Storm Hardening & Grid Resiliency

Withstanding and Recovering From Extreme Weather Events

Definition Storm Hardening

• Physical changes to the utility’s infrastructure to make it less susceptible to storm damages such as high winds, flooding, ice, snow or fires.

Goals: • Withstand impacts from severe

weather events with minimal damage.

• Improve durability and stability of transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Grid Resiliency

• The ability of the utility to recover quickly from damage to any of its facilities’ components or any external systems on which they depend.

Goals: • Enable the utility to quickly return to

normal operations.

Sources: 1) Before and After the Storm by Edison Electric Institute 2) Best Practices for Storm Response on U.S. Distribution systems, by Lavelle A. Freeman 3) Enhancing Distribution Resiliency Opportunities for Applying innovative Technologies

by Electric Power Research Institute 4) Once Year Later: Superstorm Sandy Underscores Need for a Resilient Grid

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Examples: Storm Hardening

Sources: 1) Before and After the Storm by Edison Electric Institute 2) Best Practices for Storm Response on U.S. Distribution systems, by Lavelle A. Freeman 3) Enhancing Distribution Resiliency Opportunities for Applying innovative Technologies

by Electric Power Research Institute 4) Electric reliability in the Houston region, Mayor’s Task Force Report 5) Baltimore Gas and Electric

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Undergrounding

• Burying above-ground transmission and distribution cables.

Vegetation Management

• Removal of plants, trees and branches located near power lines. (Includes overhang, dead and dying trees).

Higher Design and Construction Standards

• Improved system design such as: submersible products, composites, stronger pole classes or more stringent equipment specifications.

Examples: Grid Resiliency

Sources: 1) Before and After the Storm by Edison Electric Institute 2) Best Practices for Storm Response on U.S. Distribution systems, by Lavelle A. Freeman 3) Enhancing Distribution Resiliency Opportunities for Applying innovative Technologies by

Electric Power Research Institute 4) Microgrids in New England Technical Challenges and Opportunities, by United

Illuminating Company Connecticut Light & Power and Couch White

Smart Grid • Computer-based remote control and automation to communicate across

transmission and distribution lines and isolate problems/issues.

Microgrids • Group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within a

clearly defined boundary that can be connected or disconnected to the grid.

Restoration Materials • Adequate back-up of poles, wires, transformers and other components.

Standby Equipment • Strategic alliances or material consignment on standby.

Increased Labor Force • Sufficient restoration crews or “mutual assistance groups” to respond to

storms.

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The Aging Grid • 70% of the US electrical grid’s lines, power transformers

and associated equipment are now over 25 years old

• 30 years – average age for an American power plant

• The age of the grid’s components has contributed to an increased incidence of weather-related power outages.

• Grid deterioration increases the system’s vulnerability to severe weather given that the majority of the grid exists above ground.

• The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

• Goal: Create a more “reliable grid”

– A reliable grid is one with fewer and shorter power interruptions.

Sources: 1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INCREASING ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCE TO WEATHER

OUTAGES, Executive Office of the President, August 2013

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Weather Threat to the Grid

• The U.S. electric grid is highly vulnerable to severe weather.

• Severe weather is the single leading cause of power outages in the United States.

• Between 2003 and 2012, roughly 679 power outages, each affecting at least 50,000 customers, occurred due to weather events.

• Grid resilience is increasingly important as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of severe weather.

• Scientific research predicts more severe hurricanes, winter storms, heat waves, floods and other extreme weather events.

Sources: 1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INCREASING ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCE TO WEATHER

OUTAGES, Executive Office of the President, August 2013

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• Over the past three decades, the North Atlantic has already experienced the trend of increasing hurricane intensity.

• Wild Fire season has

increased by nearly 80 days in the last three decades and the trend is projected to continue through 2050.

• Projected increase in the number and frequency of heat waves.

• Floods are projected to

increase in frequency and intensity in some regions of the US. Sources:

1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INCREASING ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCE TO WEATHER OUTAGES, Executive Office of the President, August 2013

2) USA Today, October 2014

Projections

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• Rising sea levels and high-tide flooding in coastal towns are expected to increase tenfold in the next 30 years.

• Between 2003-2012 weather- related outages are estimated to have cost the U.S. economy an inflation-adjusted annual average of $18 billion to $33 billion. • Seven of the ten costliest storms in U.S. history occurred between 2004 and 2012.

• The number of outages caused by severe weather is expected to rise

as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, blizzards, floods and other extreme weather events.

• According to the National Climate Assessment, the incidence and severity of extreme weather will continue to increase due to climate change.

Sources: 1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INCREASING ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCE TO WEATHER

OUTAGES, Executive Office of the President, August 2013

The Effects

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• In 2013, there were 7 weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the United States.

• These events included five severe weather and tornado events, a major flood event, and the western drought / heat wave.

• Overall, these events killed 109 people and had significant economic effects on the areas impacted.

Billion-Dollar Disasters, 2013

Sources Sources: 1) Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters, National Climatic Data Center

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Utilities and Fines

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• In 2011, Connecticut suffered from an intense tropical storm followed by heavy snow in the same month.

• Over 800,000 utility customers lost power during both events, for some people power loss lasted for 10 days.

• The utility was looking to make up for its $402 million in outage costs.

• A state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority investigated

and determined the utility’s response was deficient and inadequate and recommended the utility be assessed a penalty in its next rate case.

• The penalty was not allowing the utility to recover part of the $282 million in storm costs.

• The PURA said it could nullify the penalty if significant improvements to storm response are made by the utility.

What are Utilities Doing? Primary Focus:

• Complying with state regulations

o Provide yearly plans o Following National Electric Safety Code - 2012

• Grid modernization

o Texas and California are the leading states in grid modernization, heavy focus on smart-grid technology

• Undergrounding

• Vegetation Management

• Increase participation in Mutual Assistance Groups

Sources: 1) American Electric Power’s Mutual Assistance Involvement by the Women’s International Network of Utility Professional 2) Overview of the Electric Power Industry’s Mutual Assistance Process during a Nation Response Event by Edison Electric Institute

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Switchgear • Submersible solid dielectric distribution switchgear

• Fast service restoration enabled by automation and source transfer packages.

• Submersible controller enclosure has quick and easy access from the outside while still protecting equipment from the elements.

• Pad mount, vault and riser pole applications

• Flexible, compact and modular designs allow for smaller footprint, installation in any position and field assembly inside tight vaults.

• Field upgradable and compatible with SEL controls

• Maintenance free and environmentally friendly

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Hurricane Sandy & Switchgear • Elastimold® switches were vital in dealing with the

aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

• With Elastimold® switchgear, Consolidated Edison Company of New York (ConEd), was able minimize electrical failures, reroute power to critical areas, and restore power as needed once water receded.

• ConEd used switchgear to remotely isolate specific sections of the electrical system.

• Using switchgear, ConEd was able to sectionalize circuits and transfer load on primary feeders rated up to 27kV, and with available fault currents up to 40,000 amperes symmetrical.

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Reclosers Fast Service Restoration:

• Smart Grid ready

• Fully compatible with SEL controls.

Light Weight:

• The three-phase Elastimold® Recloser weighs 33% less than existing typical units.

Flexible:

• The Elastimold® Recloser is modular, making field upgrades and retrofits are easy and fast.

• The single phase recloser has a pole rotation mounting bracket for easier installation.

Innovative: • Only Elastimold® has the experience

and know-how to insulate its recloser with light and strong EPDM and silicon rubber.

Made with the Customer in Mind:

• Elastimold® Recloser designed after extensive talks with electric utilities.

• Many of the inventory-reducing, features that we consider “standard,” are there because of customer input.

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Fault Current Indicators • Fast Service Restoration: o Quick fault location vs. manually testing for faults

• Most complete overhead and underground offerings

• Smart Grid options

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• Continuous submersible operation 6.0 ft. under water

• Fast Service Restoration: available inventory on selected accessories

• Corrosion Resistant Long Lasting EPDM

• Over 50 years of experience as industry leader

• Multiple applications: padmount, subsurface, vault, indoor, outdoor

• 200A and 600A … 15kV, 25kV & 35kV

• Dead front (shielded and grounded)

• Isolation and sectionalizing capabilities

• Over current protection due to the fused and molded elbows

Separable Connectors

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Current Limiting Backup Fuses • Limits equipment damage thus speeding

restoration time.

• Light weight

• Have a reputation for leading performance in the industry

• Able to protect for currents beyond what an

expulsion fuse can handle.

• Protects up to 50KA

• Above ground and below ground options

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Storm Safe

• Break-away device for overhead service drops

• Installs between the transformer and service drop

• Provides controlled disconnect of power in the event of an incident to the service cable, de-energizing the service drop cable (engineered breakaway).

• Fast Service Restoration: Prevents damage to utility equipment and customer premises

• Increases public and crew safety

• Two weight options: up to 500 or 750 pounds

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Temporary Service Adapter • Fast Service Restoration

• Includes all the components needed to handle an isolated service outage

• Provides short duration emergency service

• Consists of a load side adapter and a source side adapter

• Supports 75A and 100A current ratings

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Flood-Seal® Products: Multiport and Splice Connector • All Splice kits Include one Submersible

Splice Cover and one Aluminum Compression Splice to ensure a fully insulated, watertight repair splice; no tape required.

• Multiport Connectors are prefilled with Oxide-Inhibitor and capped to prevent oxidation and keep out moisture, allowing the device to be buried without erosion worries.

• Flood-Seal® rockets create a tight close via heat shrink sealing tube.

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Automatic Tension Splices

• Fast Service Restoration

• Available for range of sizes

• Weight of the cable tightens the jaws

• High-strength aluminum alloy tubing covers the connection for superior corrosion protection and long-lasting durability.

• Tubular center stop automatically determines proper insertion length of both conductors.

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Custom Made Solutions Connectors We are able to provide for a variety of customer needs and wants using customization.

Example: Ring Buss System

• The Challenge: How to take eight 500 mcm services off 1000 mcm conductor in a ring buss vault application safely and cleanly.

• Solution: RBC 1000-8500 Ring Buss Connector by Homac® brings Compression, Mechanical and Flood-Seal® technologies together in one connector.

• Installation is fast and easy and completely waterproof for decades.

• Supplied the mounting brackets and accessories using additional T&B Products.

Compression Main

Mechanical Taps Flood-Seal® = Waterproof

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Storm Hardening Custom Solutions • Recently, a major customer reached out to T&B

looking to update infrastructure.

• The company was looking for equipment that could handle difficult weather situations.

• The company was interested in the multiple Storm Hardening products T&B provides.

• T&B was able to create various custom solutions for the client which included many elements of the following:

o Taps o Splices o Terminations o Grounding

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Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel Solutions

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Corrosion Resistant PVC-Coated Solutions

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• Stainless Steel

• Aluminum

• PVC Coated

• Externally Bonded

• High-Temperature

Liquidtight Fittings Waterproof fitting options:

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Gold Galvanized Strut & Fittings • GoldGalv: Superior corrosion protection. All surfaces are protected with a

trivalent chromium finish applied over zinc, creating a chemically bonded non-porous barrier. GoldGalv finishes are applied after cutting and punching which protects all surfaces of the finished product.

• Passed internal submersion testing based on 4+ days in sea water substitute

• The Kindorf® Channel System is designed so that the maximum number of support and framing applications can be constructed with a minimum amount of labor and material waste. This modular system provides maximum flexibility.

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NEMA Enclosures • Rugged Carlon® junction boxes and NEMA enclosures are corrosion

resistance.

• Applications where water is present.

• Any outdoor application where sunlight resistance is needed.

• 100% non metallic

• Clear covers available

• Less than half the weight of metal

• Meets or exceeds NEMA 4X, 12 and 13

• UL 50

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Industrial / Classified Lighting

• For Adverse Environment and Hazardous Location, reliable under the harshest indoor and outdoor conditions.

• Classified fixtures are much more resilient to environmental stresses than regular industrial lighting.

• Fixtures go through rigorous certification to gain the classified label (Class I, Div 2).

• NEMA 4x certified, no water leakage

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Cable Fasteners

• Tested for three times the standard for weather-able life, Ty-Rap® withstands sub-zero temperature, wind, rain, heat, sun, acid and much more.

• High tensile strength 100-200 lbs

• Temperatures -112 F to 1000 F

• Type 316 Stainless Steel

• Not affected by UV rays

• Non-magnetic stainless steel (302/304)

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• Storm Customer Service • On call 24/7

• Storm Stock Inventory

• Byhalia, MS

o 1 million square feet with 35 foot height clearance

o 8 miles of power conveyor

• Orders are flagged “STORM” and given priority attention.

Extreme Weather Services

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