Project Description
Sargent & Lundy conducted an independent evaluation to benchmark SMUD’s Asset Health Index (AHI) methodology for substation transformers and circuit breakers across its transmission and distribution system. The evaluation covered SMUD’s substation transformer and circuit breaker fleets, including oil-filled transformers both with and without load tap changers, and breaker technologies using vacuum, air, SF6, and oil-interruption media. The evaluation studied each asset type, condition indicators, and maintenance considerations reflected in the AHI methodology.
Project Scope
The project scope encompassed a structured review of the inputs, health factors, and calculation methods SMUD uses to determine its AHIs across asset types and voltage classes. Sargent & Lundy also benchmarked SMUD’s methodology against relevant industry guidance, including IEEE C57.104 and IEC 60599, as well as utility practices, to develop clear, actionable recommendations.
As part of SMUD’s 2025 AHI evaluation project, Sargent & Lundy’s consulting team performed the following work:
- Reviewed SMUD’s existing AHI methodologies for substation transformers and circuit breakers, including health-factor definitions, scoring criteria, weighting schemes, and effective-age calculations across equipment OEMs and voltage classes.
- Assessed historical AHI scores from 2019 through 2024, the underlying data sources and collection methods, data quality controls, and alignment between AHI workbooks and SMUD’s business enterprise system and outage management.
- Evaluated transformer and breaker condition-assessment factors and scoring logic, identified workbook implementation and data-governance enhancements, and provided considerations to expand trend analysis.
- Benchmarked SMUD’s AHI criteria and thresholds against relevant IEEE, IEC, ASTM, and NETA industry guidance and reviewed the results with Sargent & Lundy’s subject matter specialists to confirm alignment with published frameworks.
- Outlined a phased roadmap to strengthen the AHI program and associated governance, including the following:
- Governance for AHI.
- Near-term improvements.
- Migration toward a data-orchestration solution.
- Recommendations to mature the asset-risk framework.
- Future integration of real-time condition-monitoring data into SMUD’s risk-based planning process.
Read more about our asset management services on our consulting and planning page.
