​​Since the widespread installation of overhead optical groundwire (OPGW) technology in the 1980s, the utility industry has learned much about deploying OPGW. However, there are still knowledge gaps related to the types and reasons for utilizing this communication technology, as well as the design, testing, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of OPGW systems. This two-part Surveillance article series summarizes the CEATI Transmission Overhead Design & Extreme Event Mitigation Interest Group's report: Guidelines for Optical Groundwire Technology. It provides utilities with valuable information on current OPGW practices, as well as gaps in knowledge and experience and how to mitigate these gaps.

• Article 1 - Optical Groundwire (OPGW): Industry State-of-the-Art and Best Practices
  Covering: The industry state-of-the-art for OPGW deployment, testing, design considerations, industry standards and guidelines, procurement and purchasing, operation and cost; CEATI’s analysis of the results of a utility survey to determine lessons learned and best practices; and the identificiation of gaps in OPGW knowledge, experience, and strategies.

• Article 2 - Optical Groundwire (OPGW): Tools To Identify and Mitigate Knowledge and Experience Gaps​
  Covering: The gaps in OPGW knowledge and experience; the recommended mitigation strategies to help close those gaps; CEATI’s proposed hypothetical OPGW and hardware material specification; and a case study work-flow of a project implementing an OPGW along a high voltage overhead transmission line.