With 100% of its 110kV substations remotely monitored and controlled, and all power switching operations managed via remote control, Vinh Long Power Company has achieved numerous milestones in building a smart power grid. This progress enhances the reliability of the power supply and contributes to the company’s goal of digital transformation within the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN).
Smart Power Grid Development
On October 18, 2020, Vinh Long Power Company was honored among eight units within EVN at the Vietnam Digital Awards 2020. The company was recognized for its remote control system and 110kV substations that operate without on-site personnel, marking a significant step forward in digital transformation.
Since its launch in March 2017, Vinh Long Power Company’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and the Distribution Management System (DMS) software have incorporated cutting-edge features that serve as a fully functional Remote Control Center (RCC). Equipped with a 17-screen video wall (each 55 inches) connected to two Remote Control computer systems, the RCC enables comprehensive monitoring and control of the grid.
The RCC has revolutionized the traditional power grid operations by allowing operators to monitor, control, and gather real-time data across the entire system. With this setup, operators can visually manage the grid, monitor operational data and device statuses, receive fault alerts, reroute power, operate loop circuits, and isolate fault areas efficiently—all from the central control center. The adoption of this model at 110kV substations, supplemented by remote camera systems, has largely automated the roles traditionally filled by on-site staff. This restructuring has optimized workforce efficiency by reducing direct labor while maintaining a high level of operational effectiveness.
To date, the Vinh Long RCC has integrated SCADA signals to support remote supervision and control of all 110kV substations. It remotely monitors 35 out of 35 22kV lines and operates 27 out of 54 reclosers. The center boasts a remote operation success rate of over 99%, with over 90% of power rerouting during faults completed within five minutes. Additionally, the OMS remote data connection enables management of customer outage issues, providing actionable insights to address frequent or prolonged outages.
By implementing the advanced SCADA system, Vinh Long Power Company has achieved continuous improvements in power supply reliability. The SAIFI index (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) dropped from 6.64 interruptions in 2016 to 2.53 in 2020. Similarly, the SAIDI index (System Average Interruption Duration Index) decreased significantly from 1,661 minutes in 2016 to 302 minutes in 2020. These metrics highlight the RCC’s role in modernizing grid management and enhancing service reliability.
2021-2025 Period: Striving for SAIDI Below 220 Minutes
To contribute to improving Vietnam’s power accessibility index, with the goal of achieving a SAIFI below 2.0 and a SAIDI below 220 minutes during the 2021-2025 period, Vinh Long Power Company is committed to prioritizing grid automation and digitalization.
In the coming phase, Vinh Long Power Company aims to equip all 22kV lines with SCADA-enabled Recloser devices and consider adding SCADA connectivity to LBS devices. This will enhance load transfer efficiency and meet N-1 operation criteria.
The company also conducts annual training and assessment programs for its team of engineers, dispatchers, and operations staff to ensure a qualified workforce capable of mastering new technologies and meeting professional standards in automation.
Embracing the trend of digital transformation, Vinh Long Power Company is steadily innovating, contributing to the power sector’s digitalization roadmap. These efforts enhance system management, operational efficiency, and customer service quality, supporting the economic and social development of the local community.
