Atlantic City Electric has begun repairs on the Lake Avenue substation in Wildwood, where a fire at the height of the summer season knocked out power for 24,000 customers.
Through December, ACE will be replacing underground cables to one of three transformers at the substation. The project involves the continuous removal of groundwater, installing mobile switchgear and replacing one of the three transformers, according to information released by the utility.
ACE will also be making ongoing, periodic inspections of equipment across the Wildwoods to identify potential issues and replace infrastructure as needed.
The utility will install additional reclosers, which automatically detect and isolate issues on the energy grid, leading to faster restoration of service, said Candice Womer, a spokesperson for ACE.
This winter through next summer, the utility plans to make enhancements at the Lake Avenue substation, upgrading power lines, including lines to specialized equipment that can automatically detect issues and restore service faster if an outage occurs.
In fall 2024, ACE plans to replace additional underground cables at the substation that will require additional groundwater removal at the site. The entire island has a very high water table, which is apparent whenever there is digging.
The utility also said it plans to install permanent switchgear at the substation and remove the on-site trailer that currently houses the mobile switchgear.
“Switchgear is used at an electric substation to redirect or stop the flow of energy. It is used to de-energize equipment for safe testing, maintenance or other action,” Womer said via email.
According to an FAQ sheet provided by ACE, when an outage occurs, the company’s focus is on restoring service to critical facilities, such as medical complexes, water and other utilities, and emergency responders. Once this is completed, crews make repairs to transmission lines serving thousands of customers and substation equipment that affects widespread areas.
The utility then turns its attention to main distribution lines serving large numbers of customers and secondary lines serving neighborhoods or large blocks of customers. After major repairs are complete, crews will begin working on service lines to individual homes and businesses.
ACE advised customers to be prepared for severe weather or extended outages. It suggested that people assemble an emergency storm kit, including a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, blankets, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, multipurpose tool and list of important/emergency phone numbers. For a checklist of other items to include in an emergency kit, visit atlanticcityelectric.com/StormPrep.
Commercial customers can prepare for severe weather or extended outages by reviewing emergency action plans or business continuity plans for what actions will be taken during such outages. Preparations should include identifying a safe alternate location for personnel in case of an extended outage as well as testing of equipment.
Contact the author, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
