Grid protectionConnecticut examines ways to bolster electrical grid during disasters –
Following Tropical Storm Irene and the29 October nor’easter that left thousands of homes without power across the northeast, Connecticut is considering new regulations that could bolster the power grid and improve resiliency during natural disasters
Following Tropical Storm Irene and the29 October nor’easter that left thousands of homes without power across the northeast, Connecticut is consideringnew regulations that could bolster the power grid and improve resiliency during natural disasters.
The Two Storm Panel, created in the aftermath of the two storms, has completed its findings and is set to hand over its final report to Governor Dannel P. Malloy next week. In particular, the panel focused on the cost of implementing measures like tree-trimming regulations, additional standards, and underground cables to improve electrical reliability.
Joseph McGee, the panel’s chairman, said before lawmakers and consumers can begin discussions on how to improve resiliency in the electrical grid, they must understand what the costs are.
“The real question is, what would that (added cost) get us?” McGee said. “We need standards of reliability.”
McGee declined to say anything more specific about the report, but assured residents that the panel carefully examined tree-trimming standards, buffer zones, maintenance budgets, and other improvements.
Last month, Connecticut Light & Power said it could minimize power outages by as much as 40 percent a decade from now with a ten-year improvement plan at the cost of adding $13 to the average residential electricity bill.
The rate increases would go towards funding accelerated tree-trimming cycles, line and pole replacement, and other improvements designed to harden the electrical grid against natural disasters and severe weather as well as doubling the number of regular line crews.
The utility company did not recommend burying the bulk of its overhead lines, but did suggest a study to determine the feasibility of strategically using underground power lines to protect vital community centers.
Connecticut Light & Power projects that had its recommended system been in place last year, Tropical Storm Irene would have only disrupted power to 430,000 homes rather than 671,000 while the nor’easter would have been reduced to 590,000 compared instead of the 871,000.
