Delmarva Power upgrades major transmission line
Delmarva Power has completed a major transmission line upgrade to enhance system resiliency and improve reliability for more than 75,000 customers in Sussex County, five months ahead of schedule.
The project included upgrading 11 miles of transmission line between the Cool Spring substation and the Indian River substation to support the growing energy needs of customers across the service area. The project provides a timely upgrade to the local energy grid, fortifying the system for the many residents who are spending more time at home.
“We know our customers are more dependent on reliable energy service than ever before,” said Tyler Anthony, senior vice president and COO of Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “As we continue through the summer season, major infrastructure projects like this that fortify the local energy grid are critical to meeting the energy demands of the communities we serve. I’m incredibly proud of our employees and contractors who have worked with focus and determination throughout the last year to complete this project safely, efficiently and ahead of schedule.”
As part of the project, crews installed stronger, state-of-the-art steel utility poles, capable of withstanding winds up to 120 mph, to reduce the impacts of more powerful storms. Crews also installed innovative technologies to improve system reliability, such as specialized equipment that can automatically restore service more quickly or isolate damage. This will allow the company to restore service faster and more efficiently when outages do occur.
The transmission line upgrade is part of a broader reliability improvement effort Delmarva Power has implemented across its service area to help reduce outages and enhance the resiliency of the local energy grid. This effort includes modernizing infrastructure, such as transmission and distribution lines, and adding greater automation on the local energy grid with new substations and equipment.
This reliability work on Delmarva Power’s energy infrastructure has contributed to customers experiencing the lowest frequency of electric outages ever in 2019 – for the third year straight. In fact, over the past five years, ongoing investments in the local energy grid have driven a 36 percent decrease in the frequency of electric outages. Delmarva Power’s record-breaking reliability also was recognized by PA Consulting, which presented the company with its 2019 ReliabilityOne Outstanding Midsize Utility Award for providing customers with exceptional service reliability.
