Distribution networks - Operation

This chapter deals with public electricity distribution networks, i.e. those managed by an operator known as a network operator with a public service mission to build, operate and maintain public networks serving customers.

A distribution network must provide all customers with the best possible quality of supply, in the safest possible conditions and at the lowest possible cost. In France, these missions were defined in the legislative texts that redesigned the organization of the public electricity service, the references of which are given in the appendix. However, whatever the organization of the sector, the notion of a distribution network serving as the interface between the transmission network and customer installations is found in all countries.

• Main objectives, concerns and means of action

  • To achieve these objectives, action can be taken on :

    • design (structure, sizing and reliability of structures and equipment, level of automation, etc.);

    • renewal policies for structures that have reached the end of their useful life or have become obsolete;

    • network operation, i.e. how to use them.

  • Network operation covers three main concerns:

    • the quality of supply offered to the customer;

    • the safety of all persons who may be close to or in contact with the network: operators, customers, the public;

    • access to the network for all potential users to connect the generation or consumption facilities they wish to connect to the power system.

  • To achieve this, the network operator has a number of levers at its disposal, which are described in detail below:

    • the organization of the operation and the rules implemented ;

    • network management methods ;

    • plant maintenance ;

    • all the technical and IT tools needed to carry out these basic tasks.

• Operation: regulatory and standards issues

  • Operating issues involving the safety of operators and the public are not the responsibility of the distributor alone, but also involve the public authorities, which explains the overlapping of regulatory texts and rules specific to the distributor.

    For this reason, this article focuses on the French situation...