Case Study: Westar Energy improves reliability and reduces losses with SEL Distribution Network Automation

Improving System Performance Using SEL’s Distribution Network Automation (DNA™)

Westar Energy, Inc., a Kansas electric utility, wanted to improve reliability, reduce outage restoration time, cut system losses, and better manage peak loading across its distribution network. To support these goals, the company launched its SmartStar Lawrence pilot and worked with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) to implement distribution network automation, including fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR) and volt/VAR control.

SEL provided a two-phase solution built around the SEL-3530 Real-Time Automation Controller, SEL-651R recloser controls, SEL-3620 Security Gateway, cellular communications, and integration with Westar’s existing EMS/SCADA environment. The project improved system awareness, enabled remote access and automated event collection, and helped reduce customer interruptions by about 173,000 customer minutes interrupted, while also laying the groundwork for faster restoration, lower losses, and better voltage management across the feeder system.

Westar Energy, Inc.