Dive Summary:
- Commonwealth Edison Co. (Com-Ed) has begun the installation of a $2.6 billion power system that aims to reduce power outages by 20 percent over the next decade.
- To better respond to customers outages, Com-Ed is “doing some significant system enhancements to go along with the smart meter smart grid,” said Com-Ed representative Paul Callighan.
- These new initiatives, which were described by Callighan as “pricey,” are being implemented to avoid the multi-day restoration efforts associated with downed power lines, broken poles, and other weather-related issues.
From the article:
Callighan said the extreme weather has put a great burden on the electrical system. Not only are severe storms knocking down power lines, but the extreme heat is also putting a strain on the underground cables and trees.
"Over the past couple of years, because of the high temperatures, the drought like conditions, tree in particular are very distressed," said Callighan. "And they're more susceptible to breaking or being blown over than one would normally expect." ...
