Enhancing Outage Restoration with Innovative In-Line Switches at New Substation
At the cooperative, one of our primary responsibilities to our members is delivering reliable power. As our territory becomes more populated, the cooperative has to find innovative solutions to strengthen our power reliability. To deliver on that promise in collaboration with Cleaveland/Price Inc, Wake Electric installed first-of-its-kind in-line switches at the Hares Crossroads substation near Selma.
On September 24th, the Wake Electric Board of Directors visited the new substation on a tour of Wake Electric’s territory to see its advanced features. They were shown the in-line switches installed at the Hares Crossroads substation and told how they would improve outage management and maintain service reliability for the residents in the area.
The switches act as traffic controllers for electricity, managing the flow along power lines and isolating sections in case of a problem. Unlike traditional switches that require special equipment for operation, the newly installed in-line switches do not need any such infrastructure. Cleaveland/Price states, “The Autoline® is a group-operated inline switch with no mechanical linkage.” This capability allows for quickly isolating problematic sections, enabling swift and safe repairs without shutting down the entire network. This means less time spent finding the problem, leading to quicker power restoration for our members.
For example, if a tree branch falls on a line and causes a fault, these advanced switches with the sensor can pinpoint the issue’s exact location. This capability significantly reduces the time needed to locate and fix problems, minimizing the duration of power outages for members. These in-line switches streamline the process, providing a more efficient and effective solution compared to traditional switches.
The construction of the new Hares Crossroads substation provided an opportunity to integrate these in-line switches back in March. Representatives of Cleaveland/Price oversaw its installation, including owner Chuck Cleaveland. While the substation enhances capacity to meet the growing demands of the Selma area, the switches bring an added layer of efficiency and reliability. The substation was brought online in March, allowing for a window of opportunity to install the new in-line switches.
“The new in-line switches enhance our ability to provide reliable power, even as our community continues to grow,” says Chris Wright, Head of Engineering at Wake Electric. “This technology is a critical part of our outage restoration strategy and ensures the best possible service for our members. This is a first of its kind, and we’re excited to see what all Cleaveland/Price can learn and do with this product.” By pioneering such advancements, Wake Electric not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future needs. This proactive approach ensures that members receive the most reliable and efficient service possible, reflecting the cooperative’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation.