3.7 Interoperability, DER Interconnection, and Communication Standards and Technologies

3.7.6 Distribution Utility Communication Requirements

Distribution utilities can use many different types of communications systems for distribution operations. The selection of which media and what types of networks depend upon the performance requirements of the distribution applications. For protection functions, the communications channels typically need to support millisecond latency. For SCADA interactions with distribution substations, usually the communications networks support latency and performance requirements in 1 - 10 seconds. For any communications between the control center and equipment on feeders, the latency requirements are typically much longer, with 10s of minutes seen as adequate. In distribution automation, the communications between field equipment could be within a few seconds and a few minutes. A detailed discussion of these communications performance requirements can be found in IEEE 2030.

Communication networks for non-SCADA interactions between utilities and meters, DER systems, or other customer-sited equipment can use many different types of media. Utility backbone communication systems can be utility-owned or could be provided by telecommunication providers. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems use combinations of backbone systems and radio-based media for the “last-mile” to reach the customer meters.  These meters can then be read every 5, 15, or other periodicity, while additional data such as outages and voltage levels can also be retrieved.

For DER system communications, cellphone systems are commonly used between utilities and DER systems, although the public Internet and other public telecommunication provider networks are also possible. These DER communications networks provide the means to request or even command DER systems to take specific actions, such as turning on or off, setting or limiting output, providing ancillary services (e.g. volt-var control), and other grid management functions.