Duke Energy is strengthening part of its electric grid in Noblesville to improve reliability and reduce power outages. Crews will soon begin installing “self-healing” technology along overhead power lines on the southwest side of Noblesville in a four-square-mile project area that extends from Westfield Road to East Main Street, between Hazel Dell and River roads.
Self-healing technology can automatically detect power outages and quickly reroute power to restore service faster or avoid the outage altogether. Much like the GPS in a car can identify an accident ahead and reroute a driver around the incident, self-healing technology is like a GPS for the grid. The technology can quickly identify power outages and alternate energy pathways to restore service faster for customers when an outage occurs.
While a self-healing system can’t repair the physical damage to the power line that a human crew must repair, it can help to limit the number of customers who experience an extended outage because of the damage. Click here to see a demonstration of the technology.
Work on the project is expected to begin on or about March 1 and conclude by August, depending on weather conditions.
LaBarr
“This important work is part of a multi-layered energy grid improvement strategy to help improve electric reliability and resiliency and strengthen the electric grid against severe weather and other impacts,” said Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Mark LaBarr. “Making the right investments today means that the energy grid customers and their families depend on will be better, more reliable, and more responsive in the future.”
Customers may see electric utility equipment in the area of the improvements, including utility bucket trucks and specialized material handling equipment. Property owners near impacted areas have been notified of this work by mail. Customers are not expected to experience service interruptions related to this work.
Residents who have questions about the project can email Mandy Kinnaird at Mandy.Kinnaird@duke-energy.com. For more information about Duke Energy’s work to provide safer, more reliable and secure energy for its customers, visit duke-energy.com/our-company/infuture.