Power system communications are required in three general areas: finance and accounting, engineering, and operations. Of the three, probably the largest communication requirement is in operations. Functional requirements for power system operation span a broad range of applications. Reliable, economical communications are vital in supplying many types of required information and control signals. System security depends heavily on communications to maintain and improve electric service reliability. New application areas are evolving, including substation automation, intra-substation communication, distribution automation, and load management. In each case, communications is the link which makes these applications possible. Communications provide the means for expanded applications in power systems operation including substation and distribution automation. Functional communication needs and requirements must be clearly identified to explore applicable communication techniques and developments, a challenge faced by communication and control engineers.
