2026 Conference Sessions

Reliability and availability of power plants often hinge on the performance of generator circuit breakers (GCBs), critical assets that connect generators to step-up transformers. Traditional monitoring of contact erosion and breaker timing has relied on indirect, often conservative estimates, leading to unnecessary downtime and added costs. Recent advances in digital monitoring now allow direct, highly accurate and online measurement of these parameters, without taking equipment out of service, making them a powerful tool for asset management and lifetime extension.

This session will showcase Southern California Edison’s implementation of advanced monitoring at its Eastwood pumped storage hydroelectric plant, where innovative contact ablation and timing systems are helping to reduce operating costs, extend equipment life and improve plant availability.