Are you considering an excitation system upgrade or planning an AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) upgrade for your facility? Like aging relays and meters, older excitation systems eventually become obsolete and need replacement. Upgrading lets you take advantage of modern microprocessor-based features. These include event recording, flexible logic, and advanced monitoring and control across multiple communication protocols. In addition, newer excitation systems rely on readily available components. This improves reliability and allows faster part replacement when failures occur.
If your facility operates a generating unit over 20 MVA, a synchronous condenser over 20 MVA, or a generating facility rated at 75 MVA or greater (gross), you need to consider NERC PRC-019 compliance during any excitation or AVR upgrade. NERC PRC-019 coordinates voltage regulating controls, limit functions, equipment capabilities, and Protection System settings. After completing an upgrade or new installation, you must update your NERC PRC-019 report with the relevant commissioning documentation.
For applicable facilities, you must review NERC PRC-019 reports every five calendar years, based on your audit cycle. These reviews confirm proper coordination of excitation limiters and protections. Because audit requirements vary by system topology and technology, technical expertise is critical. A Professional Engineer can guide you through the process. They ensure you complete thorough studies, maintain current reports, and keep your system optimized. They can also program equipment, perform testing, and recommend improvements for your existing setup.
Reesha Tech brings the specialized expertise needed to help your facility achieve full compliance—and maintain it. We offer auditing, compliance support, and staff training. Our in-house team meets the full range of NERC standards. While many companies focus on a single area, Reesha Tech manages the entire compliance process from start to finish. We’re your long-term partner in grid reliability and regulatory success.
Author Archives: reeshatech_admin
Understanding Arc Flash Hazards
Arc flash incidents are among the most common and dangerous hazards in the electrical power industry. These events occur when a fault causes energy to arc through the air, traveling from one conductor to another or to ground. Arc flashes usually result from equipment failures in systems with high available incident energy—a dangerous measure of how much energy a system can release during a fault. As little as 1.2 cal/cm² of incident energy can cause second-degree burns.
Impact on Safety and Equipment
Arc flashes don’t just damage equipment or cause downtime. They are also a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. According to Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, over 30,000 arc flash incidents occur annually, resulting in more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths. Common causes include misoperation of protection devices, incorrect settings, delayed trip response, and poor maintenance.
Assessing Your Facility’s Risk
To evaluate your facility’s arc flash risk, begin with a comprehensive study. This process includes data gathering, impedance diagramming, short circuit analysis, and incident energy calculation.
In addition to analysis, the study educates employees about job-site hazards by defining protection boundaries, approach distances, arc energy levels, and PPE requirements specific to your site.
Staying Compliant with NFPA 70E
NFPA 70E requires you to review your arc flash study every five years or after any major electrical system changes. Once complete, label equipment with clear hazard warnings. These labels should also display the PPE required for safe access or work.
Reducing Incident Energy
After identifying risks, the next step is to reduce incident energy. Mitigation technologies can save lives, protect equipment, and reduce downtime. Lowering incident energy also allows employees to wear lighter PPE, improving mobility and comfort.
How ReeshaTech Can Help
ReeshaTech offers cost-effective strategies to help you manage and mitigate arc flash hazards. Our team reduces fault current levels and durations, increases working distances, and installs arc-resistant equipment. We also offer remote racking systems, current-limiting devices, relay coordination, differential protection, and arc-detection relays.
Safety-Focused, Budget-Conscious Solutions
As a trusted leader in arc flash assessments and mitigation, ReeshaTech delivers solutions that match your technical needs and budget. We provide turnkey, right-sized systems while keeping safety at the heart of every project. Our goal is to help you protect your team and maintain the integrity of your power systems.
Grid modernization is essential as utilities face growing challenges in managing today’s evolving electric grid. Therefore, developing a technology roadmap is a critical first step. It enables utilities to maximize the value of new technologies and prioritize future investments.
To support this effort, a Southeastern U.S. utility partnered with Reesha Tech to strengthen its modernization strategy. The primary goal was to improve operational efficiency and deliver reliable power to nearly 165,000 customers.
As part of this collaboration, Reesha Tech led the development of a roadmap tailored to the utility’s existing Oracle software investment. Although these tools had already delivered significant value, the utility needed to elevate its modernization efforts to the next level.
Consequently, our team conducted a detailed analysis to evaluate the current technology landscape. At the time, the utility had just begun exploring advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and demand response solutions. Meanwhile, internal teams were also reviewing work management and geographic information system (GIS) tools to enhance operational capabilities.
Based on these findings, we created a phased roadmap. The first phase addressed customer information system (CIS) upgrades, which were several versions behind. Once implemented, these upgrades enabled the utility to move forward with AMI investments and enhance its automatic meter reading (AMR) system.
Furthermore, to ensure organizational alignment, we expanded the roadmap to include a baseline business case for both AMI and AMR. This addition provided strategic clarity and helped further streamline internal processes.
Ultimately, the finalized roadmap became a cornerstone of the utility’s application for a federal infrastructure grant. Utility leaders noted that Reesha Tech’s expertise offered the ideal balance of strategic insight and actionable steps—effectively accelerating their grid modernization journey.
Tapping into the full benefits of renewable energy requires more than just turbines or panels. It demands seamless and reliable interconnection to the power grid. This process includes navigating complex technical and regulatory requirements while aligning with local utility standards.
For a 50MW wind generation facility in eastern Oregon, this meant upgrading and building new infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient grid integration.
Reesha Tech served as the lead engineering partner for the project. We delivered a full range of electrical and system integration services. Our team oversaw the design, construction, and testing of a 138/34.5kV substation. We also developed a 15-mile collection system, including both overhead and underground circuits. These systems routed power from wind turbines to the transmission grid.
We began with detailed engineering studies. These included arc flash analysis, relay setting development, and reactive power compensation planning. Each study ensured safe system performance under both normal and fault conditions.
To support communication and control, we created a custom SCADA interface. This connected the wind turbine control system with the utility. We also programmed the RTAC to enable real-time data processing between the substation and turbines. As a result, operators gained robust visibility and remote control capabilities.
Throughout the project, Reesha Tech maintained strict adherence to quality, safety, and performance standards. Despite the logistical challenges of remote terrain and variable weather, we delivered the project on time and within budget.
Today, the wind facility provides consistent, clean energy to the grid. Our work helped meet regional renewable energy goals and demonstrated our ability to support large-scale power integration with precision and reliability.
Strategic Grid Modernization Planning
Grid modernization planning is essential for utilities facing growing electric grid challenges. As a starting point, developing a technology roadmap is a crucial step. It helps utilities optimize the benefits of new technologies and prioritize related investments.
In response to these challenges, an electric utility in the Southeastern U.S. sought to strengthen its modernization efforts. To achieve this, it partnered with Reesha Tech to create a strategy focused on improving operational efficiency and delivering reliable power to 165,000 customers.
Reesha Tech began by building a roadmap around the utility’s existing investment in Oracle software. Although the utility had already gained value from these tools, it needed to advance its modernization efforts further.
To begin with, we conducted a detailed analysis of the current systems and capabilities. As a result, we identified both opportunities and technology gaps that helped shape the strategic direction.
Following this, we outlined the specific technologies under consideration. After the analysis, we developed a multi-stage roadmap. The first phase addressed upgrade paths for the customer information system (CIS), which was several versions behind. Once this was completed, the utility was better positioned to invest in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and improve its automatic meter reading (AMR) system.
To support continued progress, we expanded the roadmap further. It included a baseline business case for both AMI and AMR. This, in turn, helped the utility streamline operations and justify future investments.
Ultimately, the final roadmap became a key component of the utility’s application for a federal infrastructure grant. The plan supported the design and implementation of a comprehensive AMI project within the utility’s service territory. According to client feedback, our work achieved the right balance between strategic vision and practical, actionable steps.
ReeshaTech was called upon to investigate and resolve an unexpected power loss at a major power plant in Ohio. The client faced significant operational downtime, posing both financial risks and concerns about service reliability. Our team’s rapid response and multidisciplinary expertise proved essential in minimizing these impacts and restoring the facility to full operation in a timely manner.
Upon mobilization, ReeshaTech deployed a team of engineers and technical specialists to conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation. Through detailed diagnostics and extensive field assessments, our team identified a critical flaw in the electrical system—specifically, a failure in the C phase of the power distribution network. This single-point failure triggered a cascade of equipment malfunctions, severely compromising the plant’s performance and stability.
To resolve the issue, we determined that a heavy-duty transformer required immediate replacement. Due to its substantial size and weight, transportation logistics presented a major challenge. A specialized contractor was engaged to manage complex river and sea transport. In addition, a temporary railway track was constructed near the site to ensure safe and timely delivery.
While logistics were underway, our engineering team constructed a reinforced concrete foundation to house the new transformer. We also upgraded associated electrical components and automated control systems to ensure long-term reliability and to prevent similar failures in the future. This effort demanded close coordination across civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines.
Despite the project’s complexity and compressed timeline, ReeshaTech delivered the solution efficiently and within schedule. Our integrated approach, technical depth, and project management capabilities were key to restoring full operations without further delay.
This project underscores ReeshaTech’s ability to respond swiftly to critical infrastructure challenges. The client regained full operational capacity and praised our team’s professionalism, agility, and technical excellence.
August 26, 2020
If your facility operates a generating unit greater than 20 MVA, an individual synchronous condenser unit over 20 MVA, or a generating facility rated at 75 MVA or more (gross), you must consider NERC PRC-019 compliance when upgrading your excitation system or AVR. This standard governs the coordination of voltage regulating controls, limit functions, equipment capabilities, and Protection System settings for generating units and synchronous condensers. Ensuring proper coordination is essential not only for system reliability but also to meet regulatory requirements during and after equipment upgrades. After any upgrade or new installation, you must update your PRC-019 report with the commissioning report. This step helps maintain your facility’s compliance with NERC requirements. ReeshaTech offers specialized technical expertise to help your facility achieve and maintain full compliance. We provide auditing, compliance support, and tailored training for your personnel. Our in-house team covers the full range of NERC standards requirements. We deliver comprehensive, end-to-end support that many service providers simply cannot match. From start to finish, Reesha Tech partners with you to ensure your facility’s long-term success.Professional Precision Engineering for Dependable, Safe Power Systems
Engineering forms the foundation of secure, effective power infrastructure and plays a vital role in nearly every aspect of generating and delivering electricity. It enables industrial owners and utility clients to maintain stable, efficient systems, ensuring the reliable supply of electricity. With an unwavering dedication to safety, precision, and quality, our team of highly skilled engineering professionals excels at solving complex power system challenges.
Through close collaboration with power utilities, renewable energy developers, data center operators, and industrial facility owners, we have developed a comprehensive understanding of the power grid. We leverage this expertise, along with digital solutions, program management, and field service experience, to simplify complex projects and deliver safe, innovative, and efficient power infrastructure tailored to the needs of our clients.
Project Development
With our comprehensive, end-to-end services, which include system and site evaluations, feasibility studies, project scoping, estimating, and schedule creation, we assist in turning initial conceptions into workable projects. With a versatile, interdisciplinary approach, we can act as a project consultant or an owner’s engineer. Our objective is the same in both roles: to make sure your project satisfies all specifications and is finished on schedule and under budget.
Key Services
Line Routing / GIS Mapping
Owner’s Engineer
System & Site Evaluation
Long-range Planning
Scoping / Basis of Design
Power System Studies
Our power system studies provide important information about how substations, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy systems, as well as the electrical systems supporting industrial sites and power generation, operate. We provide a variety of studies, including load flow, short-circuit, arc flash, harmonic, dynamic stability, and contingency evaluations, using cutting-edge modeling tools and industry best practices. These thorough, precise studies and suggestions assist clients in making data-driven choices that increase dependability, lower expenses, and increase efficiency.
Key Services
Interconnection
Arc Flash
Power Flow
Load Analysis
Protection Coordination
Electromagnetic Transient (EMT)
Design Engineering
We provide comprehensive design engineering services for substations, overhead and subterranean transmission lines, and distribution systems, ranging from new construction to renovations of existing facilities. We prioritize quality and safety throughout the design process, closely follow operational and regulatory specifications, and strike a sensible balance between cost-effectiveness and usefulness. Route selection, site layouts, transformer placement, tower and pole design, equipment specifications, and ground grid design are all included in the comprehensive services. We also help integrate IEC 61850, which guarantees smooth communication and interoperability for contemporary substation automation.
Key Services
Distribution Design
Substation Design
Transmission Design
Protection & Control
We offer advanced protection and control solutions designed to enhance safety, improve utility system reliability, and reduce equipment damage and downtime. Our services include real-time monitoring and control of electrical networks through coordinated protection schemes and optimized relay settings. Additionally, we specialize in the configuration and integration of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, including communication protocols tailored for utility operations.
Through our comprehensive utility commissioning services, we perform rigorous testing and system validation to ensure full functionality and compliance with all specifications. Our expertise guarantees that utility clients receive dependable, high-performance control systems that meet the demands of modern power infrastructure.
Key Services
Project Controls
Contract Administration
Permit Support
Equipment & Supplier Procurement
Construction Management
Compliance Support
We leverage our deep knowledge of federal regulations and industry standards to provide electric utilities with customized compliance solutions. Our services include data audits, maintenance evaluations, and gap analyses specifically tailored to meet North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. Additionally, we offer arc flash analysis and mitigation to ensure NFPA 70E compliance, as well as ambient adjusted ratings for transmission lines to support compliance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 881.
To further assist utility clients in meeting modern operational requirements, we facilitate the integration of IEC 61850 protocols, which guarantee seamless communication and interoperability for today’s substation automation systems. By aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks, we help utilities maintain reliable, safe, and compliant operations across their infrastructure.
Key Services
Other Federal and State Regulations
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Related News & Insights
Technology-Based Solutions That Increase Capital Project Delivery Efficiency
We provide technology-enabled, expert-driven solutions to assist utilities in tackling difficult challenges and setting new standards for innovation and progress. Our integrated approach to capital program management incorporates industry-leading best practices that reduce uncertainty and help mitigate risks on utility power generation, substation, transmission, and distribution projects. By partnering closely with utility operators and leveraging deep sector expertise, we deliver reliable solutions tailored to the unique needs of utility infrastructure and operations.
With high-quality engineering drawings, data, and construction packages, our engineering, procurement, and construction (EPCM) management services guarantee effective project execution for our clients. Our in-house expertise spans line routing, permits, structural design, procurement, construction management, and quality control, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the engineering and construction process.
Our civil and structural engineering services include access road design, foundations, stormwater and spill prevention plans, building specifications evaluation, and code analysis. Additionally, we help clients enhance efficiency and innovation by leveraging digital tools and processes that enable data-driven decision-making, improving overall project outcomes.
Project Management
Our approach to project management involves meticulous planning, carrying out, and monitoring complicated projects from start to finish. To guarantee the timely completion and coordination of project deliverables, we employ a Stage-Gate methodology and a proprietary internal framework.
Key Services
Safety & Quality Assessments
Contract Administration
Design Management
Stage-Gate Process Improvement
Permit Support
Construction Management
Commissioning & Turnover
Engineering & Design
We carefully oversee detailed design, engineering review, scheduling, and budgeting from the standpoint of project management. To guard against schedule and expense variations, we make sure design milestones and review timelines are fulfilled during this phase.
Key Services
Construction Drawings
Design Engineering
Design Reviews
Value Engineering
Equipment Specification
Estimating Services
We craft customized cost-estimating solutions that enhance accuracy and risk management. By leveraging industry best practices, data analysis, and benchmarking, we can help ensure that estimates accurately align with project outcomes.
Key Services
Policy, Procedure, and Standards Development
Comprehensive Assessments
Procurement & Materials Management
By organizing audits, assessing vendors, and guaranteeing on-time delivery, our procurement services expedite the acquisition of materials and supplier oversight. We oversee every facet of material integration and storage, ensuring that projects are completed on time and in accordance with quality standards.
Key Services
Material Acquisition
Supplier and Contractor Sourcing
Project Controls
In order to oversee and direct budgets and schedules, which eventually lead to successful project completions, we make use of sophisticated project controls. Through the integration of advanced technologies and processes, our methodology improves decision-making and project predictability by utilizing real-time analytics and insights.
Key Services
Data Analytics
Budget & Schedule Management
Cost Forecasting
Earned Value Analysis
Accrual Management
Custom Reports/Dashboards
Related News & Insights
Purpose-Built Technology for Efficient Utility Operations
Our technology specialists and engineers take a creative, cooperative approach to software development, focusing on distributed energy resources integration. They integrate the deep expertise of the U.S. Department of Energy’s research programs with the unique challenges of the utility industry. As a result, our solutions are both innovative and highly applicable in real-world energy systems.
In particular, our collaboration has led to significant advancements in the integration of solar power data and the acceleration of renewable energy grid connectivity. Consequently, these efforts culminated in the development of GEM — the first emergency management solution designed specifically for utilities.
Looking ahead, we will continue investing in research and development. Moreover, we remain committed to exploring, designing, and implementing new technologies that support the ongoing energy transition.
GEM: Grid Emergency Management
Developed especially for utilities, GEM is a first-of-its-kind software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that facilitates smooth communication and teamwork throughout all-hazard situations.
It offers local information, weather alerts, transmission notifications, and a common operational image for utility assets. Utilities can proactively store emergency playbooks in a common location to promote better real-time decision-making and collaboration. GEM simplifies the process of gathering data and information for prompt, accurate reports in post-event recovery.
Key Services
Continuous Integrations & Upgrades
Deployment of Software
Personalized Integrations
Training
Assistance with Change Management
Support for Operations
PIVA: Photovoltaic Integration via Virtual Airgap
A cloud-based platform called Photovoltaic Integration via Virtual Airgap (PIVA) is used to integrate behind-the-meter (BTM) assets, such as distributed energy resources (DERs), which safely simulate conventional physical airgaps to safeguard vital systems. In addition, PIVA reduces exposure to cybersecurity risks by separating data gathering from DERs, including photovoltaic systems, from power utility operations technology systems. By doing so, it verifies and protects the data, ensuring secure interactions across systems.
Moreover, PIVA was developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). As a result, it provides a secure, scalable framework that demonstrates how utilities can properly integrate higher levels of customer-owned DERs into their key operating systems. Therefore, PIVA helps bridge the gap between energy innovation and practical utility deployment.
AIRIS: AI Renewable Interconnection Siting
(AIRIS), which is presently under development, will provide a user-friendly web service intended to enhance and expedite the engineering study of renewable resource interconnection. In addition to meeting relevant regulatory compliance and cyber security criteria, it features an AI-enabled, centralized place for technical data, security requirements, and confidentiality agreements that may automate the point of interconnection (POI) selection process from start to finish.