Arizona Public Service DOMS Goes Live with ABB Network Manager DMS

ABB continues to advance Network Manager Smart Grid technology with APS implementation

ABB announced that Arizona Public Service (APS) is now in production with ABB Network Manager DMS as part of APS' Distribution Operations Management System - or DOMS project.

DOMS is at the center of APS' strategy to transform its distribution operations into a smart distribution grid that improves reliability, efficiency and customer service. DOMS objectives include the replacement of legacy trouble-call management system and paper wall maps with an integrated Distribution Operations and Outage Management System.

The loading conditions of the APS service territory create complex operational challenges that require advanced systems and applications. After an extensive evaluation process, APS selected ABB due in large part to ABB's advanced platform and technology. The cut over into production of DOMS Phase 1 is the first achievement in a strategic APS-ABB alliance to build the next generation distribution management system.

"We are committed to investing in technologies that benefit our customers," said Jan Bennett, APS senior vice president of Energy Delivery. "The implementation of DOMS, along with our ongoing efforts in advanced metering infrastructure, will result in a true smart grid distribution system that will be more efficient, more reliable, and provide better customer service. Our work with ABB is integral to this effort."

APS' rollout of DOMS began in April as the system was deployed in its southeast region. Full implementation of DOMS throughout APS' 35,000-square-mile service territory is expected in early 2009.

DOMS will automate the critical distribution operation functions at APS that have been done manually with the use of wall maps. With ABB Network Manager DMS, the next generation of distribution operators will have the tools necessary to manage the network efficiently and reliably using an electronic network model. The benefits of the new system include:

Improved operational efficiency and customer service Advanced visualization of system conditions for operators and customer service representatives More accurate reporting of outage information and statistics Seamless integration with APS Mobile Data System (MDOMS) and Work Management System Advanced Metering System (AMS) integration to receive outage and restoration notification from smart meters and enable meter pings from the operators and call takers

"We are very proud to be Arizona Public Service's software technology provider as we further extend our lead in the next generation of distribution management system," said Salim Khan, head of ABB's Network Management business unit in North America. "ABB is continuing to evolve its Smart Grid vision by adding smart components to its industry-leading Network Manager DMS platform"

Phase Two of the APS DOMS project will focus on implementation of advanced state-of-the-art switching and control applications that will fundamentally transform the way APS plans, operates and maintains its extensive distribution network.