Traditional power networks have been carefully managed at operations centers to ensure adequate power supplies are maintained despite peaks and troughs in demand. Each section of the grid has an operations center that conducts and coordinates various functions including system monitoring, control, crew administration and dispatch. It has been regarded conventionally as "the brain" of the power system, from which operations have been directed. As distribution systems are gradually evolving into smart distribution grids, the operations centers that control them are evolving to take on new roles to manage such grids. The separate IT systems operating in these control centers are becoming more streamlined, communicating seamlessly to provide an integrated monitoring and management system. More advanced applications and analytical software are providing more sophisticated analyses and automated operations. The control systems of operations centers are not only helping to make the grid smarter but are also helping to improve support for decision makers responsible for operations, maintenance and planning. Such integrated operations centers are helping distribution organizations meet their goals despite ever-increasing challenges.
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