The Electricity Forum - Electricity Today T&D Magazine – Substations and the Grid Spring 2025 Special Edition

In this issue, we explore the technologies and communication systems that are redefining the modern substation and shaping the future of the smart grid. As utilities transition from legacy analog equipment to fully digital, networked, and automated infrastructures, reliable communication, strong cybersecurity, and intelligent control architectures have become essential pillars of grid modernization.

From the IEC 61850 protocol that standardizes high-speed substation communication, to the expanding cybersecurity frameworks needed to protect increasingly interconnected systems, today’s substations operate at the intersection of engineering, networking, and digital intelligence. SCADA platforms, edge computing, PMUs, and AI-driven analytics are transforming how operators manage grid assets, respond to faults, and integrate renewable and distributed energy resources.

This special edition of Electricity Today T&D Magazine highlights the core technologies enabling next-generation substations—digital communication protocols, secure grid networks, automated control systems, and future-ready architectures. Through expert insights, system analyses, and real-world utility applications, we provide a comprehensive look at the tools and strategies required to build smarter, safer, and more resilient substations.

Whether you are a substation engineer, control systems specialist, cybersecurity professional, or utility leader, this edition offers essential knowledge for navigating the complexities of the evolving smart grid and preparing your infrastructure for the challenges ahead.

Read Our Feature Articles:

• Understanding the IEC 61850 Protocol in Substation Automation

• Cybersecurity in Substation and Grid Communications

• The Role of SCADA in Grid Monitoring and Control

• Smart Substations and Their Role in the Evolving Smart Grid

• Grid Communications Infrastructure: Fiber, Wireless, and Networking Technologies