Specifications include, but are not limited to: AES Ohio Smart Grid Phase II The PUCO approved the AES Ohio grid modernization program (Smart Grid Phase I) in Case No. 18- 1875-EL-GRD. Smart Grid Phase I is a four-year deployment of territory-wide AMI meters, distribution automation on 88 circuits, volt var optimization on approximately 132 circuits, installation of an ADMS, and the communications infrastructure to support the capabilities. There is not an operational benefits assessment scheduled for Smart Grid Phase I but annual savings (through a settlement in the case) are credited to the revenue requirement. The costs for the Smart Grid Phase I are collected from customers through the Infrastructure Investment Rider (IIR) that is subject to an annual financial audit. AES Ohio filed an application for approval of Smart Grid Phase II in February 2024 in Case No. 24-112-ELGRD.There are three layers of AES Ohio’s Smart Grid Platform, operational insights, grid technology deployment, and foundational network & security investments. The scope of operational insights are composed of four components: Dynamic Network Model, Utility DER Management, Distribution PMAC, and Grid Edge Intelligence. The dynamic network model aims to enhance geographic and asset management tools EDUs uses to visualize, inspect, and prioritize maintenance of their system. Distributed energy resource enablement will give AES the ability to support and manage the penetration of customer sited battery storage and solar photovoltaic (“Solar PV”). Grid edge intelligence represents hardware and software solutions designed to sense grid conditions in real-time. There will be processing nodes on 97 high DER circuits. Branch line sensors will be installed on 162 circuits, and transformer monitoring at 90 substations.; The second layer of Smart Grid Phase II introduces specific grid technology deployments. Three primary technologies include distribution automation (DA), substation automation (SA), and Volt-Var Optimization (VVO). Distribution automation will include 3-phase reclosers for 175 circuits and alternate circuit ties for 111 of these circuits. Substation automation will encompass digital protective relays and SCADA RTUs at 70 substations. Additionally, SA includes targeted upgrades to switchgear and circuit breakers. Volt-Var Optimization/Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) investments consist of capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and sensors on 298 circuits. Transformer LTC controls at 70 substations are additional items included in voltage control, designed to reduce distribution voltages and line losses, thereby lowering customer energy and demand charges.; Foundational Network & Security is the third layer of AES’s Smart Grid proposal. AMI, Telecom, and Cybersecurity make up these investments in communication and security systems necessary to enable coordination of assets securely across AES Ohio’s territory. AMI investments include meter deployment to the remaining 59,000 customers. Telecom investments make up fiber and broadband expansion across 646 miles, upgrades to existing telecommunications infrastructure, and network monitoring software. The first phase, which will be completed as part of SGP Phase 1, includes strengthening cybersecurity measures and establishing a robust governance framework to enhance operational reliability and secure operations. The second phase includes enabling operational resilience through optimized field device processes, standards and controls and providing dependable performance in critical systems. The third phase involves optimizing AES Ohio's advanced threat readiness through investment in comprehensive business continuity plans, efficient threat detection.
