Like all large industrial customers with a transmission connection to their customer-owned substation, utility protection, metering, and control are located onsite, interfacing with their equipment at a demarcation point. The project scope included installing a fiber optic connection to the external network, a remote terminal unit (RTU), network equipment, and integrating the tripping signals with the customer’s Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS).

Utility/customer projects are always unique due to the teamwork and communication required between two organizations that are often unfamiliar with each other. As the sole SaskPower representative on site, effective communication with the customer’s engineering and field staff was essential for deciding:

• Cable and conduit connections across the demarcation point
• Construction methods that satisfy both utility and customer standards
• Safety and environmental concerns unique to the customer
• A commissioning plan that tests the system end-to-end, in collaboration with a contractor working on behalf of the customer
• Scheduling a commissioning date that accommodates both the customer’s and SaskPower’s timelines