The main motivation of distribution automation is to use evolving computer and communications technology to improve operating performance of distribution systems. By the 1990s the technology had matured and that resulted in several large and many small projects at various utilities. Many utilities found it difficult to justify distribution automation based on hard cost-benefit numbers. Business uncertainties due to deregulation and restructuring of the power industry slowed implementation of distribution automation. Now, there is renewed interest in distribution automation due to emergence of new technologies, specifically new measuring devices and sensors, more powerful and refined communication equipment, highly advanced computing equipment, advanced power electronics equipment, and new control and protection ideas.