Atlantic City Electric has recently completed two important projects in Cape May County, New Jersey, to improve energy service for their customers. These projects were finished just before the peak tourist season in the area, ensuring reliable energy supply for both residents and visitors.
The first project, called the Cape May Substation Reliability Project, involved upgrading the existing substation in Cape May. This 20-month, $46 million endeavor included the installation of modern equipment and increased capabilities. To meet the rising energy demands, a second transformer was added, with a particular focus on high-energy consumption during the summer months. The new facility is equipped with state-of-the-art features, such as improved protection against animal intrusion, elevated positioning above flood zones to mitigate storm-related outages, and advanced substation controls with remote operating capabilities during severe weather events. This project benefits over 7,100 customers in Cape May and strengthens the connection between the regional transmission system and the local energy grid, resulting in improved energy service quality.
The second project, known as the Upper Township to Dennis Township Reliability Project, aimed to enhance energy service reliability for more than 30,000 customers across Cape May County. It involved replacing the existing lattice transmission tower structures with 89 stronger steel transmission poles capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. The project also included the installation of more robust aerial cables and the upgrading of line voltage to increase power carrying capacity with modern conductors. Specially equipped helicopters were employed to transport equipment and install the new transmission poles along a 10-mile stretch between Upper Township and Dennis Township. Throughout the project, minimizing impacts on environmentally sensitive areas was a key focus. This initiative contributes to building a stronger and more resilient energy grid.
Thanks to Atlantic City Electric’s efforts in reinforcing the local energy grid, incorporating new technology and smart devices, and prioritizing reliability and resiliency projects, their customers experienced the lowest frequency of electric outages in the previous year. The company’s investments in modernizing and upgrading the grid against severe weather have resulted in a decrease of over 6% in outage frequency from the previous record low in 2021. Since 2012, Atlantic City Electric has reduced the frequency of electric outages by over 75% for their customers.
In 2023, Atlantic City Electric will continue its efforts to modernize the local energy grid through various major projects. These include:
- Beach Haven Battery Storage Project: Installing a battery storage system at an existing substation in Beach Haven to enhance energy service quality for customers and seasonal visitors in Beach Haven and Long Beach Island during periods of high demand.
- Greater Gloucester and Camden Counties Reliability Project: Upgrading a 10-mile transmission line between Monroe Township and Pine Hill to improve reliability for 13,600 customers in Gloucester and Camden counties.
- Salem County Reliability Project: Rebuilding a 3.5-mile transmission line along Route 130 between Penns Grove and Pennsville to enhance energy service for numerous local customers.
- Wind Port Power Connect Project: Upgrading approximately 11 miles of transmission line with stronger steel utility poles and modern equipment to serve the New Jersey Wind Port, a vital facility for offshore wind projects along the East Coast, facilitating staging, assembling, and manufacturing activities.
