Some residents have noticed two taller-than-average-sized poles that have been erected on Ridge and State Roads. The two poles have an antenna attached to the top. What are they? The poles and antenna are part of The Illuminating Company’s Grid Modernization Plan, which is a three-year investment to modernize the state’s electric distribution systems. The plan was approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
According to Lauren Siburki, from FirstEnergy Ohio, “the new 110-foot poles and antennas that you may see along our rights-of-way in local communities support the new smart grid communications equipment that we are installing to prevent or minimize the length of power outages across northeast Ohio.” Siburki stated that “over the past two years, FirstEnergy’s utilities in northeast Ohio – Ohio Edison and The Illuminating Company – have collectively invested more than $200 million in new, automated equipment and technology within substations and along power lines serving more than two million customers in Ohio. This work is part of each company’s three-year portfolio of grid modernization work that began in 2020 and wraps up this year.”
The benefit from the installations will help to limit the interruption of service, the frequency and the duration that take place during power outages. “These electrical devices work like a circuit breaker in a home that shuts off power when trouble occurs, with the added benefit of automatically reenergizing a substation or power line within seconds for certain types of outages to keep power safely flowing to customers,” stated Siburki. “If the device senses a more serious issue, like a fallen tree on electrical equipment, it will isolate the outage to that area to limit the total number of affected customers. The device’s smart technology will quickly pinpoint the location of the fault and help utility personnel better understand the cause of the outage to help speed restoration.”
The upgrades to the electric system include the addition of power lines that tie together with the existing system. They are designed to better withstand severe weather and the debris that may go with it. “These upgrades to our electric system are already paying dividends,” said Siburki. “Despite the severe weather we’ve experienced this winter, the number of widespread power outages were minimal. It’s really a testament to the investments that we’re making in our smart grid.”
When asked if additional poles are expected to be installed, Siburki stated that none are planned at this time. The poles are installed in the City’s right-of-way.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer