Press Release Back Number(2002)

Regarding the development and introduction of new systems in distribution operations:

March 27, 2002

We improved customer services, operational efficiency, and cost reduction via revolutionary systems that are the first of their kind introduced in Japan.We developed two systems at the same time in distribution operations, through which electrical power is delivered from electric wires on poles to customer homes. These include a "geographic information system ( information system)" and a "new distribution automation system (control system)."
We are pleased to say that we have initiated use of these systems at our Yokkaichi customer service office. We plan to introduce these system to other customer service offices in our area of operation.
We hope that introducing these two systems will help improve customer services, including minimizing blackout periods caused by technical problems. From next January, we will also be able to dramatically improve the efficiency of operations, from the layout of new poles to daily maintenance of these poles. Moreover, we can also streamline the overall system by linking the functions of both the information system and control system to significantly reduce introductory costs.

So far, we have controlled the data of facilities and such lines as distribution lines and switches via both an information system that manages databases and a control system that issues orders.The development of these new systems enables the data on facilities and lines to be controlled just by using the information system. Data on lines (the electrical network and other data) will be available from the information system whenever the control system needs it to issue orders.This system model - in which both the information system and control system work in close coordination to address problems in real-time - is the first such model introduced in Japan.

< Overview of both systems >

What is the geographic information system (information system)?

This system maintains databases containing information on the locations of poles and wires, and transformer capacities necessary for facility maintenance. It also lets us check the layout of poles and the networks of electric wires on electronic maps. Linked to the distribution automation system , it implements procedures for switches that minimize blackout areas in case of power failure.

What is the distribution automation system (control system)?

In case of blackouts caused by technical problems arising from crows touching wires, this control system can identify the problem area and deliver electricity to other safe areas by remotely controlling switches on poles. Under the new system, remote control operations previously performed manually by operators at customer offices have been automated.