San Diego Convention Center

2025 Technical Conference Sessions

The impact of ADMS on WEC's operations and crews, and what they are doing about it

27 Mar 2025
C140
Advanced Distribution Operations , ADMS

The implementation of advanced distribution management systems (ADMS) is revolutionizing the operations of modern electric utilities, from multiple angles, including safety, reliability, and operability.

In this presentation, follow the implementation of an ADMS at WEC Energy Group, an electric utility based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The introduction of this new system has significantly altered the operational dynamics between control center operators and field crews, particularly in the management of incidents and events on the distribution grid. One of the critical areas affected is the person in charge switching protocol, where field crews autonomously handle incidents and manage switches on non-mainline devices from a mobile app without direct control center intervention.

ADMS effectively manages these changes, enhancing safety and reliability without disrupting existing business processes. This study provides insights into the broader implications of ADMS integration within utility operations, highlighting its potential to streamline responses and bolster grid management practices.

This presentation will provide a unique showcase of how ADMS will benefit and address some of the challenges around safety and reliability components to the field crews in charge of active incidents in the distribution non-main lines. 

Chairperson
Abhiram Vallabhaneni
Abhiram Vallabhaneni, Energy Systems Integration Engineer - Lansing Board of Water and Light
Speakers
Jeff Healy
Jeff Healy, Manager – Management Consultant - Accenture
Srdjan Stanojev
Srdjan Stanojev, Principal Project Engineer – Technical Lead - Schneider Electric
Michael Szachewicz
Michael Szachewicz, Operations Manager for Gas and Electric Distribution Operations - WEC Energy Group