THE IMPACT OF AUTOMATION ON THE EFFICIENCY OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Abstract

The Brazilian electric sector has undergone an accelerated modernization process driven by network digitalization, the need for energy efficiency, and the growing integration of renewable sources. In this context, automation emerges as a strategic element for improving the performance of transmission and distribution systems, providing greater operational precision, loss reduction, and enhanced reliability. This study aimed to analyze the contributions of automation to the efficiency of electric power systems, based on a bibliographic review composed of books, scientific articles, and recent institutional reports. The findings indicate that technologies such as SCADA, intelligent electronic devices, distributed sensors, IoT, and advanced management platforms strengthen monitoring and control capabilities, enabling faster, data-driven interventions. The analysis also revealed that automation plays a key role in integrating renewable sources by enabling predictive mechanisms and dynamic adjustments essential to manage fluctuations in solar and wind generation. From an economic perspective, although automationrequires significant initial investments, it leads to operational savings, reduced failures, and greater financial predictability. It is concluded that automation constitutes an essential pillar for the modernization of the electric sector, contributing to a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically aligned energy infrastructure.