Using Advanced Data Analysis to Target Electric Grid Repairs & Updates

Developing a way to use LiDAR data already gathered by the state to examine the condition of power lines throughout Vermont. The analysis would allow for much more strategic repairs and updates to the power grid. This has the potential to save millions of dollars and significantly improve electric grid resilience.

Introduction

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The System Optimization and LiDAR for Vermont Energy Resilience (SOLVER) project is intended to help Vermont state’s electrical grid become more resilient and equitable.

Factors such as local power generation (e.g., solar) and increased use of electric vehicles are resulting in changes in energy demand. On top of this, extreme weather events from climate change are impacting the electric grid and Vermonters in new ways.

There is a pressing need to develop models that will allow utility providers to more efficiently and effectively target their system repairs and updates. This would save millions of dollars, improve grid resiliency, and pave the way for the state to meet its goal of obtaining 90% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2050.

These models require accurate, rich, location-based data which does not yet exist in Vermont. ��̽̽ researchers, in collaboration with their community partners, are seeking to fill that gap by using new ways to examine LiDAR data that has already been gathered by the state.

Community Partners:	Vermont Electric Cooperative (VELCO) Vermont Transco LLC Burlington Electric Department Green Mountain Power Stowe Electric Department Village of Hyde Park Washington Electric Cooperative Vermont Center for Geographic Information Vermont Public Service Department
��̽̽ Partners:	Spatial Analysis Lab College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Amount:	$269,482 (Partnership Grant)
Primary Region:	Statewide. Rural pilot areas to be identified during project period.
Focus Areas:	Resilient Energy Systems

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