title: Control centers are here to stay
abstract: Despite changes with different structures, market rules, and uncertainties, a control center must always be in place to maintain the security, reliability, and quality of electric service. This article focuses on the energy management system (EMS) control center, identifying the major functions that have become standard components of every application software package. The two most important control center functions, security control and load-following control, guarantee the continuity of electric service, which after all, is the end-product of the utility business. New technology trends in the design of control center infrastructures are emerging in the liberalized environment of the energy market. An example of a control center infrastructure is described. The article ends with a concern for the security of the control center itself
keyphrases: energy management system standard components application software package security control load-following control control center infrastructures liberalized environment energy market EMS control centers electric service continuity