The Central Interconnected System (SIC) and the Northern Interconnected System (SING) have been developed emulating the geography of the country in order to cover its electric energy needs, joining up the energy-producing centres with a great majority of the country’s homes as well as the large industries. Transelec continually interconnects the systems that provide electricity to cities where 99% of Chileans live, contributing in this way to the development of the country.
Both interconnected systems are characterized by their complexity, requiring close coordination between the different actors and an immediate and precise response by the transmitting company in contingency situations, in order to ensure continual twenty-four hour service.
A relevant part of Transelec’s activities is concentrated on optimizing the operation of its installations and is oriented not only to ensure the integrity of the electric system but also to control personal risk to the workers who operate the system’s installations. To this end, modern monitoring and control systems are used, together with effective maintenance and renovation plans for the installations.
Another pillar of the operation is the supervisory control and data acquisition system, SCADA, which makes it possible to have information available in real time to allow for adequate decision-making, as well as conducting distance control of a large number of installations. These systems are frequently updated to allow them to respond to the requirements of new equipment or standards, as is reflected in the recent development of the millisecond time stamp resolution of events required by SIC Technical Standards. Moreover, Transelec’s SING installations are equipped with a new SCADA system that improves response times and achieves substantial savings in investments and operating costs.