DISTRIBUTECH International 2020

Brian Schell
Distribution Automation Manager
AEP Ohio


Brian Schell is the Distribution Automation Manager for AEP Ohio and is responsible for the VVO and DACR automation work streams for the larger Smart Grid Phase II Program. This is a large 6-year program that will touch 410 circuits, 50+ substations, 3000+ line control devices and numerous new technology deployments (AMI Module, Public LTE, etc.). Brian is ultimately responsible for the Distribution Automation team that interfaces with over 33 other teams on the program. Brian was involved in the gridSMART ARRA DOE pilot that kicked off much of this technology back in 2009. He has been with AEP for 30 years in various roles ranging from Project Design / Engineering earlier in his career to corporate supervisor of Distribution planning, a shared service looking at all of AEP’s operating companies. Brian also has performed research and presented with EPRI over a 5-year period on numerous joint smart grid initiatives with AEP on simulation studies and interoperability topics. Brian has bachelors of science degree in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University.

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