energy control centers (ECCs)
[12]. DMS/DCC will be used for complete management and
operation of distribution systems during normal as well as
emergency conditions. The activities during normal operation
would include switching and control of various components
in the distribution system for efficient and reliable operation
of the system, control and coordination of distributed energy
resources, demand side management (DSM), protection of the
system, and work-order management for routine maintenance.
Outage management, fault location, repair coordination, and
restoration are some of the activities during emergencies.
The distribution system would have several intelligent remote
terminal units (RTUs) installed at strategic locations, which
will make local control decisions as well as send information
to DMS/DCC. In addition to fixed terminals, the system can
have mobile terminals for entry and retrieval of data. Either one
or a combination of different communication media including
radio, satellite, power line carrier, telephone, fiber optics, and
Internet would provide communication between the RTU and
EMS/DCC. Internet and Global Positioning System (GPS) are
already being used by utilities to manage work orders in distri-
bution systems. Such applications will become commonplace
in the future. The DMS/DCC is expected to communicate with
an ECC or even a control center at the ISO level. In this case,
the role of communications and computing requirements may
have to be designed to achieve proper hierarchy of data and
information flow. The demand on communication may have to
be addressed also.
IV. CHALLENGES AND ISSUES FOR CURRICULUM
Unfortunately, there is not a single textbook available that
covers all of the topics that will be required for distribution en-
gineers of the future. There are several textbooks covering basic
VENKATA et al.: WHAT FUTURE DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERS NEED TO LEARN
component and system modeling [13], [14], but a large amount
of practical knowledge must still be accessed from industry ref-
erences not intended for pedagogical purposes [15]–[19]. Spe-
cific curriculum challenges are now described.
A. Distribution Automation
The challenge in designing this aspect of the curriculum
lies in introducing all of the relevant issues of automation
in the context of future distribution systems. These include
newer functions related to the integration of DERs with the
connected system to effectively monitor, control, protect with
high reliability, power quality and efficiency. The role of
proper communication, control, computing, and information
technologies has to be included in the course syllabus.
B. Reliability Evaluation Aging Infrastructure
Aging infrastructure will be one of the most critical issues
for distribution engineers, and proper treatment is critical for a
distribution curriculum. The challenge lies in balancing equip-
ment-specific failure modes related to aging, translating these
failure modes into quantifiable failure rates, and computing the
impact of increasing failure rates on system performance.
C. Efficient Management of Existing Assets
Another critical topic for future distribution engineers is asset
management including life-cycle costing and reliability-cen-
tered maintenance. The challenge is to balance a wide array of
capital, operations, and maintenance strategies that can be used
to maximize asset performance over their useful lifetime.
D. Distributed Energy Resources
This topic is receiving wide publicity and attention due the
lack of understanding of the needs of integrating DERs with the
local utility network by both parties. The IEEE Standard 1547 is
a good starting point that addresses the interconnection issues.
Additional challenges relate to the breadths of technologies for
both energy conversion and energy storage.
E. Business Model for Distribution Utilities of the Future
As distribution companies continue to be restructured,
students need to understand different business models under
which they can operate in compliance with various regulatory
rules, standards and other requirements. In addition, various
marketing models and strategies should be covered for future
distribution engineers to posses as wide a background as pos-
sible. The challenge is to appropriately integrate these “soft”
topics into a technical course.
V. PEDAGOGICAL ISSUES FOR A NEW COURSE
Due to the breadth of topics required for future distribution
engineers, the authors recommend a two-course sequence.
Further, the authors recommend the extensive use of com-
puter-based analysis tools since the size of distribution systems
precludes hand analyses for many real-world problems. Last,
the authors recommend that this course focus on systems
analysis rather than component-level analysis or system design.
21
Although these other topics are important, they can be best
learned with a solid foundation of system analysis.
A. Web-Based Courseware
The proposed course takes advantage of the latest computer
pedagogical tools available. The course can be effectively
taught by exploiting the Web as the medium for both off-and
on-campus audience.
B. Computer-Based Approach
The proposed material is designed to incorporate the latest
modeling and simulation packages to make it a self-paced
learning course. Familiarizing students with computer analyses
is important for several reasons. First, it links theory with ap-
plications. Second, it allows realistic examples to be analyzed,
which will give students a better feel for actual distribution
systems and their characteristics. Examples of computer appli-
cations that should be utilized include power flow, reliability
analysis, fault analysis, dynamic analysis, and protection
coordination.
C. Models for Classical and New Distribution Components
Every attempt is made to cover the modeling of both standard
and new devices such as DERs, power electronic devices for all
modes of operation: steady-state, dynamic, and transient.
D. Methodologies for Design, Planning, and Operations
Proper emphasis is placed on covering the methodologies for
design, planning, and operation of distribution systems keeping
future trends and technologies in mind.
E. Application to Practical Systems
The proposed models and methods are designed for applica-
tion to practical systems. This is the primary philosophy of the
proposed courses.
VI. COURSE CONTENT AND SYLLABUS
As stated previously, the required knowledge for future dis-
tribution engineers cannot be practically covered in a single
course. Therefore, this paper proposes a two-course sequence at
the senior elective/graduate level entitled Electric Distribution
Systems Engineering: a Computer-based Approach. An outline
of the proposed topics is:
1) Introduction.
• structure of distribution systems: U.S. and interna-
tional practice;
• basic components of distribution systems;
• historical perspective;
• impact of computers on distribution practice;
• looking to the 21st century distribution systems.
2) Distribution System Devices and Models (Include Hard-
ware Pictures).
• computer modeling concepts with introduction to
popular packages;
• power devices: lines and cables, transformers;
• control devices: Capacitors, reactors, SVC, AVC,
harmonic filters, reclosers, regulators;
22 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER SYSTEMS, VOL. 19, NO. 1, FEBRUARY 2004

• protective devices: Fuses, circuit breakers, relays, • protection system coordination;

surge arrestors; • grounding;
• load devices: Motors, lighting, furnaces, com- • computer-aided protection.
puters; 10) Power Quality.
• accessories: Poles, insulators, switches; • harmonics, surges, and sags;
• modeling and model evaluation. • motor starting and flickering;
3) Distributed Energy Resources. • behavior of sensitive transients loads;
• different technologies description; • power-quality monitoring and auditing;
• interconnection issues; • custom power devices.
• IEEE 1547 standards; 11) Distribution System of 21st Century & Deregulation.
• performance evaluation. • intelligent systems approach to distribution;
4) Computer-Based Tools for Analysis. • interaction of geographic information systems
• system modeling using network analysis; (gis) and the information highway;
• single-phase, three-phase, and multiphase models; • survey of regulatory status and trends.
• power flow and short circuit analysis;
• transients analysis; VII. SUMMARY
• harmonic analysis.
5) Economic Analysis. Electric distribution systems are undergoing rapid changes
• background; due to deregulation, the penetration of distributed energy re-
• basic methods; sources and power electronics technologies, and the adoption
• selection of devices: lines and transformers; of efficient computation, communications, and control mecha-
• tariffs and pricing; nisms. The primary goal of this paper is to justify the need for
• cost-benefit analysis. the development of a new two-course sequence to reflect the
6) System Reliability. radical changes occurring or expected to happen in the future.
• overview of distribution reliability; The paper identifies the challenges in designing the sequence.
• component modeling; The paper also recommends a course outline and syllabus for
• analytical methods; those contemplating such a sequence.
• Monte Carlo methods;
• reliability indexes and customer cost; REFERENCES
• modeling and analyzing a system; [1] G. T. Heydt and V. Vittal, “Feeding our profession,” IEEE Power & En-
• reliability optimization. ergy Mag., vol. 1, pp. 38–45, Jan./Feb. 2003.
7) Computer-Based Planning. [2] C. A. Warren and M. J. Adams, “Reliability on the regulatory horizon,”
in Proc. IEEE Transm. Dist. Conf. Expo., Atlanta, GA, Oct. 2001.
• review of methods; [3] “Interim Rep. U.S. Dept. Energy’s Power Outage Study Team,” U.S.
• load evaluation and demand forecasting; Dept. Energy, Jan. 2000.
• design criteria and standards (voltage, equipment); [4] R. E. Brown, Electric Power Distribution Reliability. New York:
Marcel Dekker, 2002.
• design of substations, primary and secondary sys- [5] A. Pahwa and J. K. Shultis, “Assessment of the Present Status of Distri-
tems, and grounding; bution Automation,” Eng. Experiment Station, Kansas State Univ., Man-
• design evaluation; hattan, KS, Rep. 238, Mar. 1992.
[6] D. Bassett, K. Clinard, J. Grainger, S. Purucker, and D. Ward, Tutorial
• reliability and maintenance. Course: Distribution Automation.
8) System Operation and Automation. [7] J. B. Bunch, “Guidelines for Evaluating Distribution Automation,”,
• automation functions; EPRI Rep. EL-3728, Nov. 1984.
[8] G. T. Heydt, Electric Power Quality. West Lafayette, IN: Stars in a
• voltage/var control; Circle Publication, 1991.
• system restoration; [9] J. Douglas, “Power quality solutions,” IEEE Power Eng. Rev., vol. 14,
• reconfiguration for reliability; no. 3, Mar. 1994.
[10] J. S. Paserba, N. W. Miller, S. T. Naumann, M. G. Lauby, and F. P. Sener,
• loss minimization; “Coordination of a distribution level continuously controlled compensa-
• trouble call analysis; tion device with existing substation equipment for long term var man-
• outage management; agement,” in IEEE Power Eng. Soc. Summer Meeting, Vancouver, BC,
Canada, July 1993, Paper no. 93 SM 437-4 PWRD.
• demand side management; [11] X. H. Chao, “System studies for DG projects under development in the
• SCADA and DMS architecture; US,” in Proc. Summary of the Panel Discussion, IEEE Summer Power
• database and graphs; Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 2001.
[12] G. L. Clark and S. W. Bowen, “Power system operation and control,”
• case studies of economic and technical feasibility; in The Electric Power Engineering Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC,
• practical applications. 2001, pp. 6-67–6-76.
9) System Protection. [13] W. H. Kersting, Distribution System Modeling and Analysis: CRC Press,
2001.
• philosophy and architecture; [14] T. Gönen, Electric Power Distribution System Engineering. New York:
• protective device selection; McGraw-Hill, 1986.
• feeder and transformer protection; [15] Electric Utility Engineering Distribution Reference Book: Distribution
Systems. Pittsburgh, PA: Westinghouse Electric Corporation, 1959.
• protection against overcurrents, overvoltages, and [16] J. J. Burke, Power Distribution Engineering: Fundamentals and Appli-
transients; cations. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1994.
VENKATA et al.: WHAT FUTURE DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERS NEED TO LEARN
[17] E. Lakervi and E. J. Holmes, Electricity Distribution Network De-
sign. Stevenage, U.K.: Peter Peregrinus, 1995.
[18] H. L. Willis, Power Distribution Planning Reference Book. New York:
Marcel Dekker, 1997.
[19] Electrical Distribution System Protection, Cooper Power Systems, Mil-
waukee, WI, 1990.
S. S. (Mani) Venkata (F’89) received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering
from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, in 1971.
Currently, he is the Palmer Chair Professor at Iowa State University, Ames,
specializing in distribution systems, intelligent systems, and engineering edu-
cation.
23
Anil Pahwa (F’03) received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from
Texas A&M University, College Station, in 1983.
Currently, he is a Professor at Kansas State University, Manhattan, special-
izing in distribution automation, distribution system planning and analysis, and
intelligent computational methods for power systems analysis.
Richard E. Brown (SM’00) received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering
from the University of Washington, Seattle, in 1996.
Currently, he is the Director of Technology for ABB Consulting, Raleigh,
NC, specializing in distribution systems, reliability assessment, and computer
applications.
Richard D. Christie (M’76) received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering
from Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, in 1989.
Currently, he is an Associate Professor at the University of Washington,
Seattle, specializing in power system operations, distribution system reliability,
and software engineering.