Design Criteria

Bus Configuration 073131

Asset Type: Electric Substation Function: Design

Issued by: Substation Asset Strategy Date: 07-04-17

Rev. #07: See Section 6.0 for Revision Notes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 PURPOSE and SCOPE.......................................................................................................................................1
2.0 ACRONYMS and TERMS ...................................................................................................................................2
2.1 General............................................................................................................................................................2
2.2 Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................................2
2.3 Terms ..............................................................................................................................................................3
3.0 GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................3
3.1 Substation Purpose ..................................................................................................................................3
3.2 Legacy Configurations and Future Direction ............................................................................................4
4.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................................5
4.1 Related PG&E Design Criteria ........................................................................................................................5
4.2 PG&E Drawings ..............................................................................................................................................5
4.3 Regulatory Documents....................................................................................................................................6
4.4 Industry Standards ..........................................................................................................................................6
5.0 DESIGN CRITERIA .............................................................................................................................................6
5.1 New (Greenfield) Distribution Substations ...............................................................................................6
5.2 New (Greenfield) Transmission Substations ............................................................................................8
5.3 Conversions and Upgrades of Existing (Brownfield) Substations ............................................................9
5.4 Expansion of Existing Buses ..................................................................................................................13
6.0 REVISION NOTES ............................................................................................................................................14
APPENDIX A ...........................................................................................................................................................16
Overview of PG&E Bus Configurations Past & Present ..........................................................................................16
APPENDIX B ...........................................................................................................................................................23
Bus Configurations For Generator Interconnections ...............................................................................................23
APPENDIX C..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..30
Bus Conversions for Two Bank Distribution Stations…………………………………………………………………….30
APPENDIX D……………..……………………………………………………….………………………………………….38
High Side Bus Configuration for Radially Fed, Two Bank Distribution Station… ..……………………………………38
APPENDIX E...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….39
Distribution Bus Upgrades to Meet Today’s Reliability Expectations…………………………………………………..39

1.0 PURPOSE and SCOPE

There are many factors to be considered in the design of an outdoor substation/switching station. The physical
arrangement of air insulated substation/switching station buses affects the maintainability, availability, and
reliability of the electricity delivery system. When a configuration requires the entire substation to be de-energized
to work on a specific component, it impacts the availability of the substation. When the failure of one component
of the circuit causes an outage of the entire substation it impacts the reliability. Maintenance is impacted when it
cannot be accomplished because the circuit or equipment cannot be de-energized due to system needs. The
majority of the station facilities throughout the industry were designed and constructed many years ago when
operations were simpler. Customer’s expectations of power quality were not an issue either. Because of these
changes, the station configurations have evolved to improve overall system performance. Maintainability,
availability, operational flexibility, and reliability are as important as the initial physical ratings required for serving
the system.

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 Bus Configuration
This document defines the PG&E design criteria for physical/electrical arrangement for the bus configurations
found in outdoor substations, unit substations, and switching stations. Underground transmission line transition
stations are not included in this document. The application of this Design Criteria applies to all electric
transmission and distribution outdoor and indoor substations and switching stations. (Application to indoor
situations may require some deviations and must be evaluated on a case by case basis.) The primary focus is on
transmission buses and high side buses in distribution substations. Some information on low voltage (4 kV
through 35kV) buses is included, but is not intended to be comprehensive.
This Design Criteria is not intended for use retroactively and shall be used only for new, upgraded or expanded
substation installations.
This Design Criteria does not include seismic forces to which the substation could be subjected.

2.0 ACRONYMS and TERMS

2.1 General

There are many technical terms used to describe the substation/switching station bus configurations. The reader
is referred to IEEE Guide for Design of Substation Rigid-Bus Structures IEEE Std 605-1998 and to the IEEE
Standard Dictionary of Electronic and Electronic Terms IEEE Std. 100-latest revision. Major acronyms and terms
used in this document are defined and listed below.

2.2 Acronyms

ANSI: American National Standards Institute

BAAH: Breaker and a Half station configuration
CAISO: California Independent System Operator
DBDB: Double Bus Double Breaker
DBSB: Double Bus Single Breaker
EASOP: Economic Analysis Software Program
IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
MPAC: Modular Protection and Control. A PG&E system of modern integrated control and protection scheme
panels installed and tested in a engineered housing and delivered to the site.
N-1 and N-2: Utility industry shorthand for first and second contingencies - Where N represents the elements in
the system, N-1 (N minus one) represents one element out of service, and N-2 represents the next worse-case
event
NERC: North American Electric Reliability Corporation
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Organization
RB: Ring Bus
SBNM: Single Bus, Normal/Maintenance switchgear is used for an ultimate two bank station with each bank
being less or equal to 16 MVA. One common enclosure is used the two banks and four feeders. Each bank
should be able to carry all load.
SBSB: Single Bus Single Breaker
SMP: Sustainable Modular Protection is a relay design where any relay can be easily replaced with one from a
different manufacturer or a different model. PG&E’s older IPAC design is not sustainable because relay
replacement is not possible with relays with a different brand. The complete panel and sometimes adjacent
relays must be replaced if one of the IPAC relays becomes unavailable.

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 Bus Configuration
Unit Sub: Unit sub has two feeders only, with no maintenance breaker position, and is intended for small one
bank stations.

2.3 Terms

Brownfield Substation: an existing substation to be expanded or subjected to a bus configuration upgrade

Bus Structure: an assembly of bus conductors, with associated connection joints and insulating supports
Critical Bus: asset management, operations, and planning will determine bus critically of each station’s bus on a
case-by-case- basis
Distribution Substation: a transforming station where the transmission is linked to the distribution system* (At
PG&E, any substation with a bus operating at less than 60kV.)
Element: Any power system device connected to a bus, including line, transformer, or reactive compensation
device. Bus sectionalizing breakers, bus tie breakers and substitute breakers are not counted as elements.
Greenfield Substation: newly proposed substation to be built on a new site
Rigid-bus Structure: a bus structure comprised of rigid conductors (tubing) supported by rigid insulators
Strain-bus Structure: a bus structure comprised of flexible conductors supported by insulators (rigid or strain)
Substation: an area or group of equipment containing switches, circuit breakers, buses, and transformers for
switching power circuits and to transform power from one voltage to another or from one system to another*
Switching Station: a station where transmission lines are connected without power transformers*
Switchyard: a switching station located at a power plant
Transmission Bus: In the context of this document, a transmission bus is any bus, 60kV and above, with three
or more transmission line terminals, that can be used as a switching bus. It does not include traditional distribution
substations even though the high-side bus is considered transmission bus according to CAISO.
Transmission Substation: an assemblage of equipment for purposes other than generation or utilization,
through which electric energy in bulk is passed for the purpose of switching or modifying its characteristics* (At
PG&E, any substation with buses only operating at 60kV or above.)
* From the IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms

3.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

3.1 Substation Purpose

The substation is a basic part of the electrical system. Its configuration should enhance the system. When it is
decided to build a new substation or expand an existing substation, a detailed study of system parameters is
performed to determine location, size, voltage, sources, loads, and role the substation performs on the system.
The substation or addition should reflect an economical and efficient design.
The station buses provide the electrical system with the following:
1. A means electrically to connect transmission lines, transformers, and voltage control equipment
2. Reliability to the overall transmission system by allowing interruption of one or more elements
3. A means for removing individual equipment for maintenance while allowing the transmission lines and
other elements to remain in service
4. Multiple sources for loads
5. A means to serve customers

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 Bus Configuration
Exceptions to guidance in this document must be approved per TD-3310P-01 – Request for Waiver from
Substation and Transmission Line Standards.
3.2 Legacy Configurations and Future Direction
Distribution
For distribution substation HV buses, PG&E utilized the single breaker single bus (SBSB) configuration for many
years. In general, it was connected to the transmission system by looping, single tapping, or double tapping (flip-
flopping) transmission lines into the substation. The simple and straight forward design of the SBSB configuration
was easy to expand and simple to operate for ultimate layouts of three (3) transformers and two (2) lines (see
EDS 457211 and 470433 for 115 kV single line diagrams, and EDS 457212 and 470434 for 230 kV single line
diagrams).
Initially the transformers were not directly protected by a circuit device. As reliability and power quality concerns
grew however, fuses, circuit switchers and circuit breakers were added to minimize fault impacts to adjacent
equipment on the single bus. Later, there were cases where a fourth (4th) transformer, a third (3rd) line or local
generators were added as a sixth (6th) element to the single bus, expanding the station beyond its ultimate
design. This resulted in a more-expensive bus design with up to six (6) breakers, yet with limited
switching/clearance capability from the single bus design. Therefore, the decision was made in 2001 to optimize
the ultimate layout for distribution substations as a six (6) breaker ring bus (RB) instead of a loop.
Transmission
Traditionally transmission substations have utilized the double bus single breaker (DBSB) configuration, which
was adequate for reliability, maintenance, and switching issues in meeting most N-1 planning criteria.
Nevertheless, the protection schemes were complicated, expensive, and became more so with the addition of
more elements on the bus, bus sectionalizing breakers and substation (bus tie) breakers. Switching equipment for
any reason became very time consuming and required reconfiguration of the circuits leaving the substation. This
can impact reliability and make switching an extremely complex task. These substation designs were limited to
ten (10) bay positions by PG&E’s asset management personnel. Experience had shown anything beyond this
number was unmanageable. The DBSB configuration requires a great deal of land for expansion, and is only
moderately more reliable than the SBSB design.
The ring bus arrangement is very reliable and lower-cost, yet is not very flexible for expansion. Typically no more
than six (6) breakers are found in a PG&E ring.
The breaker and a half (BAAH) design is the optimal balance of increased reliability, cost, and efficient land
usage. Similar to the ring bus, the BAAH configuration allows double sources to each load circuit. Maintenance
and relay changes can be accomplished without loss of service through simple switching operations. Therefore
for transmission substations, the BAAH is the standard design. The newly adopted SMP protection designs allow
straightforward expansion of a ring to BAAH. Therefore, a ring laid out to be expandable to BAAH is economically
preferred for up to four elements. Short terms plans forecasting a major expansion may warrant initial
construction to BAAH.
NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) Reliability Standards address system performance under
various contingency (emergency) operating conditions in its Standards TPL-001-4. This NERC standard identifies
various contingencies. The standard states how the bulk electric system is to perform under each type. N-1
contingencies are referred to as Category B and N-2 contingencies are referred to as Category C and D. The
requirements of these standards, particularly for Category C, further restrict the ability to clear elements and
busses for maintenance. For example, a clearance is N-1 and the next contingency (N-2) is looked at for risk and
consequence before the clearance is granted.
NERC Reliability Standard FAC-011 is also relevant in that the System Operating Limits must provide certain bulk
electric system performance under various conditions. Also, the Regional Difference for the Western
Interconnection, also included in FAC-011, lists additional contingencies which must be taken into consideration
when planning and operating the bulk electric system.
Both the ring bus and the BAAH configurations help address today’s operating environment of critical buses,
where the N-2 criteria and other system performance compliance requirements must be met and clearances for
maintenance cannot disrupt the system.

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 Bus Configuration
For facility rating purposes of Ring Bus or BAAH, our standard methodology for ampere rating assumes that
100% of the line or transformer load could be supplied from either breaker, although the power can split between
adjacent breakers. Any past assumption for 500kV at a 50% value should be changed to 100%.

4.0 REFERENCES
All substations are built to both industry and PG&E standards. As standards are developed or modified, they shall
be listed as a reference to asset management personnel.

4.1 Related PG&E Design Criteria

The following design criteria contain information that may be related:

Document Document Title
073100 .....................................................................................................................................................Introduction
073101 ..............................................................................................................................................Site Preparation
073102 ..............................................................................................................................Structural and Foundation
073104 .........................................................................................................................Design of Rigid Bus Systems
073113 .....................................................................................................Ambient and Electrical Service Conditions
073118 ...........................................................................................................................................................Signage
073134 …………………………………………………………………………….........…………….Metal Clad Switchgear
073137 ...............................................................................................................................................Bus and Cable
073138 ........................................................................................................................................................Insulators

4.2 PG&E Drawings

Document Document Title

EDS 428408 ..............................................................Standard Half Bay Arrangement BAAH for 500kV Substations
EDS 428409 ........................................................................Standard Main Bus Arrangement for 500kV Substations
EDS 457211 ....................................................................Single Line, 115/12kV Distribution Substation, Double Bus
EDS 457212 ....................................................................Single Line, 230/21kV Distribution Substation, Double Bus
EDS 470433 .......................................................................Single Line, 115/12kV Distribution Substation, Main/Aux
EDS 470434 .......................................................................Single Line, 230/21kV Distribution Substation, Main/Aux
EDS 4028711 Arrangement, 60kV Breaker and a Half Substation Switch and Bus Structure
EDS 4086272 ......................................................................................Arrangement, 115kV BAAH, Compact Design
EDS 4042040.................................................................................................Arrangement, 115kV BAAH Substation
EDS 4042042 ......................................................................230kV BAAH Bus Arrangement—High Seismic Loading
EDS 4042043 ..............................................................230kV BAAH Bus Arrangement—Moderate Seismic Loading
EDS 4044014.........................................................................Single Line, 230kV Ring Bus Configuration, with IPAC
EDS 4051051 .........................................................Single Line, Double Bus Double Breaker Switchgear, with IPAC
EDS 4051173 ............................................................................................................Arrangement, 115 kV Ring Bus
EDS 4052756 ........................................................Single Line, 2-Bank Normal/Maintenance Switchgear, with IPAC

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 Bus Configuration
EDS 4064166 ..............................................................................................Arrangement, 60kV Dist. Sub., Ring Bus
EDS 4064474...............................................Single Line, Ring Bus Configuration for 115/12kV Dist. Sub., Main/Aux
EDS 4064475...............................................Single Line, Ring Bus Configuration for 230/21kV Dist. Sub., Main/Aux
EDS 4064476 ...........................................Single Line, Ring Bus Configuration for 115/12kV Dist. Sub., Double Bus
EDS 4064477 ...........................................Single Line, Ring Bus Configuration for 230/21kV Dist. Sub., Double Bus

4.3 Regulatory Documents

NERC Reliability Standard FAC-011 ...................System Operating Limits Methodology for the Operations Horizon
NERC Reliability Standard TPL-001-4 ..................Transmission System Planning Performance Requirements,
PG&E Transmission Interconnection Handbooks (control click for link)

4.4 Industry Standards

Document Document Title

IEEE Std. 605-2008 ..................................................................Guide for Design of Substation Rigid-Bus Structures
IEEE Std. 1119-1988 ................................................Guide for Fence Safety Clearances in Electric-Supply Stations
IEEE Std. C2-2012 .....................................................................................................National Electrical Safety Code
IEEE Std. C37.20.2-2001 .......................................................................................................Metal-Clad Switchgear

5.0 DESIGN CRITERIA

5.1 New (Greenfield) Distribution Substations

Bus configurations for new distribution substations are summarized in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1 Bus Configurations for New Distribution Substations

Bus Voltages Configuration Design Standard
High voltage bus 230, 115, 70 Ring; 3 to 6 element, (BAAH: >6 4064166,
and 60 kV elements) 4064476, 4064477
Low voltage bus, 21, 12 and 41 kV Open air (Bus 1/Bus 2) unless 4064476, 4064477
space constrained then use
4051051
DBDB switchgear for all cases
excluding unit substations, which 40527562
are single bus.
1. Generally 4 kV would not be used for new construction since it is a non-standard voltage, but may be used for
rebuilding existing buses. See TD-3350P-06, “Substation 4 kV, Unit Substations and Transferring Substation
Assets to Distribution” for alternate solutions at 4 kV.
2. EDS 4052756 shows two banks coming into a single switchgear line-up. Waivers were granted at Menlo and
Redwood City to modify this drawing to DBDB and exclude the sectionalizing breaker. As of this writing, this
drawing has not been revised. Vallejo B is another example of this allowable exception.
The ultimate distribution substation shall be a six (6) breaker ring bus design, as shown in Figure 5-1. The
arrangement can also include 2 banks and 4 lines, or 4 banks and 2 lines, etc. Initially this can be a flip-flop,
double-tap, expandable from three (3) up to six (6) positions on the ring. If the line is either critical or loops

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 Bus Configuration
through the station, it shall follow the three (3) breaker design illustrated in Figure 5-2. All switches are not shown
in figures 5.1 and 5.2.
Preferably the source and loads should be alternated around the ring as the bus is expanded.
The low side bus should be configured such that it is “in-line” (that is, bus sections should line up in a single row).
When an air-insulated design is used, the number of low voltage feeder bays constructed is typically four, but
shall be at least two, and maximum six. Exceptions such as in within San Francisco or Oakland, for heavy PV
areas or for the use of 75 MVA transformers at 12 kV, must be approved by the manager of distribution planning.
The ultimate will be site specific and include the factors like space constraints, load growth, feeder loading, feeder
re-termination for balancing, get away access, ultimate plan for the station, etc. Obtain input from Distribution
Planning regarding their needs prior to deciding the number of feeder bays. Drawings should show ultimate
planned future bays.
See section 5.4 for adding a new bank and new low voltage bus section to an existing substation.

Figure 5-1 Standard Ring Bus Configuration (6-breaker)

Figure 5-2 Expanding the Standard Ring Bus

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 Bus Configuration

5.2 New (Greenfield) Transmission Substations

Bus configurations for new transmission substations and switching stations are summarized in Table 5.2 below.
Table 5.2 Bus Configurations for New Transmission Substations and Switching Stations
Bus Voltage Configuration1 Design Standard
All buses 500 kV BAAH 428408, 428409
All buses 230 kV BAAH 4042042, 4042043
All buses 115 kV BAAH 4086272, 4042040
All buses 70 and 60 kV BAAH 4028711
1. For new busses up to four initially planned elements “Ring expandable to BAAH” is allowed.

As shown in Table 5.2, all buses are to be designed as BAAH. For four or less elements, the initial design can be
“Ring, expandable to BAAH”. For more than four elements then the initial design must be BAAH. Application of
the BAAH design requires one and a half breakers per element. Ring expandable to BAAH is made possible with
the new SMP (Sustainable Modular Design). SMP facilitates bus conversion more economically than the older
MPAC design.
When Ring, expandable to BAAH, is used then, the bus and breakers must be arranged in a way that meets the
Ultimate Site Plan (see TD-3350P-11).

Land must be acquired for at least three bays or one additional bay beyond the immediate need, whichever is
greater. (Two additional bays if the initial number of elements is 10 or more.)
Bus sectionalizing is not required for eight (8) bays or less, based upon expected fault duty levels. For ultimate
layouts larger than this, space should be reserved and planned for possible bus sectionalizing or series reactors.
Sufficient property space: Low-profile – follow EDS drawings
Constrained space: A compact 115 kV BAAH arrangement is available. Another possible option is GIS.
5.2.1 Seismic Considerations and Arrangement

For 230 kV, there are two bus design standards for the BAAH scheme: moderate seismic loading (EDS 4042043),
and high seismic loading (EDS 4042042). The moderate seismic design utilizes a 2-bay H-frame structure for
line tensions of 3500 pounds or less, and therefore is more compact than the high seismic design. The high
seismic design utilizes a single-bay A-frame structure for line tensions up to 9600 pounds. The moderate design
also utilizes one central dead-end structure in the bay, as compared to the two required for the high seismic
design.
The moderate seismic design should be adequate for the majority of 230 kV installations, and is a more-efficient
design due to less structures and foundations required. Whereas, the high seismic design should be utilized if any
of the following applies: high seismic area, line tension more than 3500 pounds, transformer overhead entry to
BAAH bus bay at 90-degree angle, or line entry into a bay requires crossover to other bus.
For both designs, if the property allocation is limited for standard bay length, some bay compaction can be
considered between the breaker disconnect switches. For example, the standard spacing of 15 feet between the
post support structure and both switch centerlines can be reduced to 9’-4” minimum by eliminating the post
support. Minimal spacing is still required though between the breaker disconnect switches, to provide adequate
man-lift working space for making bus connections. Also, some space can be compacted in the area of the wave
trap if no traps are planned, or if vertically-oriented traps are used.

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 Bus Configuration
5.2.2 Element Pairings
When laying out a BAAH scheme, sources and loads should be mixed in each bay to maximize reliability and
improve performance under N-2 conditions. For example, if two sources were in the same bay, breaker failure of
the center breaker could result in the loss of both sources. Critical loads should not be located in the same bay
for the same reason. For 500 kV buses, sources and loads must be mixed (e.g. two source lines from the north
cannot be in same bay.) System Operations must be consulted in determining element paring. Optimum element
paring is not always possible due to exorbitant costs to relocate towers and lines or the need to minimize
transmission line cross overs for reliability.
5.3 Conversions and Upgrades of Existing (Brownfield) Substations
PG&E’s existing transmission and distribution substations were built to a wide range of bus configuration designs.
The preferred bus arrangements to support present and future system needs are shown in Tables 5.3.1 and 5.3.2
below. Significant operational improvements can often be made by certain ‘upgrades’ to the bus instead of a full
conversion to BAAH. When a substation is considered for conversion, or an upgrade is required per 5.3.1 or 5.3.2
below, perform a detailed engineering study to determine the most cost efficient approach that meets minimum
operating conditions for that substation and makes reasonable allowances for other projects planned in at least
the five year horizon.
This study shall take into consideration many factors, including:
 The number of customers at risk for a sustained outage (including consideration for very large single
customers, such as municipalities), primarily under N-1 contingencies.
 Severity of operating and maintenance constraints which impact granting of clearances, switching and the
ability to continue with maintenance compliance.
 System impacts due to loss of bus under normal conditions (N-1) that are directly attributable to bus
design (not otherwise able to mitigate)
 Past bus outage performance and the causes
 Plans for wholesale protection replacement, with accompanying SMP/MPAC (avoid installing new MPAC
on poor bus configurations)
 Whether a high percentage of equipment is scheduled to be replaced or is near the top quartile of the
ranked replacement list As an example, at least 30% of breakers, switches, insulators, etc. due either to
age (condition) or overstressed.
 Existing ampacity of buses, drops, and associated equipment will not meet project requirements.
 Whether structures have serious degradation or have been determined by civil engineering as seismically
inadequate, and thus need to have a high level of retrofit made or need to be replaced.
 Existing substation has significant space constraints or surrounding development and congestion. The
inability or cost to acquire or mitigate additional land may lead to favoring one alternative over another.
 Whether bus or equipment has reached voltage or fault duty limits.
 Locale should be considered. For example, in areas with high generator and load interconnection growth,
then the anticipated need for future bays should be accounted for.
The extent to which the items above are applicable directly impacts the benefit of a full conversion, as opposed to
an upgrade.
Several logistical factors must also be considered in deciding the ultimate approach, including:
 Schedule constraints
 Risk of permitting (if required) on schedule and overall project cost
 Construction sequencing, including ability to maintain service during construction, switching complexity,
the need to install temporary facilities, etc.

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 Bus Configuration
 Pairing of lines and bays on BAAH, and balance of generation and load or separation of loads on DBSB
schemes with sectionalizing (extent of tower work, changes to line approaches, and avoiding line
crossings)
 Location of any new buildings (SMP/MPAC, battery, etc.) regarding their proximity to the bus and not
blocking future expansion opportunities.
During the preliminary scoping phase of major projects involving critical substation buses, asset management
personnel will determine whether the bus and/or associated equipment must be replaced and rebuilt, usually as
BAAH. If asset management personnel determine that the bus needs to be rebuilt as BAAH, then the economic
analysis software program’s (EASOP) analysis for the alternative not to convert to BAAH now must factor in at
least the following additional costs:
 Include capital costs to replace the bus now or later, but within the EASOP study period, including
associated deteriorated equipment. The alternatives must have equal capacity at the end of the study
period (e.g. 20 years).
 M&O (Maintenance and Operations) cost differential to continue operating aged equipment in the DBSB
arrangement. Asset management personnel will provide these costs with assistance from Operations and
Maintenance groups
 The economic consequences of a one-time worse-case bus fault may be assumed
5.3.1 Distribution Substations

Table 5.3.1 below indicates the preferred final state after a distribution substation bus has been upgraded or
converted for reliability or operational flexibility improvement.

Table 5.3.1 Preferred Distribution Substation Upgrade Configurations

Bus Voltage Configuration Design Standard
High Voltage Bus 230, 115, 70 and Ring; 3 to 6 element, max 3 4064166,
60 kV transmission lines 4064474, 4064475,
4064476, 4064477
BAAH; > 6 element or if 4 or 4042042, 4042043
more transmission lines
Loop (SBSB) 1; max 5 elements 457211, 457212,
470433, 470434
SBSB; for tap substations max 3 N/A
banks (4 elements). For flip-flop
substations, max 3 banks (5
elements), provided no plans in
10 years to close the loop. Each
element to have protection.
DBSB 2 (Bus 1/Bus 2 or N/A
Main/Aux)
Low voltage bus 35 3, 21, 12 and Continue with existing design 457211, 457212,
4 4 kV either open air (Bus 1/Bus 2 or 470433, 470434
Main/Aux)5 or switchgear. If
4051051
space constrained then in lieu of
open air use DBDB switchgear 4052756 6
Consider unit subs for 4kV
banks less than 5 MVA.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 10 of 41

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 Bus Configuration
2. Adding a line to a tap (SBSB) substation to create a loop through it. Convert to ring (or BAAH if needed).
(Typically tap buses are very minimalist and it is not desirable to entrench the design by adding additional
elements to the single bus.) †
3. Adding a second tap to a single tap substation, thereby creating a closed loop between the two lines.
Convert to ring (or BAAH if needed). †
4. Closing a normally open loop on a flip-flop (dual source) substation (usually as a result of line upgrades or
line reconfigurations). Convert to ring (or BAAH if needed) if the loop now constitutes an important
transmission path. †
5. Adding a 3rd or 4th bank to a loop type station. Convert to ring bus if space is available and economic
evaluation shows additional NPV of approximately 20% or less.
† These projects are usually done for reliability enhancement, so improving the bus to a ring configuration
supports that intent. However, if space is not available to create the ring (adjacent property already
developed, adjacent road, steep terrain, or other very difficult barriers), and minimal growth is projected
for the long term (15 - 20 yrs), then an “enhanced loop” as referred to in Table 5.3.1 can be employed.
The typical substation design has been a SBSB arrangement (loop) of two lines and three banks in the
substation. An exception has allowed two (2) lines and four (4) banks within the substation, or occasionally three
(3) lines and three (3) banks. However, as noted in section 3.2 the desire is to consciously move toward rings as
the primary preferred design for distribution high side buses.
The following additional items must be taken into consideration for distribution substation bus upgrades or
conversions when scoping and planning the work.
 Plan for future expansion. Development of an ultimate arrangement at the time of upgrade is highly
recommended to indicate how an ultimate build-out is envisioned.
 Access for mobile equipment (transformers and breakers)
 Connection points for mobile equipment

5.3.2 Transmission Substations

Table 5.3.2 below indicates the preferred final state after a transmission substation bus has been upgraded or
converted for reliability or operational flexibility improvement.

Table 5.3.2 Preferred Transmission Substation Upgrade Configurations

Bus Voltage Configuration Design Standard
High or Low side 230 kV BAAH or ring expandable to 4042042, 4042043,
BAAH 4044014
High or Low side 115 kV BAAH or DBSB (Bus 1/Bus 2 or 4086272, 4042040
Main/Aux) or ring expandable to
BAAH
Low side 60/70 kV DBSB (Bus 1/Bus 2 or 4028711
Main/Aux), or BAAH or ring
expandable to BAAH

Drivers for Upgrades

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 Bus Configuration
The criteria in the bus reliability program will identify certain substations for upgrade; however, other upgrades will
be triggered as a result of project work, such as new line or bank capacity projects, system reliability projects or
interconnection projects. An upgrade is required under any of the following conditions:
1. If additional element(s) are to be added to a DBSB configuration which results more than 8 elements
without sectionalizing, then add sectionalizing breakers and additional bus tie breaker, or convert to
BAAH based on an evaluation of the factors listed in section 5.3 above.
2. If additional element(s) are to be added to a BAAH configuration which would result in more than 8 bays
(16 elements). Add bus sectionalizing breakers.
3. If additional element(s) are to be added to a SBSB configuration, convert to BAAH.
4. If bus differential protection on a DBSB configuration is upgraded to B90 scheme and bus has more than
10 elements without sectionalizing, then sectionalize bus or convert to BAAH based on an evaluation of
the factors listed in section 5.3 above.
5. This is an exception to the 8 element rule above. If the bus is the primary area source with limited options
for transfer (high radial load) as determined by Transmission Planning and element(s) are to be added to
a 60 kV or 70 kV DBSB configuration which results in more than 6 elements, then sectionalize the bus or
convert to BAAH based on an evaluation of the factors listed in section 5.3 above.
6. Critical 115 kV busses, whether identified under the Bus Reliability Program or as identified by
Transmission Planning as part of an area improvement study/project to correct performance deficiencies,
shall be converted by rebuilding the bus to ultimate BAAH scheme.
Development of an ultimate arrangement at the time of upgrade is highly recommended to indicate how future
expansion is envisioned.
For 115 kV BAAH, when sufficient property space exists, use the Low-profile 115kV designs listed in Table 5.3.2
above. If space is constrained, consider the compact design, or a GIS option.

5.4 Expansion of Existing Buses

To expand transmission (HV) busses by one or more terminals in an existing DBSB configuration, many factors
must be considered. Conversion to ring bus expandable to BAAH for up to four terminals or BAAH must be
considered, as explained in 5.3 above. For substantial bus expansions (e.g. multiple projects connecting to a bus
at the same time) where it is not justifiable to do a complete conversion, the new bus section shall transition to
BAAH if space is available. Bus sectionalizing breakers can be used at the transition point to improve reliability.
The exceptions to the expansion of the existing bus are:
1. Where space is limited or the bus defined as critical, some existing DBSB bus sections may be converted
to BAAH rather than adding BAAH bays.
2. A project that only inserts a bus-tie breaker or bus-sectionalizing breaker into an existing bus may not
require conversion.

For existing distribution (MV) busses, a bus expansion (adding bays to an existing bus section) should follow
the existing design, whether main-aux or double-bus (Bus 1/Bus 2). In addition, the following enhancements
should be incorporated with the expansion:

1. For B1/B2, add a bus-tie disconnect switch between the existing transformer and the new transformer on
Bus 1. Do not retrofit existing busses with a bus-tie disconnect.
2. For Main/Aux, install bus tie disconnects between banks on the aux bus. See drawings 4064474 and
4064475. Do not retrofit existing busses with bus tie disconnects.
3. For Main/Aux, install a second tie breaker when installing the third transformer in a three bank station. Do
not retrofit existing station with additional tie breakers.

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 Bus Configuration
Note that exceptions can be made by following TD-3310P-01 - Request for Waiver from Substation and
Transmission Line Standards. See appendix E.

When expansion is by way of adding a bank and a new bus section, the new bus section is to be double bus, to
enhanced reliability, except main/aux is acceptable for banks ≤ 16 MVA with only two feeders and where field
switching will allow one feeder to pick up the full bank load so the other feeder can be cleared for maintenance.
When the existing buses are of the Main/Aux design, the following applies:

1. If the existing bank(s) are 30 or 45 MVA and the structure is from the mid 1970s onward (i.e. low profile
design, not the older pipe type structures), 1 then include in the scope of work to upgrade the existing
busses to B1/B2 (verify during walkdown). To convert, replace #1 disconnect switch with a #7/9
disconnect switch and install the cross bus to the #9. (See standards 457211 & 470433). This conversion
is especially helpful if there is no substitute breaker and field load transfers are required for maintenance.

2. If the above conditions do not apply (i.e. smaller bank or pipe-type structure), then the existing bus is to
be left as M/A but the new bus should still be designed as B1/B2. The addition of a double bus adjacent
to an existing main-aux bus should not cause any operational difficulties, but does create a situation that
Operations must be aware of. Obtain the concurrence of Maintenance and Operations before creating a
hybrid bus arrangement.

See section 5.1 for information on the number of feeder bays to incorporate for the ultimate plan.

6.0 REVISION NOTES

Rev 00 – 9/18/08. Issued as new document

Rev 01—3/16/09. Added Moderate Seismic Loading EDS standard for 230 kV BAAH bus, along with direction
where to apply this version versus the High Seismic Loading version. Also referenced the pending 115 kV Ring
Bus design standard, and added discussion on expanding existing main/aux distribution buses.

Rev 02 – 07/20/11. Added ‘Element’ to terms, minor clarifications and correlation to NERC standards in Section 3
General Information, updated references in Section 4, Section 5.1 added Table 5.1 and minor edits, Section 5.2
added Table 5.2 and removed option for initial operation of BAAH as a ring, Section 5.3 elaborated on study
conditions and implementation (logistical) considerations, added Table 5.3.1 and conditions requiring upgrades,
added Table 5.3.2 and conditions requiring upgrades, revised existing text, Section 5.4 defined preference for
additional distribution bus sections as double bus and minor edits for clarification.
Appendix A removed text in 1.0 redundant with main criteria, clarification to 2.1 SBSB limitations and deleted text
on when to install sectionalizing breaker, 2.6 moved statement on bay pairings and balancing to main body (5.2),
2.7 added additional description and application for inverted design, 3.2 added description for DBSB, added 3.4
on DBDB for switchgear, other minor edits.
Appendix B clarified applicable to switching stations, deleted Implementation section, added paragraph regarding
tapping, added reference to 3.1 for new BAAH station and minimum land requirement, and clarified application for
adjacent properties, retitled 3.2 for new distribution substation and revised to ring instead of loop, deleted 3.3 for
new DBDB, added reference to main criteria in 4.1 and 4.2, revised 4.3 for maximum number of elements, revised
4.4 for maximum number of elements and reference to main criteria, expanded 4.5, added 4.6 for Tap
substations. Removed limit of 500 MW from figures (will be determined by system impact studies); other minor
edits.

1 Most outdoor substations built prior to early 1970's were built for main-aux operation. With the introduction of larger
distribution transformers (i.e. 30, 45, 75MVA), the need for greater operating flexibility and reliability arose. Since the mid
1970s, even if the station is initially operated as main-aux, the bus structure is designed for easy conversion to
double bus.

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 Bus Configuration
Rev 03 – 8/1/2012. Modified Table 5.1 and 5.3.1 for the low voltage bus to allow new stations to be open air.
When the station is space constrained then use DBDB switchgear. Deleted all references to single-bus, normal
maintenance switchgear, except for small two bank stations. Modified Table 5.3.2 and document list to show that
EDS 4028711 (60 kV BAAH) has been published. Section 5.4 – added exception to use Main/Aux for low
voltages busses for banks 16 MVA or under.
Rev 04 – 7/1/13. Added Appendixes C and D which all contain information related to two bank distribution
substations. Appendixes C provide instructions and information for bus conversions for two bank stations.
Appendix D provides a drawing of the preferred method to connect a two bank station to a radial line.
Rev 05 – 1/15/2014. A sentence was added in section 3.1 that tells how to obtain exceptions to this design
criteria. New paragraph in section 5.4 provides rules for specific reliability enhancements. New Appendix E
provides background and support for the reliability enhancements.
Rev. #06: 4/15/2014 Added clarification of ampacity splitting rating for Ring Bus and BAAH schemes in section
3.2, and noted the issuing of 4086272 for Compact Design of 115 kV BAAH.
Rev. #07: 7/4/17 Updated to allow: 1) For transmission busses, allow, “ring expandable to BAAH” up to four
terminals. 2) All switchgear now DBDB, 3) Definition of SMP 4) Reflect that TPL-001-4 was changed from 4
separate docs to one 5) Miscellaneous clarifications.

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 Bus Configuration

APPENDIX A
Overview of PG&E Bus Configurations Past & Present

(Informative)

1.0 BUS CONFIGURATIONS

There have been many bus configurations used on the PG&E electrical system for both transmission and
distribution substations (high voltage and low voltage) over the years. All bus configurations have their strong
points and weaknesses. The engineer had to balance cost with reliability in the process of designing a
substation. Section 2 illustrates the seven station configurations most frequently used at PG&E. In order to
increase reliability and reduce costs, it has been decided to standardize on the two types of station configurations.
Therefore all new transmission and distribution substations HV buses will be designed as BAAH or ring
respectively.
The physical arrangements commonly found in PG&E substations are:
1. Single Bus Single Breaker (SBSB)
2. Double Bus Single Breaker (DBSB)
3. Main and Auxiliary Bus
4. Double Bus Double Breaker (DBDB)
5. Ring Bus (RB)
6. Breaker and a Half Bus (BAAH)
7. Inverted (folded) Breaker and a Half Bus
The low profile of transmission and distribution substation has become very important in this age of rigorous
permitting. Aesthetics (e.g. eye appeal) is a prime consideration in most permitting processes today. Even in
industrial areas governing bodies are acutely aware of visual impact. Structures and equipment have become an
increasingly important aspect to consider in substation layout. In the past, large lattice and box-type structures
supporting overhead strain buses were commonly used. Today, however, substation bus designs use low-profile
structures with rigid bus work.

2.0 HIGH VOLTAGE BUS PHYSICAL ARRANGEMENT

2.1 Single Bus Single Breaker Configuration
This is also known as a radial bus, loop bus, or flip bus configuration. It is generally found in distribution
substations on the high voltage side. It consists of one main bus to which the transmission circuits are connected
to the bus through circuit breakers. The isolation device for the transformer connections may be a circuit breaker
or a circuit switcher or just a disconnect switch.

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 Bus Configuration

Figure A-1. Single Bus Single Breaker Design

When the SBSB substation is expanded, reliability can be affected due to the number or circuit elements added to
the bus. The bus can be divided (split), as it expands, with sectionalizing disconnect switches and/or
sectionalizing circuit breakers. This allows breaker failures or bus faults to affect only the section of bus on which
the problem occurs. The other bus section is protected by the sectionalizing. Although some substations have up
to ten (10) circuit elements with this design, distribution substations are now limited to 5 elements and
transmission substations should be converted when triggered by project work.
Radial bus designs are one of the simplest to expand, operate, and provide with protective relaying.
Unfortunately, they provide the least reliable, since they are subject to a complete station outage in the event of a
bus fault or breaker failure. Maintenance of elements necessitates the de-energization of the line connected to
the element and extensive switching outside the station to pick up the load on other feeders. Maintenance of the
bus requires the de-energization of the entire station.
Bypass switches have been applied to many breakers in the SBSB and DBSB configurations found on the PG&E
system. They were utilized to increase the flexibility of maintenance and operation on these buses. In some
cases, a substitute breaker arrangement is required in the station and that requires the breaker bypass
configuration be installed.

Figure A-2. Breaker Bypass Design

2.2 Double Bus Single Breaker configuration

The DBSB configuration consists of two (2) main buses connected together through one (1) circuit breaker. Each
DBSB circuit element has one (1) bus paralleling (tie) circuit breaker. It can be connected to either bus through

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 17 of 41

 Bus Configuration
disconnect switches. This configuration was used extensively at PG&E until approximately 2002 for 115kV and
230kV transmission substations. Maintenance is improved over the SBSB design, but it still is not recommended
for locations where system reliability and availability are critical. Under normal conditions, the number of
elements should be divided between the two (2) buses. This is a complicated and expensive design to protect
due to the two (2) buses and the bus sectionalizing breaker. If all the circuits are on the same bus, all of the
circuits (and possibly customers) will be lost in the event of an outage. Bus faults and breaker failures can cause
an outage on that bus. Another drawback for the DBSB design is the necessity to take an outage to perform any
type of maintenance on its associated circuit breaker. The DBSB configuration allows all circuits to be connected
to one bus in case of an outage on the other bus or for bus maintenance. Like the radial bus arrangement, it is
easy to add circuits, but takes up a lot of linear space.

Figure A-3. Double Bus Single Breaker Design

2.3 Main and Auxiliary Bus Configuration

This is also known as main and transfer bus configuration. It consists of two (2) buses and one (1) substitute
circuit breaker between the buses. It is a modification to the SBSB and DBSB configuration. This configuration is
most commonly seen in 60/70kV and some 115kV transmission substations. All circuit elements are connected to
the main bus via circuit breakers. Disconnect switches allow switching to the auxiliary bus. This arrangement
allows a breaker to be removed from service by transferring the line termination from the main bus to the auxiliary
bus utilizing the substitute beaker for protection. The protective relaying can become complex. A bus fault or
breaker failure will cause the complete loss of the station.

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 Bus Configuration
Figure A-4. Main and Auxiliary Bus Design

2.4 Double breaker double bus configuration

The DBDB consists of two (2) main buses. The DBDB circuit is connected between two (2) circuit breakers, which
makes it highly reliable. In this design configuration, each circuit has two (2) dedicated circuit breakers, which
makes it one of the most expensive schemes. This is one reason why it isn’t used extensively. Since there are
two (2) circuit breakers and two (2) buses, it requires a great deal of land for a station of any size. One advantage
is that maintenance of the bus or a circuit breaker can be done without interrupting any circuits. Similarly, all
circuits will remain in service under a bus fault. In this configuration only one circuit is removed from service in the
event of a fault, which is the faulted circuit.

Figure A-5. Double Bus Double Breaker Design

2.5 Ring bus configuration

The ring bus configuration consists of a sectionalized bus with its ends connected through a power circuit breaker.
This configuration is simple. It is also more reliable than the SBSB, DBSB or Main & Aux arrangements. A ring
bus design will have up to six (6) elements (bus sections), each section sourcing one circuit. This configuration
allows only the position needing to be removed to be taken from service. In the event of a line or bus fault the
power circuit breakers on each end of the bus section are opened. The failure of a power circuit breaker to
operate for a line or bus fault will cause two (2) circuits and two (2) bus sections to be removed from service. It
also allows for any circuit breaker to be removed from service for maintenance without an outage on any circuit.
Placement of the elements around the ring is important to minimize impact under N-2 scenarios if the ring already
has one element out (ring is broken).

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 Bus Configuration

Figure A-6. Ring Bus Design

2.6 Breaker and a half bus configuration

The BAAH configuration consists of two (2) main buses with three (3) power circuit breakers between each bus.
Each BAAH circuit is connected between two (2) breakers. This configuration allows each circuit to have a
dedicated breaker and share a breaker with the adjacent circuit. There are one and a half (1-1/2) breakers per
circuit. This arrangement is therefore more economical than the DBDB design but with nearly the same level of
reliability. Breaker maintenance and relay changes can be accomplished with no loss of service with the simple
operation of the breaker disconnect switches. It requires only one circuit to be removed from service for a fault
condition and that is the one faulted. If a bus fault occurs, no circuits are removed from service. The bus is
isolated by the operation of the circuit breakers adjacent to the bus. The failure of a power circuit breaker between
a main bus and a circuit requires the circuit adjacent to the circuit breaker to trip and the bus to be isolated. The
failure of a circuit breaker between two (2) circuits to operate (for a fault) trips the two adjacent circuits.

Figure A-7. Breaker and a Half Bus Design

2.7 Inverted (folded) breaker and a half bus configuration

The inverted breaker and a half configuration consists of two (2) main buses running parallel and adjacent to each
other. Similar to the more conventional BAAH configuration, each circuit is connected between two (2) power
circuit breakers. Thus, the inverted design electrically operates the same as the conventional BAAH. However,
the buses are physically on the interior and the breakers are on the exterior. This configuration lends itself well to
the modification of the DBSB into a more reliable configuration. This approach may be practical if the structures,

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 Bus Configuration
breakers and switches are in good condition and there is space to install the middle breaker, but can take longer
to implement due to the phased conversion process. Folded bus design can be lower in cost to implement as it
uses existing infrastructure and usually lines or towers do not have to be relocated.

Bus 1 Bus 2

Figure A-8. Inverted Breaker and a Half Bus Design

3.0 LOW VOLTAGE BUS PHYSICAL ARRANGEMENT

The distribution feeders leave the substation from various bus arrangements much like the high voltage
arrangements.
3.1 Main and Auxiliary Bus (Open Air)
The main and auxiliary configuration has been used at PG&E for many years. It offers more flexibility for
switching and maintenance than the SBSB configuration, but its reliability is no better.

Figure A-9. Main and Aux Low Voltage Distribution Arrangement

3.2 Double Bus Single Breaker (Open Air)
The DBSB arrangement (also known as Bus 1/Bus 2) is also commonly used. Similar to the DBSB arrangement
used on transmission buses, each circuit has one circuit breaker that is connected to either bus through bus
selector switches. However, the breaker bypass switch is arranged differently. Also, the breakers are physically
between the two buses. Refer to EDS 457211 (for 115 kV/12 kV) and EDS 457212 (for 230 kV/21 kV) to see the
Double Bus arrangements
3.3 Normal and Maintenance (Metal-Clad Switchgear)
With low profile substations and substations located in residential areas, PG&E has standardized on outdoor
metal clad switchgear for its expansions and newer substations. Metal-clad switchgear is a weatherproof housing
consisting of a sheltered aisle with individual steel compartments and drawout switching devices. The

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 Bus Configuration
compartments are comprised of an upper cubicle and a lower cubical. The lower compartment houses the feeder
circuit breaker. The upper compartment houses the maintenance breaker position. The switchgear is designed
with the main bus located behind the lower compartment. A maintenance position is included for bypassing the
feeder circuit breaker for maintenance. The typical equipment found in the switchgear are circuit breakers,
protective relays, meters, bus conductors, potential transformers, current transformers, batteries, and other
components.

Figure A-10. Metal-Clad Switchgear Arrangement

3.4 Double Bus Double Breaker (Metal-Clad Switchgear)

The DBDB arrangement for distribution is used in switchgear located in major urban substations as this
arrangement provides the highest level of reliability. The arrangement is identical to the transmission DBDB
configuration, except the breakers are draw-out type housed in metal clad switchgear. Refer to EDS 4051051 for
a depiction of the arrangement.

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 Bus Configuration

APPENDIX B
Bus Configurations For Generator Interconnections
1.0 PURPOSE
This appendix provides additional guidance for interconnection of generators to the PG&E system. It shall be
used in conjunction with the PG&E Transmission Interconnection Handbook. This appendix only covers
interconnections at the transmission level.
2.0 GENERAL
The various substation bus configurations permitted herein are consistent with meeting “Liability, Reliability, and
Operating Flexibility” (LRO) guidelines defined as follows:
Liability – There shall not be shared facilities between PG&E and the generator. This includes breakers, control
buildings, yard, etc. PG&E’s equipment is not intended to protect third party’s equipment. In addition, PG&E does
not desire to maintain the third party’s equipment.
Reliability – There shall be a clear line of demarcation, physically and electrically, between the generator and
PG&E. This is to ensure maximum reliability and minimize impact from a third party’s failure on PG&E facilities
and vice-versa. To facilitate a clear line of demarcation, a fence is required to separate physical ownership when
properties are adjacent. To facilitate demarcation of electrical ownership there shall be a PG&E approved
lockable disconnect switch. The preferred location of the disconnect switch will be on PG&E property but can be
installed on the third party’s property with access provided to PG&E.
Operating Flexibility – There shall be no third party facilities that will prevent the utility from operating its portion
of the transmission bus and/or that require generator equipment clearances prior to operating the PG&E
transmission bus.
The alternatives for the PG&E bus configuration are based upon the following:
 System Impact to PG&E
 Ability to clear breakers for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance without impacting system integrity
 Reliability requirements of PG&E transmission - bus and lines
 Generator capacity
 Adherence to PG&E standard configurations
Tapping a transmission line for new interconnections is not permitted on the Bulk Electric System (BES) which is
defined as 100 kV and above. The preferred method of interconnecting new load/generation is via a new or
existing substation.
For the non-bulk system (below 100 kV) interconnections are preferred via new or existing substations but there
are exceptions listed in Section 5.3 of Design Criteria 076257, “Tapping Transmission Lines”.

Above 100 kV or Bulk System Below 100 kV or Non-Bulk

Tapping not permitted. Interconnections are preferred to new or existing

All new connections to the bulk system must be to a substations. Exceptions are allowed on a restricted
new or existing substation. basis as described in section 5.3

Existing taps are “grandfathered” in Existing taps are “grandfathered” in

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 Bus Configuration
Generator interconnections to a PG&E substation or switching station are shown in figures B1 through B10.
Determination of which configuration applies is contingent upon system impact studies. PG&E Transmission
Planning will make a recommendation based upon impact to the system. Substation asset management
personnel shall review the recommendation and provide concurrence or alternate requirements to ensure it is
consistent with future expansion plans and does not pose any operating and/or maintenance issues.
Multiple generating units may share a common generator breaker. System feasibility and impact studies will
determine limitations or recommendations in terms of the maximum cumulative generation.
The configurations in this appendix are provided in a single line diagram format and are not intended to be
representative of the physical arrangement. Configurations are provided in simplified format and not all
switches, breakers, metering units and other devices are shown. Note that the generator configuration
shown is for example only and that, although not shown in every figure, the generator should always have its own
circuit beaker protection at the generation facility.

3.0 INTERCONNECTIONS INTO A NEW PG&E SUBSTATION OR SWITCHING STATION

3.1 Interconnection to a New Transmission Substation or Switching Station
The PG&E bus configuration is to be BAAH configuration, following the requirements of section 5.2 of the main
criteria. An example is shown in Figure B-1. Sufficient land is to be acquired for a minimum of one additional bay
beyond the immediate need, but for not less than 3 bays. For example, see figure B-1 where space is provided for
a third future bay.

TL TL Future breaker, typical.

Generator intercepts PG&E

PG&E installed 3 Φ transmission line and builds
disconnect paid for BAAH substation to PG&E Fig B-1
by generator will be specification. Generator
the point of change deeds substation to PG&E.
in ownership.

Fence New PG&E susbstation

Generation Facility
Distance from PG&E station varies.

Figure B-1. Interconnection into a New PG&E Transmission Substation

In the special case where the PG&E substation and the generator properties are adjacent, the BAAH buses are
expanded to the generation side, with disconnecting devices, as shown in Figure B-2.
Note: This option should no longer be used, particularily when there are only two bays. The reason is that when
the center breaker is open (planned or unplanned) then all the loop flow goes through 3rd party facilities. Legal
issues could surface, if the 3rd party wants reimbursement for facilities serving rate payers.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 24 of 41

 Bus Configuration
PG&E installed 3 Φ
disconnect paid for Future breaker, typical.
TL TL
by generator will be Generator intercepts PG&E
the point of change transmission line and builds
in ownership. BAAH substation to PG&E
Fig B-2
specification. Generator
deeds substation to PG&E.
New PG&E susbstation
Fence
Generation Substation

Generation Facility
Distance from PG&E station varies.

Figure B-2. Interconnection into a New Transmission Substation with Properties Adjacent
3.2 Interconnection to a New Distribution Substation
The PG&E bus configuration is to be a ring design, per section 5.1 of the main criteria. An example is shown in
Figure B-3 below. Sufficient land to be acquired for the full 6 breaker ring unless Transmission Planning and
Distribution Planning agree no additional lines or banks required in the 20 year planning horizon. In this case a
four or five breaker layout is acceptable.

PG&E installed 3 Φ TL TL
disconnect paid for
by generator will be
the point of change
Generator intercepts
in ownership.
PG&E transmission line
and builds ring
Future breaker, typical. substation to PG&E
specification. Generator
deeds substation to
PG&E.
Fence

Distribution Distribution Distribution

Generation Facility
Distance from PG&E
New PG&E susbstation
station varies.

Figure B-3. Interconnection into a New PG&E Distribution Substation

4.0 INTERCONNECTIONS INTO AN EXISTING PG&E SUBSTATION OR SWITCHING STATION

When interconnecting new generators to existing PG&E substations, future expansion of the substation needs be
taken into consideration.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 25 of 41

 Bus Configuration
4.1 Interconnection to an Existing Breaker and a Half Bus
Where the existing PG&E bus configuration is a BAAH configuration, the generator will interconnect as shown in
Figure B-4. The constraints of section 5.3.2 of the main criteria also apply.

Figure B-4. Interconnection into an Existing PG&E Breaker and a Half Substation

4.2 Interconnection to an Existing Double Bus Single Breaker Bus

Where the existing PG&E bus configuration is a DBSB configuration and there is room for expansion of the
existing bus section, the generator interconnection should be as shown in Figure B-5. The constraints of Section
5.3.2 of the main criteria also apply.

Figure B-5. Interconnection into an Existing PG&E Double Bus Single Breaker Substation

4.3 Interconnection to a Double Bus with a Breaker and a Half Transition

Where the existing PG&E bus configuration is a DBSB configuration and there is limited space for expansion of
the existing bus section or expansion of the existing bus section requires bus sectionalizing breakers (addition of
new interconnection results in >8 elements on a the bus section), the new bus section should be a BAAH design
(space permitting) and the generator will interconnect as shown in Figure B-6.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 26 of 41

 Bus Configuration

Figure B-6. Interconnection into a Double Bus with Breaker & a Half Transition

4.4 Interconnection to a Looped or Flip-Flop Substation Spare Bay

Where interconnection into an existing looped distribution substation is desired and a spare bay exists, it may be
possible to interconnect a generator as shown below. This configuration is acceptable when there is no
foreseeable (10 year horizon) distribution need for the bay and system impact is low. No more than 5 elements
can be connected at a loop or flip-flop substation. The constraints of section 5.3.1 of the main criteria also apply. If
five elements already exist, a ring (or BAAH) must be created. See 4.5 below.

Figure B-7. Interconnection to a PG&E Looped or Flip-Flop Substation Spare Bay

4.5 Interconnection Via Converting Looped or Flip-Flop Substation to a Ring Bus

Where interconnection into an existing looped distribution substation is desired and no spare bay exists (5
elements already), the bus needs to be converted from a looped bus into a ring bus as shown in Figure B-8
below. This configuration is only acceptable where system impact is low. If the system impact is moderate to
high, the bus needs to be converted to the standard ring as shown in 3.2 above. If the generator requires more
than one interconnection point, then a) the bus needs to be converted to BAAH, b) an alternate location identified,

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 27 of 41

 Bus Configuration
or c) a new substation/switching station created. The last two options are also applicable if the substation has no
room and no possibility of expansion (land locked).

PG&E installed 3 Φ Generation Facility

disconnect paid for by Distance from PG&E station varies.
generator will be the
point of change in
ownership.
TL TL

Existing PG&E Substation Fence

Generator interconnection
accomplished by replacing station
PG&E installed breakers, bypass switch with 2 circuit
paid for by generator. breakers and converting existing Fig B
looped or flip-flop bus configuration
to ring bus configuration

Distribution Distribution Distribution

Figure B-8. Interconnection via Converting Looped or Flip-Flop Substation to a Ring Bus

4.6 Interconnection to a Tap (Radial) Type Substation

Interconnection to a tap substation is discouraged as these are generally small substations with weak ties and
carry the highest reliability risk. Conversion to a ring is recommended to enhance bus reliability, but the line
reliability is often a more dominant concern. If the tap arrangement is retained, generation connected should be
small (<20 MW). No more than 4 elements, including the generation interconnect, are allowed for a tap
substation. The interconnection would be as shown in Figure B-9 below. If there are already 4 elements, an
alternate location must be determined or the bus converted to a ring as shown in 3.2 above, with a second line
brought to the substation if practical.

TL
Fence PG&E installed 3 Φ
disconnect paid for by
generator will be the
Existing air point of change in
switch or CB. ownership.
PG&E installed breaker and
bus work paid for by generator.

Transformer bank protection (fuse

or CB as appropriate) must be
added by PG&E if not present, paid
Distribution Distribution for by generator.

Figure B-9. Interconnection to a PG&E Tap Substation

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 28 of 41

 Bus Configuration
5.0 INTERCONNECTIONS INTO A PG&E SUBSTATION VIA A COLLECTOR STATION
Where multiple generators propose to interconnect with an existing PG&E substation, a collector station may be
required. It is recommended that the collector station utilize a BAAH bus configuration and the generators would
typically interconnect as shown in Figure B-10:

Figure B-10. Interconnection into an Existing PG&E Substation via a Collector Station

6.0 GENERATOR BUS CONFIGURATIONS

There are a number of generator bus configurations (owned and operated by the generator) that are consistent
with the principles of LRO, as noted above in the various bus configuration arrangements. The generator bus
portion of the figures in Sections 4 & 5 show configurations recommended by PG&E. However, these are merely
recommendations. If the generator opts for a different configuration, it will be evaluated for system impact. The
need for any mitigation work resulting from system impact will be noted by PG&E.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 29 of 41

 Bus Configuration

APPENDIX C
Bus Conversions for Two Bank Distribution Stations

(Informative)

A two-bank distribution substation is an existing facility with two sources where the ultimate build out is not
expected, or is physically-constrained, to grow beyond what two transformer banks can support. Typically, these
substations are in rural areas with one or two small transformer banks. The load and customer count is relatively
low, as is the growth rate.

A radial substation only has one source and is addressed in Appendix D. Double Tapping is shown in Figure 3.

Analysis

Reliability: The frequency/duration method of reliability analysis was performed for three different bus
configurations to compare the overall system impacts and impacts to the substation alone. The methodology
used covered every possible N-1 component failure (breakers, transformers, transmission lines, buses) and its
impact to loads and generation. Outages due to or following a planned clearance (or N-2 failures) were not
included in the analysis.

Segmented loop2, as shown in Figure 4, may “appear” to the best for reliability but is ruled out because it violates
a key design principle which is; a planned or unplanned outage of distribution equipment (i.e. bank) should not
interrupt the transmission path. The reason segmented loop appears to be better is because there are fewer
elements in the model which can fail (e.g. one less breaker compared to all other solutions with four breakers) and
planned outages were not included.

Results of the reliability analysis are shown in Table 1 and indicate that excluding segmented loop, the alternating
ring design provides the best “system” and “substation” reliability.

Table 1 – Reliability Comparison

Total system impact Sub in question only

 U  U
Alternating ring 2.582 256.86 0.058 6.60
Segmented loop 2.55 253.08 0.050 5.88
Loop 2.584 257.04 0.104 9.84
Ring 2.602 258.66 0.078 7.50

λ = probability of failure (annual) - frequency

U = expected unavailable minutes per year - duration

2 A looped bus is PG&E’s commonly used term for a single bus.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 30 of 41

 Bus Configuration

Guiding Principles

The guiding principles reflect PG&E goals of safety, reliability and operational excellence. Reliability is
supported by operational efficiency and flexibility to improve restoration times and reduce transmission path
interruption risks. Consideration is given to life time O&M costs. In short, the strength of system configuration3,
4 is given weight such that the first year installation costs can’t easily override all other considerations.

The following design principles guided the final recommendation5:

1. Provide worker safety -- the design shall promote switching sequence consistency and eliminate any possible
confusion during switching operations. It must also promote ease of incorporating appropriate working clearances
into the design.

2. Promote reliability -- the design shall be such that planned N-1 outages of equipment will not result in the
interruption of a transmission path. Unplanned N-1 outages of distribution equipment must not interrupt the
transmission path. Specifically distribution bank outages must not interrupt the transmission path. In addition, a
bank outage should not interrupt the adjacent bank.

3. Provide operating flexibility -- allow for any substation element or piece of electrical equipment to be safely
isolated with minimal interruption or risk to the flow of power on the transmission grid.

4. Allow future expandability – The stations covered in this appendix have no intention to expand beyond two
banks.

5. Maintenance -- the design must promote the efficient and effective maintenance of substation electrical
equipment. The design shall promote familiarity with a consistent physical design philosophy and equipment
arrangement throughout PG&E.

6. Cost effective.

3 Refer to “Aging Power Delivery Infrastructures” by H. Lee Willis for an in depth discussion on how aging infrastructures
and high utilization factors call for stronger system configurations to combat increasing failure rates and increased
maintenance requirements. Willis advises to avoid compromising system configurations for capacity (Page 271).
4 Refer to PG&E’s 2010 Annual Report, page 2 – Interconnectedness is the term used to mean stronger system

configurations. “This program aims to create more capacity and interconnectedness on the power grid, enabling us to better
isolate power outages and redirect power flows onto neighboring circuits to restore service more quickly.”
5 Transmission Owners and ISO-NE Substation Bus Arrangement Guideline Working Group Report
Presented to the NEPOOL Reliability Committee April 4, 2006

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 31 of 41

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f41
 Bus Configuration
2. In cases where the addition of a fourth breaker is more economic than a by-pass switch situation that
requires protection upgrades on the remote terminals.

Figure 1 – Alternating Ring

Figure 2 - Loop . Two fused banks are shown. If the banks are not fusible then a circuit switcher or breaker
can be used to protect the banks. Circuit switcher is recommended when physical space is tight.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 33 of 41

 Bus Configuration
Figure 3 – Double Tap – Circuit Switchers are shown for bank protection, yet breakers can be used instead.

The loop or single-bus configuration for a two-line, two-bank layout is more specifically referred to as the “H”
bus design. Further, the letter H is followed by a number which represents the number of breakers/circuit
switchers/fuses used in the bus. For example Figure 3 is an H-4 bus.

The following Figures show H-3 through H-5 busses.

Figure 4 - H-3

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 34 of 41

 Bus Configuration

Figure 5 – H-4

Figure 6 – H-5

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 35 of 41

 Bus Configuration

Figures 7 & 8 are methods to achieve an alternating ring bus that minimizes the number of bus crossovers. Both
Figures have one cross-over.

Figure 7 – Alternating Ring

Figure 7 can also be shown to have the two breakers on the top moved to the bottom of the ring.

Figure 8 – Alternating Ring

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 36 of 41

 Bus Configuration

Q&A

Q1: Does this mean PG&E will go back and programmatically replace loop busses with ring busses?

A1: No. Conversions to ring are recommended when triggered by expansion or reliability.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 37 of 41

 Bus Configuration

APPENDIX D
High Side Bus Configuration for Radially Fed, Two Bank Distribution Station
(Informative)

Refer to Drawing 4084309 – McFarland Sub, Single Line Diagram.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 38 of 41

 Bus Configuration

APPENDIX E
Distribution Bus Upgrades to Meet Today’s Reliability Expectations
(Informative)

SITUATION

For existing distribution 12 or 21 kV “double bus” (a.k.a. Bus 1/Bus 2) arrangements, there are no
disconnects between transformer banks on Bus 1. See Figure 1. In order to clear bank #2, the bus-tie
breaker for bank #1 is used to energize Bus 2. All the feeders served by Transformer #2 can then be
picked up using Bus 2 as shown in Figure 1. The issue is that for the next contingency say, a failure of
any breaker, there’s no way to pick up the load served by the failed breaker using only station switching.
Bus 2 and the Bank #1 tie breaker are tied up serving load.

Station switching is always preferred over field switching due to a minimum number of switching steps
required and how quickly it can be accomplished. Field switching often involves multiple switching
steps, multiple employees, distribution planning input on feeder loading capabilities, temporary
protection changes and consideration of voltage regulation changes. Abnormal switching leaves load at
risk.

Figure 1 – Switching arrangement for existing DB stations (green is serving load)

TASK

The task is to investigate what economic improvements can be made over the existing design to improve
PG&E response time to outages and to reduce the “load at risk”.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 39 of 41

 Bus Configuration

ACTION

Install bus disconnect switches between transformer banks on Bus 1 for double bus arrangements.
With this new switch in place, a clearance of Bank 2 can be accomplished while leaving Bus 2 and the
Bank 1 bus-tie breaker available for the next contingency. With this switching arrangement, the loss of
any breaker will allow quick restoration of customers utilizing station switching only.

Figure 2 – Switching arrangement utilizing the new bus-tie switches (green is serving load)

Economic Considerations of Installing New vs retrofitting with Bus-tie Switches

When building new or expanding an existing bus the cost of installing these bus-tie switches is
negligible compared to the total project costs.

Retrofitting stations with these bus-tie switches is not economic. The reason is a fairly high unit cost,
low probability of occurrence and a very large number of stations with this particular design.

High unit costs are driven by physical space constraints (if any space at all), clearance requirements and
increased maintenance costs.

N-1-1 means the first outage is construction/maintenance clearance (N-1) and then the next outage
(N-1-1) is looked at to make sure we can quickly restore load. This is different than N-2 which is two
consecutive unplanned outages. The probability of an N-1-1 is very small. For example, if a bank is
cleared once every 10 years for 5 days out of the year then that N-1 has an occurrence of 0.0014 =
(5/(365x10)). The probability of failure of a breaker is 0.01 times the number of breakers say, 10 is 0.1.
Together the probability is (0.0014 x .1) or 0.00014. These are very small odds even if you double it to
account for WPEs and acts of God.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 40 of 41

 Bus Configuration

The following is recommended:

1. When building a new open air bus (DB) or when expanding an existing bus then install
bus-tie switches on Bus 1 between banks.

2. DO NOT retrofit existing busses with bus-tie switches on Bus 1.

RESULTS

The recommendation above will:

 Result in nearly negligible costs to implement.

 Improve efficiency of operations.
 Improve reliability.

Other Upgrades (for distribution busses)

Two other upgrades have recently been proposed.

2) Install auxiliary bus tie disconnects for stations with a main-aux arrangement, per EDS
4064474/4064475.

3) EDS 4064474/4064475 shows one tie breaker for a three bank station. Install a second tie
breaker for stations with a main-aux arrangement. The basic rule is the T-1 rule or install one
less tie breaker than the station has transformers.

The analysis, recommendations and results detailed above apply to all three of these upgrades.

Rev. #07: 07/4/17 073131 Page 41 of 41