Practical Guidance for Defining a Smart Grid Modernization Strategy: The Case of Distribution (Revised Edition)

"Practical Guidance for Defi ning a Smart Grid Modernization Strategy: The Case of Distribution guides

stakeholders on how utilities can defi ne their own smart grid vision, identify priorities, and

structure investment plans. While most of these strategic aspects apply to any area of the electricity

grid, the book focuses on distribution. The guidance includes key building blocks for modernizing

the distribution grid and provides examples of grid modernization projects. This revised edition

also includes key communication system requirements to support a well-functioning grid.

The concept of the smart grid is relevant to all grids. What varies are the magnitude and type of

the incremental steps toward modernization for achieving a specifi c smart grid vision. A utility that is

at a relatively low level of grid modernization may leapfrog one or more levels of modernization to

achieve some of the benefi ts of the highest levels of grid modernization.

Smart grids impact electric distribution systems signifi cantly. In developing countries, modernizing

the distribution grid promises to benefi t the operation of electric distribution utilities in many

and various ways. These benefi ts include improved operational effi ciency (such as reduced losses

and lower energy consumption), reduced peak demand, improved service reliability, and ability to

accommodate distributed generating resources without adversely impacting overall power quality.

Practical Guidance for Defi ning a Smart Grid Modernization Strategy concludes by describing

funding and regulatory issues that may need to be taken into account when developing smart grid

plans.

The World Bank Studies series is available for free download online through the Open Knowledge

Repository (https://openknowledge.worldbank.org)."