Case Study: JP Komunalno Brčko improves electric power reliability with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories’ smart grid solution

Distribution Automation Smart Grid Pilot Project Improves Electric Power Reliability and Lifestyles for Eastern European Community

JP Komunalno Brčko, the electric utility serving the Brčko District in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was dealing with an outdated distribution system that caused frequent outages and long restoration times, especially after storms. To improve reliability, the utility partnered with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) in a smart grid pilot that used SEL’s Distribution Network Automation (DNA) approach along with recloser controls, RTACs, synchronized clocks, communications equipment, and management software.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) implemented a simple, turnkey automation solution that could detect faults, communicate fault locations, and remotely control reclosers to restore service faster. The project improved customer satisfaction and power stability ratings, reduced SAIDI by 64 percent, SAIFI by 65 percent, and energy not supplied by 68 percent, while also lowering maintenance costs and enabling remote operations for planned work and fault response.

JP Komunalno Brčko