Utility distribution
feeder monitoring
Feeder electrical metrics from selected points on your distribution network, reported over 4G. For utilities, industrial estates, campuses and private networks that need to see load and losses beyond the substation.
THE PROBLEM
The network beyond the substation is often unmetered
Distribution operators usually have good data at primary substations and very little further out. Low-voltage feeders and distribution transformers are sized on estimates, and overloading is found when a fuse blows or a transformer fails.
Private networks have the same gap. Industrial estates, ports, airports and campuses run their own distribution, often with a mix of old and new switchgear. Losses between the intake meter and the end users are hard to quantify, and new connections are approved without knowing the real headroom.
Rooftop solar and EV charging make it worse, adding reverse flows and new peaks at the edges of the network.
HOW WE SET IT UP
Metering at the feeders you select
Choose the points that answer the question
We work from the network diagram with your engineers to select feeders and transformers where data changes a decision: heavily loaded, growing, or suspected of losses.
Compatible meter designs
Meter designs are matched to the feeder voltage level, the CTs and VTs available and the enclosure conditions. Our meter designs can be adapted for a feeder programme and built in batches.
Feeder metrics over 4G
Each point reports voltage, current, power and energy over 4G, independent of any SCADA network. Data lands in RIOD Live or in the utility's own systems through an API.
Loading and loss reports
Comparing feeder totals with downstream meters shows technical and commercial losses. Load profiles show transformer headroom before new connections are approved.
AT A GLANCE
Feeder monitoring at a glance
- Measured
- Feeder voltage, current, power and energy, per phase where the meter supports it
- Hardware
- Smart energy meter designs matched to the feeder; RS485 Modbus IoT gateway for existing relays and meters
- Connectivity
- 4G from each point, Ethernet where a network exists
- Security
- MQTT over TLS 1.2 from every device
- Data goes to
- RIOD Live cloud, or the platform deployed on your own server, or utility systems through an API
- Programmes
- Meter designs built in batches, white-label or by licensed technology transfer for local manufacture
- Instrument note
- Protection and power quality analysis use dedicated relays and instruments, integrated alongside our meters
FAQ
Questions buyers ask us
Why monitor distribution feeders beyond the substation?
Most overloading, voltage problems and losses happen on feeders and distribution transformers that have no meters. Monitoring selected points shows real loading and headroom, which guides reinforcement and new connection decisions.
How do you calculate losses on a distribution feeder?
Compare the energy measured at the feeder head with the sum of the energy measured at the customers or sub-feeders it supplies, over the same intervals. The difference is the combined technical and commercial loss.
Can feeder meters replace protection relays?
Protection relays remain the device that trips the feeder. Feeder monitoring gives loading and energy data alongside them, and where relays expose measurements over Modbus our gateway can read them too.
Can a utility manufacture these meters locally?
Yes. Meter designs are available built to order under your brand, as SKD or CKD kits, or through licensed technology transfer so they can be built in your own country.
Planning a feeder monitoring programme?
Tell us the network, the voltage levels and how many points you want to monitor. We will propose the meter design, the connectivity and the supply route.