This report was prepared for the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN), which periodically publishes briefs and discussion papers on key topics of smart grid development globally. The topic of this report was selected by a multilateral group of national experts participating in ISGAN Annex 4, a working group that aims to produce synthesis insights for decision makers. This report is an update of a 2012 ISGAN Annex 4 report entitled "Smart Grid Contributions to Variable Renewable Resource Integration." That report and other past publications of ISGAN Annexes can be found at www.iea-isgan.org and at www.cleanenergysolutions.org. ISGAN is an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM). It is formally organized as the Implementing Agreement for a Cooperative Programme on Smart Grids (ISGAN), operating under a framework of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The views, findings and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of any of ISGAN's participants, any of their sponsoring governments or organizations, the CEM, the IEA Secretariat, or any of the IEA's member countries.

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The specific maintenance costs of medium and low voltage overhead lines with wood poles are up to ten times higher compared to cables. A way of estimating the costs for the replacement cabling and the maintenance as accurate as possible for the economic appraisal as well as the economic appraisal itself is shown in this paper. The cost estimation is automated based on the maintenance software tool and the geographic information system. Since improvements of the supply situation are achieved with replacement cabling they have to be evaluated and taken into account.