Key Takeaways
- Duke Energy’s Midwest Power Distribution Control Center in Harrison, Ohio, is a state-of-the-art facility that manages power distribution for 800,000 customers across Ohio and Kentucky.
- The control center uses advanced technology, including smart grid technology and self-healing technology, to pinpoint outages and dispatch crews to specific locations.
- Self-healing technology has prevented nearly 400,000 customer outages in Ohio and Kentucky this year, saving nearly 1.4 million hours of total outage time.
- The control center operates 24/7, with 30 operators rotating through 12-hour shifts, and is a hub of intense activity during severe weather events.
- Human oversight remains essential for safety-critical decisions involving high-voltage equipment, despite the increasing use of artificial intelligence in grid operations.
Introduction to the Control Center
The Midwest Power Distribution Control Center in Harrison, Ohio, is the brain of the electrical grid, where dozens of operators work around the clock to manage power distribution for 800,000 customers across Ohio and Kentucky. The 140,000 square foot facility is a dramatic shift from the utility industry’s past, where customers had to call to report outages and crews had to patrol entire sections of power lines to find problems. With advanced technology, operators can now pinpoint outages and dispatch crews to specific locations, reducing the time it takes to restore power.
Advanced Technology
The control center uses advanced technology, including smart devices installed throughout the grid, to communicate directly with the control center and provide real-time information about system conditions. One of the center’s newest tools is called "self-healing technology," a system that automatically reroutes electricity when problems occur, similar to how GPS navigation finds alternate routes around traffic. This technology has been highly effective, preventing nearly 400,000 customer outages in Ohio and Kentucky this year, saving nearly 1.4 million hours of total outage time.
Impact of Self-Healing Technology
The self-healing technology has had a significant impact on the ability of Duke Energy to restore power quickly. According to Joshua McCord, director of operations for Duke Energy Distribution Control Centers Midwest, the technology can instantly detect problems and redirect power around the damaged area. For example, if a car hits a power pole or a tree falls on lines, the technology can automatically reroute electricity, reducing the number of customers affected by the outage. McCord said that the impact becomes clear when comparing today’s capabilities to past storms, such as Hurricane Ike in 2008, where some customers went without power for over a week.
Operations at the Control Center
The control center operates with a demanding schedule, with 30 operators rotating through 12-hour shifts, working every day of the year. During severe weather events, the facility becomes a hub of intense activity, with operators working to dispatch crews and restore power. The operators undergo extensive training, a rigorous two-year program followed by annual continuing education requirements, to maintain their certification to operate the grid safely. Even during routine cold spells, operators stay busy managing system loads as customers increase their electricity usage for heating, hot water, and lighting.
Human Oversight and Safety
While artificial intelligence may play a larger role in grid operations in the future, human oversight remains essential, especially for safety-critical decisions involving high-voltage equipment. McCord said that human operators are necessary to ensure the safe operation of the grid, and that the company will always prioritize the safety of its crew. The Harrison facility is one of five distribution control centers Duke Energy operates across its service territory, and the company continues investing in grid improvements, including pole and line upgrades, capacity additions, and expanding smart technology deployment.
Conclusion
The Midwest Power Distribution Control Center in Harrison, Ohio, is a state-of-the-art facility that is revolutionizing the way Duke Energy manages power distribution. With advanced technology, including smart grid technology and self-healing technology, the control center is able to pinpoint outages and dispatch crews to specific locations, reducing the time it takes to restore power. The control center operates 24/7, with a team of highly trained operators who are dedicated to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the grid. As the utility industry continues to evolve, it is clear that the Midwest Power Distribution Control Center will play a critical role in shaping the future of energy distribution.
