Con Edison Installing 100 'Interrupters' on Underground Electrical Equipment to Enhance Reliability

Con Edison is installing 100 new “interrupters” on underground electric delivery equipment in Brooklyn and Queens over the next five years. To date, crews have installed 20 interrupters.

An interrupter is a sophisticated device that swiftly detects and “interrupts” problems within underground electrical systems. These devices function as circuit breakers, significantly reducing the impact of electrical issues by keeping a portion of a cable in service when a fault occurs.

This strategic approach is designed to ensure a continued flow of energy to many of the customers served by that cable, reducing the likelihood of larger outages. This new technology will help Con Edison maintain reliability as the demand for electricity increases during the summer months and as more New Yorkers transition away from fossil fuels.

“As temperatures rise, the demand for electricity to cool homes and buildings increases substantially,” said Jamie Brennan, vice president, Brooklyn and Queens Electric Operations at Con Edison. “Implementing these advanced interrupters is a crucial step in enhancing our system's efficiency, reducing safety hazards and mitigating prolonged customer outages.”

The interrupters improve an electric delivery system that is already among the most reliable in the world. Based on 2023 data, the typical Con Edison customer would experience only one outage every seven years, not counting interruptions caused by storms.

By swiftly isolating and addressing faults, these devices enhance the overall resiliency of the power grid, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted.

_{Source: Con Edison}

--------------------------------------------

Upcoming conferences organized by SGO:

5th EV Charging Infrastructure Summit - North America, July 15-17, 2024 | Chicago

19th Microgrid Global Innovation Forum, September 24-25, 2024 | Oakland

4th V2G Business, Policy and Technology Forum, October 22-24, 2024 | Detroit

Virtual Power Plant Forum, November 12-13, 2024 | San Francisco