ComEd Electric Grid Modernization Coming to Woodridge

ComEd electric grid modernization has begun in Woodridge, according to a ComEd press release. 

The work is part of the utility's effort "to provide better reliability for area customers, prepare its system for new demands of the 21st century economy and provide newways for consumers to save on their energy bills."

The work is part of the historic Illinois Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act, which was enacted in October.

“The grid modernization law is a value promise made to Illinois consumers,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO of ComEd in the release.

“Our entire organization is now focused on thecritical construction programs that will deliver greater value to our customers through improvedreliability and customer service.”

ComEd will replace or inject more than 13,400 feet of underground residential distribution cable to fill in voids in the insulation or replaced where necessary to reduce the number of customer service interruptions due to cable failures.

ComEd will install approximately 4,000 feet of spacer cable. This is a type of overheadpower line specifically geared for areas that have heavy tree density.
ComEd will conduct other enhancements designed to improve performance and reduceservice interruptions, including tree trimming.

On Jan. 6, ComEd filed with the ICC its 10-year, $2.6 billion Infrastructure Investment Plan to strengthen the utility system and add new, digital smart grid and advanced meter technology that will transform the delivery of electricity to homes and businesses throughout northern Illinois.

The filing also included the utility’s $233 million Investment Plan for 2012 and its plan for asmart grid Test Bed to provide entrepreneurs “on-grid” locations for testing of smart grid-related technologies and services.

In November, ComEd filed with the ICC its performance-based formula rate tariff, followed by the filing of its Multi-Year Performance Metrics Plan, which is designed to ensure ComEddelivers on its promises.

Over the course of the 10-year modernization program, the company will invest $1.3 billion to strengthen the existing power grid serving northern Illinois by replacing thousands of miles of underground cable; inspecting, treating and, where necessary, replacing or reinforcing woodpoles; and performing “storm hardening” to further reduce the susceptibility of circuits to storm-related damage.

The company will invest another $1.3 billion to upgrade and digitize the electricsystem, including deployment of distribution automation devices that will automatically detectproblems on the system and reroute power; modernizing 10 of its substations to digital technologywith real-time equipment monitoring; and the installation of digital meters in every home.

Overall, the grid modernization investments will help ComEd significantly reduce outages andwill give customers the tools to manage their energy usage and save money.