FirstEnergy prepares transmission system for summer
FirstEnergy Corp. has completed annual inspections and maintenance of its transmission system to ensure reliability in the summer season.
Image source: T&D World
USA, Ohio, Akron: FirstEnergy Corp. has completed annual inspections and maintenance of its transmission system to ensure reliability in the summer season.
The transmission system, which channels high-voltage power from generation sources to local lines serving towns and communities, serves as the interstate highway system of the electric grid.
Much work has been completed to help prepare the transmission grid to meet summer demand, including:
- Comprehensive assessments of FirstEnergy’s transmission footprint, including inspection and maintenance along approximately 38,600 km (24,000 mi) of transmission lines;
- Helicopter patrols of high-voltage lines designed to look for damaged wire, broken cross arms, or other equipment issues;
- Maintenance and inspection of transmission transformer cooling systems;
- Inspection of transmission mobile substations, which can expedite restoration in case of unplanned outages; and,
- Analysis of projected peak power flows to help ensure the grid is prepared for increased electricity demand over the summer season.
“Power outages on the transmission system can impact a very large number of customers, and it’s critical that we take these steps to plan for increased demand and rapidly-changing conditions that can be brought on by summer heat and storms,” said Carl Bridenbaugh, vice president of transmission at FirstEnergy.
The summer preparation work builds on extensive investments into the transmission system through Energizing the Future, FirstEnergy’s multi-year modernization initiative.
Through Energizing the Future, FirstEnergy has incorporated new, smart technology into the system, rebuilt or replaced aging power lines, and enhanced grid and cybersecurity, helping ensure a reliable and secure system more resistant to extreme weather events.
Source: T&D World