Electrical manufacturers publish ‘digital substation’ standards

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The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has released three new standards designed to assist utilities and equipment manufacturers in developing 'digital substations' that are essential for a modern, reliable, and self-healing electrical grid. These initial standards focus on fault isolation and restoration in distributed energy resources, particularly during communication failures. NEMA officials emphasize that these standards serve as blueprints for utilities looking to implement advanced grid technologies such as sensors, switches, and automated reclosers.

As electricity demand in the U.S. is projected to rise significantly, with a 50% increase expected by 2050, the modernization of substations and automated restoration equipment becomes crucial. NEMA's standards aim to address interoperability concerns and provide technical guidance to utilities, helping them navigate the complexities of various vendors and communication protocols. This clarity is intended to assist utilities in gaining regulatory approval for their investments, which have seen substantial growth over the past two decades, including a notable increase in spending on distribution substation equipment.