Case Study: Pend Oreille PUD achieves lower-cost RTU modernization with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)

Pend Oreille Utility Benefits From Innovative RTU Upgrade Strategy

Pend Oreille Public Utility District (PUD) faced the costly and complex challenge of replacing its nearly 20-year-old remote terminal units (RTUs) across six substations. The electric utility's initial options involved an expensive module upgrade that added complexity or a complete rewiring of the system. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) presented an innovative third option to modernize the infrastructure.

The solution from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories utilized an SEL Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC) paired with SEL-2240 Axion modular I/O and custom cabling. This approach retained all existing field wiring, creating a plug-and-play upgrade that provided greater system visibility and improved reliability. The measurable result was a project cost that was less than half the price of the original module upgrade plan, resulting in tremendous savings for the utility.

Pend Oreille Public Utility District (PUD)

Mike Boyle

Pend Oreille Public Utility District (PUD)