Insulect Projects: Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution

From Hours to Minutes: Faster Restoration and 45% Savings

Written by Admin | 11 Dec 2024
Company TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd. (TPCODL)
Location Central Odisha, India
Project Overview TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd. (TPCODL) partnered with Safegrid to modernize its fault detection capabilities across its 33 kV and 11 kV feeder network. By deploying the Safegrid Intelligent Grid System®, TPCODL transitioned from manual, reactive fault management to a proactive, data-driven monitoring approach. The project significantly improved fault visibility, reduced restoration time, and enhanced overall grid reliability across a service area covering 2.7 million consumers and 30,000 square kilometres.
Products Safegrid Smart Fault Prediction Tool

This is a Safegrid Case Study.  

Background

TPCODL is responsible for distributing electricity across a vast and diverse region in Central Odisha. Managing such a large network presents operational challenges, particularly in quickly identifying and resolving faults across long feeder lines.

Prior to the deployment, the utility relied on conventional Fault Passage Indicators (FPIs) and manual field inspections. These approaches provided limited visibility into fault locations and often required extensive manpower and time to restore service.

To improve operational efficiency and service reliability, TPCODL sought a more advanced, accurate, and automated solution.

Challenge

TPCODL faced several operational and technical challenges:

  • Slow fault detection and restoration times

  • Heavy reliance on manual patrolling and field inspections

  • Limited accuracy of traditional fault indicators

  • Increased outage durations (SAIDI & SAIFI impact)

  • High operational costs due to manpower and energy loss

  • Difficulty in transitioning from reactive to proactive maintenance

These limitations led to inefficiencies in network operations and affected both customer satisfaction and revenue recovery.

Solution

Safegrid implemented the Intelligent Grid System®, introducing advanced fault detection and management capabilities across TPCODL’s network.

Key features of the solution:

  • Precise fault location within approximately 100 meters using GIS coordinates

  • Real-time monitoring with instant alerts via SMS and email

  • Predictive maintenance capabilities through continuous data analysis

  • Non-intrusive installation, eliminating the need for direct contact with live conductors

This system provided operators with actionable insights, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient field operations.

Benefits

The deployment delivered both operational and strategic advantages:

  • Faster and more accurate fault identification

  • Reduced need for manual patrolling, lowering labor requirements

  • Improved outage management and response times

  • Enhanced grid visibility and transparency

  • Shift from reactive to proactive maintenance practices

  • Optimized resource allocation and operational efficiency


Results

The implementation of Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System® achieved measurable improvements:

  • 80% faster fault detection and restoration (reduced from ~2 hours to under 30 minutes)

  • Significant reduction in SAIDI and SAIFI, improving service reliability

  • 45% cost savings through recovered energy

  • Reduced unserved energy and improved revenue recovery

  • Lower operations and maintenance costs due to reduced patrolling and manpower


Conclusion

By deploying Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System®, TPCODL successfully transformed its grid operations from a reactive, manual approach to a proactive, data-driven model. The ability to accurately locate faults, monitor the network in real time, and leverage predictive insights has not only improved reliability but also delivered substantial financial and operational benefits.

This case demonstrates how utilities can modernize their infrastructure, enhance customer service, and achieve long-term value by adopting intelligent grid technologies.