CenterPoint Energy - Substation Automatin

Key Scope

• Substation Upgrades & Microprocessor Relays: CenterPoint upgraded ~31 substations with microprocessor-based protection and control devices to improve real-time monitoring and digital control.

• Intelligent Grid Switching Devices (IGSDs): They deployed ~570 intelligent switching devices across 188 distribution circuits to enable remote switching, sectionalizing, and improved fault isolation.

• DSCADA / Distribution SCADA Integration: The project integrated a DSCADA system into their distribution network as part of their ADMS architecture, providing visibility into distribution circuits and remote operational control.

• Automated Service Operations: By automating remote switching, fault location, and service commands, they reduced reliance on manual truck rolls and improved operational efficiency.

• Customer-Facing Tools & Metering: Their smart meter deployment, coupled with a data repository and customer portal, allowed customers to access usage data and interact digitally with the utility.

Benefits & Achievements

• Outage Reduction & Reliability Gains: Through automation and remote switching, CenterPoint claims they have avoided millions of customer outage minutes over several years.

• Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency: The automation reduced the need for manual meter-reading, cut O&M costs, decreased fuel usage from fewer truck roll operations, and streamlined service order processing.

• Theft Detection & Loss Reduction: Smart meters and automated analytics helped detect tampering and irregularities, lowering losses from electricity theft.

• Scalable Foundation for Future Upgrades: The substation and distribution automation forms a backbone for future ADMS functions, DER integration, and grid resilience projects.

Lessons & Best Practices

• Governance & Project Management: CenterPoint emphasized the importance of strong project governance and a dedicated PMO to align across departments.

• Cybersecurity by Design: They built security into the architecture from the start rather than treating it as an afterthought.

• Data Quality & Model Accuracy: As with any automation, accurate models and clean data are critical to avoid incorrect decisions or control actions.