Measurement support for the U. S. electric-power industry in the era of deregulation, with focus on electrical measurements for transmission and distribution

Dramatic changes are now taking place in the U.S. electric-power industry as deregulation is implemented and as competition is introduced in providing electric power. This document describes the changes taking place in the industry. These changes are translated into technical needs associated with industry`s response and then into the associated measurement needs for which NIST assistance will be required. The resulting measurement needs are grouped into categories by priority. The highest-priority needs are generally those with the greatest prospective economic impact. This document focuses principally on measurement capability for the electrical quantities associated with the transmission and distribution of electric power. Special emphasis is placed on those measurement needs requiring the assistance of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The assessment here reflects NIST`s current understanding of the key measurement needs, based on interactions with industry, universities, and government during the development of this document. Through publication of this document, NIST solicits additional feedback on the measurement needs of this industry. NIST`s purpose is to assure that its resources are applied as effectively as possible in support of the U.S. electric-power industry and its customer nationwide.