Eversource Energy: ADMS Implementation

Below is a representative outline of our project: 

1. Baseline Assessment & Planning

• Inventory of existing distribution systems: feeders, switches, breakers, substations, relays, and communications.

• Evaluation of current SCADA, telemetry, and control capabilities.

• Gap analysis vs. ADMS functional requirements (e.g., topology processing, power flow, state estimation, Volt/VAR control, fault location/isolation/restore).

• Definition of use cases, KPIs, and performance targets (e.g. reduced outage durations, DER hosting capacity, improved voltage profiles).

2. Data & GIS / Network Model Enrichment

• Enhance GIS accuracy: connectivity, phase assignments, network topology, transformer relationships, secondary routes.

• Conduct field surveys to validate network connectivity and resolve inconsistencies. (Eversource has done field connectivity and phase verification work in support of outage/asset initiatives)

• Integration of other data sources: AMI, customer meters, outage history, asset data.

3. Communication & Telemetry Upgrades

• Upgrade RTUs, IEDs, and communication links (fiber, microwave, cellular) to meet low-latency, high-availability standards.

• Implement or upgrade protocols (DNP3, IEC 61850) and ensure secure communication channels.

• Provision DER gateways / power plant controllers for connections to DER assets per their flexible interconnection framework.

4. ADMS Software Deployment

• Select or develop core modules: topology processing, state estimation, load flow, Volt/VAR optimization, feeder reconfiguration, DER coordination, fault isolation and restoration (FIR).

• Configure models, thresholds, contingency scenarios, and simulation parameters.

• Integrate with supporting systems: SCADA, GIS, AMI, DERMS, OMS (if present), and enterprise systems (CIS, asset management).

5. DER Integration & Control Logic

• For distributed energy resources, define operating limits, schedules, P/Q control logic, and interactions with ADMS.

• Use DER gateway / PPC interfaces for telemetry and control per interconnection protocols. 

• Incorporate DER forecasts, constraints, and curtailment rules into ADMS logic.

6. Testing & Validation

• Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Hardware-in-the-Loop, and Software-in-the-Loop testing.

• End-to-end integration testing connecting SCADA ↔ ADMS ↔ DER gateways.

• Scenario-based verification: load switching, fault cases, DER fluctuations, voltage violations.

• Cybersecurity and resilience tests (intrusion, denial-of-service, failover).

7. Training & Change Management

• Train grid operators, planners, engineers, and field staff in new workflows and interfaces.

• Update operation manuals, SOPs, and governance processes.

• Conduct pilot or phased rollouts to validate adoption and performance incrementally.

8. Deployment & Cutover

• Start with pilot feeders or limited zones; validate system stability.

• Operate ADMS in parallel (monitoring mode) before full control.

• Gradually transition full control to ADMS across zones.

• Monitor KPIs and tune system behavior (feedback loop).

9. Operations, Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Establish 24/7 support and monitoring teams.

• Track KPIs (e.g. SAIDI/SAIFI, voltage violations, DER utilization, number of manual interventions).

• Perform periodic updates, patches, and enhancements.

• Use feedback to refine control models, thresholds, and new use cases.

Project Outcomes, Benefits & Challenges

Benefits Expected

• Enhanced situational awareness and real-time operational insights.

• Faster, more accurate fault location, reduced outage durations, and improved restoration.

• Better integration of DERs and greater hosting capacity.

• Voltage regulation and reactive power control leading to energy savings and power quality improvements.

• Reduced operational cost through automation, fewer manual interventions, and improved asset utilization.

Challenges & Risks

• Data quality and network model accuracy (errors cause incorrect decisions)

• Legacy equipment compatibility, communication security, and latency issues

• Coordination of DER behavior and control conflicts

• Organizational change: getting operators and planners to trust new systems

• Regulatory/compliance constraints, cost recovery, and stakeholder buy-in