b'DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM-WIDE UPGRADESLifeline Sector: Power | Location: WisconsinWith the advent and growth of distributed energy resources, smart grids and smart meters, there is a significant need across the U.S. to ensureAs part of a move to enable smarter monitoring and distribution systems are ready to handle more dynamic and variablecontrol of electric distribution systems, Alliant Energy conditions and loads. Additionally, aging infrastructure and moreapproved funding of $28 million over five years to significant and frequent weather events are driving demand for greateraddress five different Supervisory Control and Data system reliability and resiliency.Acquisition (SCADA) initiatives. One of the first to take effect is the replacement of legacy remote terminal units Getting its start providing distribution services to rural North Dakota 75(RTUs) for Alliant Energys subsidiary, Interstate Power years ago, Ulteig has the history and expertise to help clients prepareand Light Company (IPL). for these changes. We deliver comprehensive solutions for the design, implementation and utilization of robust distribution systems.Having recently completed a metering replacement portfolio project for Alliant in Minnesota, Ulteig was the Grid Modernization System Hardening logical choice to help manage these large-scale, multi-Improved distribution grid controls Design criteria development site RTU replacement projects. Increased automation systems use Full structure analysis and designAdvanced DistributionReview of existing system andFor each RTU replacement, Ulteig is preparing a scope Management Systemsrecommendations for systemof work (SOW) and design document package and (ADMS) hardening providing preliminary planning phase and design. The Advanced Grid Intelligence &Review of outage data and designpreliminary phase includes site visits, consultations with Security (AGIS) standards recommendationsIntegrated Volt/VARUnderground design engineers and the formulation of SOW documents for Optimization (IVVO) each of the 85 RTUs to be replaced. The design phase Fault Location Isolation andField Design & Staking commences upon approval of each SOW. Ulteig is also Service Restoration (FLISR) Basic surveying responsible for project management services, such as Increased visibility of systems Construction contractconsistent stakeholder coordination, comprehensive Additional data points administration project planning and the management of all key project Phasor measurement units Easement acquisitionAdvanced MeteringJoint-use staking and make-readycomponents to ensure success. Infrastructure (AMI) surveysLine inspection Much coordination is taking place to meet the Planning & Analysis NESC and utility specifications requirements for a project of this scale and to meet the GIS mapping Permitting overall execution of the schedule. Ulteig currently has Power quality studies Protection/basic sectionalizingthree engineers working on two sites at a time, meaning Load flow studies designVolt/VAR compensation Sizing transformers andsix sites are completed in the first round of scoping Arc flash studies conductors before those sites are turned over to the design team. Interconnection studies Material coordinationCoordination studies Underground line design andThis approach has equipped Ulteig to get through 18-20 Rate studies subdivision layout scopes and 12-13 designs throughout the first year. The Injection studies Overhead/pole-line structuregoal is to complete 80 sites over the next three to four Loss reduction studies design and layoutyears, or about twenty sites per year.20'