IEEE PI2 Austin 1/27/2026: 1) Reliability Focused Load Outage Assessment tool – SAIDI and SAIFI Improvements & 2) Switching It Up: A New Innovative 3-Way GOAB Switching Structure
Room: Ask for room location at front desk, Bldg: Unit 100, Casa Chapala, 9041 Research Boulevard , Austin, Texas, United States, 78758IEEE (PI)² Austin, January 27, 2026, Tech Meeting In-Person 6 PM Central / 7 PM Eastern at NEW LOCATION/ New Process!: Casa Chapala 9041 Research Boulevard Unit 100, Austin TX 78758 - Attendees select and purhase their own meals and drinks (a meal order is required). IEEE Student Members' meals are free! Two (shorter) talks! Abstracts: Reliability Focused Load Outage Assessment tool – SAIDI and SAIFI Improvements LCRA has been improving power grid reliability through equipment replacement projects using equipment/asset-based health assessment tools. While the equipment/asset-based reliability assessments are respected and widely accepted in the industry, the assessment focuses have been limited to high dollar assets such as transformers and circuit breakers rather than high impact areas. LCRA implemented a load outage assessment dashboard that analyzes LCRA outage data in a new and different way. It provides a holistic assessment for all transmission lines and substations from the perspectives of SAIFI and SAIDI reliability metrics. The new dashboard allows LCRA to identify reoccurring deficiencies that lead to high reliability impacts and high O&M costs. LCRA made a several improvement projects that were identified as great opportunities using the new dashboard. This effort led LCRA achieving the best performing year in 20 years for the LCRA SAIFI and SAIDI reliability performance metrics. Switching It Up: A New Innovative 3-Way GOAB Switching Structure Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) faced significant challenges with the traditional 3-WAY GOAB (Gang Operated Air-Break) transmission line switches, which led to operational and safety issues due to their tendency to bind, seize, and break. In response to these challenges, LCRA has pioneered a new innovative 3-WAY GOAB Alternative design that addresses these issues by enhancing flexibility in operation, safety by design, and overall reliability. Launched in 2024, the first installation of this innovative two monopole switching structure design not only meets all operational and maintenance requirements but also comes at a significantly lowers cost, footprint, and construction timeline compared to another 3-WAY Box Structure Alternative. This advancement represents a significant step forward in LCRA's commitment to improving infrastructure and service reliability through design solutions. For PDH hours, please email the (PI)² Secretary, [email protected]. Speaker(s): Nick Choi, Room: Ask for room location at front desk, Bldg: Unit 100, Casa Chapala, 9041 Research Boulevard , Austin, Texas, United States, 78758