Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proposed line rating guidelines earlier this year to encourage utilities to use this technology.

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) has partnered-up with LineVision to install no-contact sensors on several transmission towers in its Pennsylvania service territory in order to increase service reliability.

The pilot project was launched in July and features real-time and forecasted dynamic line ratings to monitor transmission conductors and uncover additional grid capacity. These enhancements should make service more resilient, efficient, and affordable. The data that will be gathered this way should help monitor and fix issues such as line congestion, help assess line conditions, and make it easier to determine when maintenance is required.

“This project is part of DLC’s multi-year, $2.6 billion investment in innovative technologies that enable us to modernize the grid and continue meeting the energy demands of our customers. Overall, our goal is to provide affordable, reliable, safe, and sustainable service, and this project hits all of those areas,” Josh Gould, director of innovation at DLC, said. “As one of the first electric utilities to use this technology, we can unlock greater capability on our existing transmission lines while also making it easier for more generation assets, including renewable energy, to be added to the grid. We are looking forward to the many benefits this project will bring to our customers and communities,” he went on to say.

“Record-setting demand for energy and changing system dynamics are tasking utilities with the challenge of how to best maintain system reliability while simultaneously transitioning how we deliver power. We are delighted to work with its team on this important initiative,” said Jonathan Marmillo, vice president of product and co-founder at LineVision.

Source: Daily Energy Insider