Distribution Planning Notes

Chapter 5: Distribution Planning

5.1 Purpose

  • Establish roles and responsibilities for Distribution Utilities and Users in Distribution System planning.

  • Ensure safety and reliability through technical studies and planning procedures.

  • Define data requirements for new connections or modifications to the Distribution System.

  • Specify data needed for Distribution Utilities' system development planning.

5.2 Distribution Planning Responsibilities and Procedures
5.2.1 Distribution Planning Responsibilities

  • Distribution Utility Responsibilities:

    • Analyze impacts of new connections (Embedded Generating Plants, Loads, etc.).

    • Plan system expansions to meet forecasted demand and integrate new generation sources.

    • Identify and fix issues with Power Quality, System Loss, and Reliability.

  • User Responsibilities:

    • Cooperate with Distribution Utility to maintain planning data (Embedded Generation Companies, large customers, etc.).

5.2.2 Submission of Planning Data

  • Users must submit:

    • Relevant Standard Planning Data (Article 5.4) and Detailed Planning Data (Article 5.5) when applying for connection or modification.

    • Annual updates of historical planning data and forecasts for the next five years by July 1st of the current year.

  • Standard Planning Data includes necessary info to evaluate User impact on the Distribution System.

  • Detailed Planning Data includes circuit parameters and protection setups allowing accurate assessments of connection points.

5.2.3 Consolidation and Maintenance of Planning Data

  • Distribution Utilities must consolidate this data annually and must be notified of any changes by Users as soon as possible.

5.2.4 Evaluation of Proposed Developments

  • Distribution Utilities conduct Distribution Impact Studies to evaluate effects of proposed User developments, sharing results with Users.

5.2.5 Preparation of Distribution Development Plan (DDP)

  • The DDP, developed annually, includes energy and demand forecasts, capacity expansions, reactive power plans, and technical/economic justifications.

5.3 Distribution Planning Studies
5.3.1 Distribution Planning Studies

  • Conducted to maintain safety and reliability; includes:

    • Developing the DDP.

    • Evaluating reinforcement projects and proposed developments.

    • Addressing impacts from demand forecasts and equipment changes.

5.3.2 Voltage Drop Studies

  • Determine voltage levels at connection points considering existing and planned system developments.

5.3.3 Short Circuit Studies

  • Assess the impact of new facilities on existing equipment's fault tolerance.

  • Evaluate extreme scenarios using three-phase and single-line-to-ground fault studies.

5.3.4 System Loss Studies

  • Identify losses within the system to evaluate efficiency impacts from User developments.

5.3.5 Distribution Reliability Studies

  • Determine frequencies and durations of customer interruptions through historical performance data.

5.4 Standard Planning Data
5.4.1 Energy and Demand Forecast

  • Users must provide 5-year forecasts of Energy and Demand at each connection point.

  • Initial year must include monthly forecasts, subsequent years can provide annual data.

5.4.2 Embedded Generating Unit Data

  • Data must be provided by Embedded Generation Companies regarding their units.

5.4.3 User System Data

  • Users must provide detailed loads, demand data, and electrical diagrams as specified.

5.5 Detailed Planning Data
5.5.1 Embedded Generating Unit Data Requirements

  • Additional specifics about capacity, operational characteristics, and system dynamics must be provided for large-scale embedded units.

5.5.2 User System Data Requirements

  • Large Users must submit characteristics of their systems, including demand and voltage unbalance.

Important Notes:

  • Planning results must be shared with Users.

  • Any discrepancies or concerns regarding forecasts should be addressed promptly.

  • This document establishes comprehensive guidelines for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the distribution system, while addressing User and utility roles effectively.