By: T&D World Magazine |
Jersey Central Power & Light is enhancing electrical service reliability for nearly 6,000 Morris County, New Jersey, customers through new technology installed as part of a Department of Energy Smart Grid program. These improvements are expected to reduce both the numbers of customers affected and length of service interruptions by up to 30 percent.
Under the program, JCP&L has installed 15 advanced recloser devices on three circuits in the Morris County communities of Bernards Township, Harding Township, Morristown and Morris Township. Reclosers are a type of circuit breaker that automatically restores power after momentary service interruptions caused by tree branches or other objects contacting overhead lines. The new system also gives JCP&L’s Regional Dispatch Office remote control access to the equipment, allowing them to switch circuits to help reduce the length of power outages.
“JCP&L continually seeks opportunities to modernize our system utilizing new technologies that enhance service reliability,” said James Fakult, president of JCP&L. “As part of the Department of Energy’s Smart Grid program, we expect to spend $1.3 million in Morris County over the next two years to support our high quality service.”
In 2015, JCP&L expects to further expand the smart technology by adding software to three circuits that can reroute power to an alternate circuit when problems occur, supporting quick and efficient service restoration to as many customers as possible. In addition, the software will be capable of measuring usage on surrounding circuits to help prevent overloading.
