Cabling renovation concept in large‐scale renovation of rural area networks

Purpose – Underground cabling has become a true alternative in construction of electricity distribution networks, even in rural areas. The increasing amount of underground installations requires strategic work that helps to define the most profitable cabling targets. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology to consider the underground cabling process. Design/methodology/approach – The paper proposes a cabling concept that covers the issues on how cabling should be carried out. The analysis is based on techno‐economic and reliability analyses. The methodology consists of several steps that together constitute the concept. Findings – The underground cabling concept comprises several steps that can be simplified into questions: where, what, when and how the network cabling process is carried out. The analysis of these questions and the related features of the network show that different approaches to the renovation can cause significant differences in profitability between the renovation strategies. Research limitations/implications – The underground cabling concept provides a method to analyse the cabling process, and it contains several alternatives for applying the concept. Thus, the applicability of a certain method depends on the network and the objectives of the distribution system operator. Practical implications – Renovation planning of the network has become common in distribution companies. Traditionally, ageing of the network has been the driver for the renovation. However, in the future, the scope of renovation planning should also include other renovation drivers, such as reliability. Originality/value – The methodology proposed in the paper can be applied in the renovation and development process of distribution networks. The results are universal in the electricity distribution.