Duquesne Light partners with LineVision to pilot new technology to improve reliability

Published on September 02, 2021 by Dave Kovaleski


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Credit: LineVision

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) has formed a partnership with LineVision to install no-contact sensors on several transmission towers in its Pennsylvania service territory in order to increase service reliability.

The pilot project launched in July. The pilot features real-time and forecasted dynamic line ratings to monitor transmission conductors and uncover additional grid capacity. The idea is to make service more resilient, efficient, and affordable. Data that is gathered from DLC’s program will help address line congestion, assess line conditions, and better determine when maintenance is required.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proposed line rating guidelines earlier this year to encourage utilities to use this technology.

“This project is part of DLC’s multi-year, $2.6 billion investment in innovative technologies that enable us to modernize the grid and continue meeting the energy demands of our customers. Overall, our goal is to provide affordable, reliable, safe, and sustainable service, and this project hits all of those areas,” Josh Gould, director of innovation at DLC, said. “As one of the first electric utilities to use this technology, we can unlock greater capability on our existing transmission lines while also making it easier for more generation assets, including renewable energy, to be added to the grid. We are looking forward to the many benefits this project will bring to our customers and communities.”

Jonathan Marmillo, vice president of product at LineVision and the company’s co-founder, said DLC is at the forefront of innovative thinking on how to solve these issues.

“Record-setting demand for energy and changing system dynamics are tasking utilities with the challenge of how to best maintain system reliability while simultaneously transitioning how we deliver power,” Marmillo said. “We are delighted to work with its team on this important initiative.”

DLC delivers energy to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.