Policy Model for Root Cause Failure Analysis Integration in High-Voltage Grid Management

• Author(s): Bismark Kyere Yeboah; Ojong Felix Enow
• Paper ID: 1711480
• Page: 549-562
• Published Date: 30-06-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 2 Issue 12 June-2019

Abstract

High-voltage (HV) grid infrastructures are critical to modern economies, yet they remain vulnerable to equipment failures, operational inefficiencies, and external stressors such as climate variability and cyber-physical risks. Traditional maintenance and fault detection approaches often emphasize symptom resolution rather than addressing systemic vulnerabilities. This limitation highlights the need for integrating Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) into grid management frameworks, supported by clear policy models that ensure consistency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. The proposed policy model positions RCFA as a strategic tool for enhancing reliability, safety, and resilience in HV grid operations. It advocates for structured regulatory guidelines requiring utilities to conduct standardized RCFA after major faults or recurrent failures, ensuring that corrective actions extend beyond immediate repairs to systemic prevention. Key policy pillars include: (i) establishing mandatory RCFA reporting protocols linked to reliability indices such as SAIDI, SAIFI, and CAIDI; (ii) embedding RCFA outcomes into asset management and capital investment planning; (iii) promoting workforce training and knowledge-sharing mechanisms across utilities; and (iv) leveraging advanced technologies, including digital twins, predictive analytics, and IoT-enabled monitoring, to enrich failure diagnostics. The integration of RCFA under a policy-driven framework yields multiple benefits: reduced outage frequencies and durations, optimized maintenance budgets, improved compliance with regulatory standards, and strengthened public trust through transparent reporting of corrective measures. Furthermore, by linking RCFA findings with sustainability goals, the model supports lifecycle optimization of assets, minimizes environmental impacts from catastrophic equipment failures, and enhances preparedness for emerging risks. The policy model provides a structured roadmap for embedding RCFA within high-voltage grid management. By aligning technical analysis with organizational learning and regulatory compliance, it enables utilities to transition from reactive fault management to proactive, resilient, and sustainable grid operations.

Keywords

Policy Model, Root Cause Failure, Analysis Integration, High-Voltage, Grid Management

Citations

IRE Journals:
Bismark Kyere Yeboah, Ojong Felix Enow "Policy Model for Root Cause Failure Analysis Integration in High-Voltage Grid Management" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 12 2019 Page 549-562

IEEE:
Bismark Kyere Yeboah, Ojong Felix Enow "Policy Model for Root Cause Failure Analysis Integration in High-Voltage Grid Management" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(12)