2027 Event Agenda

As electric distribution systems become increasingly complex, utilities require greater visibility beyond traditional data sources such as substation breakers and mid-line reclosers. Wide-area line sensor deployments capable of capturing synchronized waveform-level measurements and performing edge analytics provide a new layer of system awareness that supports both operational and planning objectives.

PacifiCorp has deployed more than 6,000 line sensors across its multi-state service territory to enhance distribution system observability and leverage advanced data analytics. These sensors provide actionable insights through a centralized analytics platform, enabling the identification of emerging event precursors associated with vegetation interactions, equipment degradation, and other abnormal system conditions. In addition, the sensors support analysis of harmonic propagation throughout circuit topology and provide time-trended steady-state operating data, including user-defined interval current profiles.

This presentation will examine several real-world case studies demonstrating how synchronized waveform-level sensing and advanced analytics have improved situational awareness, accelerated event identification, and provided distribution engineers and system operators with insights that are not available through typical utility monitoring. The discussion will highlight the practical value of wide-area sensor deployments and the role they play in supporting a more resilient, data-driven distribution grid.