Met-Ed conducting inspections on transformers
Met-Ed, a FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary, is completing inspections and conducting equipment maintenance to enhance service reliability for customers.
Image for illustration purposes
USA, Pennsylvania, Reading: Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed), a FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary, is completing inspections and conducting equipment maintenance to enhance service reliability for customers.
On the ground, Met-Ed crews are inspecting distribution circuits, including transformers, capacitors, reclosers and lightning arrestors to ensure the equipment is operational and the lines are ready to perform efficiently when demand for electricity increases during the summer, typically due to air conditioning usage.
The summer readiness inspections include using “thermovision” cameras to capture infrared images that can detect potential problems with Met-Ed substation equipment such as transformers and capacitors. By identifying hot spots, maintenance and repairs can be conducted prior to a power outage occurring.
Cost-effective helicopter patrols have completed inspections of nearly 2250 km (1,400 mi) of transmission lines located in the Met-Ed area. The inspections are designed to look for damaged wire, broken cross arms, failed insulators, and other hardware problems not visible from the ground. Any potential reliability issues identified during the inspection will be addressed immediately.
“Summer heat and humidity results in our customers using more fans and air conditioning to stay cool,” said Linda Moss, Met-Ed regional president. “We proactively inspect and maintain our equipment to help ensure system reliability to meet the increased electrical demand when temperatures soar, and our customers depend on us to help them remain comfortable.”
The company is also ready to respond to power outages caused during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30, 2020, and is predicted to be particularly active this year.
Source: First Energy