USA, California, San Francisco: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is undertaking a major modernisation of its substation automation systems to strengthen grid reliability and prepare for a cleaner energy future.
The utility faces the challenge of replacing thousands of ageing Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) installed in the 1990s. These devices, once standard for remote monitoring and control, no longer meet the demands of today’s data-driven, interconnected grid. PG&E’s programme will phase out older units in favour of modular, scalable systems capable of supporting increased data flows, operational complexity, and integration with renewable energy.
The initiative is guided by PG&E’s “Four Ps” strategy, which focuses on performance, usability, cost–effectiveness, and future-proofing. This framework is intended to balance the immediate need for reliable operation with long-term adaptability as new technologies emerge.
Enhanced automation is central to the upgrade. The new systems will enable faster diagnostics and fault isolation, improving the speed and accuracy of outage response. They will also enhance cybersecurity, a growing concern as utilities expand digital connectivity.
By modernising its substations, PG&E aims to improve grid resilience against natural disasters, better serve California’s diverse communities, and advance state-wide clean energy objectives.
The project is also being positioned as a potential blueprint for other utilities facing similar challenges. As more power systems worldwide confront the limitations of legacy infrastructure, PG&E’s approach could offer a practical model for combining technical upgrades with broader goals of resilience, security, and sustainability.
Source: T&D World
