Entergy Texas initiates recloser installation initiative

Entergy Texas has launched an initiative focusing on improving the power grid system by installing reclosers, which are devices the utility said is designed to keep power flowing.

The company is targeting areas that have experienced multiple outages 50 of the devices. Reclosers are circuit breakers temporarily opening lines when momentary problems occur, such as an animal or tree branch falling on the line.

“A recloser is similar to a circuit breaker in your home,” Allen East, vice president of distribution for Entergy Texas, Inc, said. “When a breaker is overloaded or short circuits, it cuts off electrical current to the problem line until the issue can be safely addressed. If a limb or animal brushes the line, the power comes back on automatically when that line is cleared.”

The endeavor includes Cleveland, Conroe, Huntsville, Navasota, New Caney, The Woodlands, Beaumont, Dayton, Orange, Port Arthur, Silsbee, and Winnie.

“We used historical data to determine where new equipment would have the most impact in reducing the number of customers affected should a power outage occur,” East said. “By adding equipment that isolates areas experiencing problems, overall customer power disruptions can be reduced.”

East said each recloser costs about $50,000 to install, but the project is worth the sum.

“We continually strive to provide our customers with safe, reliable power at the lowest reasonable cost,” he said. “This is why we continuously work to make our electrical system stronger and more resilient. We are improving the grid to better serve you.”