New technology

Many electric distribution companies are exploring new technologies designed to continually improve the reliability of the distribution system. These include:

• advanced equipment, such as solid state transformers for improved responsiveness to changing voltages and system needs.
  
  
• remote control technology that allows companies to remotely identify and diagnose issues on the electricity system from their system control centres.
  
  
• automated meter reading (AMR) meters, which use advanced electronics and communications so that the meter can be read remotely over the telephone or communication lines.
  
  
• supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and other network management systems, which are being built into Canadian power systems. This advanced technology is increasingly important as electric companies manage the challenges of transmission and distribution in restructured and deregulated markets.

Canadian utilities and power equipment companies are also developing low voltage transmission technologies. In the future, these technologies could be used increasingly to link the main electric grid with distant loads such as Aboriginal communities in northern regions, providing an alternative to traditional electrical distribution.