THE AGING INFRASTRUCTURE Utility Workers Union of America

THE AGING INFRASTRUCTURE Utility Workers Union of America Mass. Elect. Restr. Rndtable May 10, 2002

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n Major Power Outages Hit during the Summer of 1999 – New York City suffers major outages – Thousands of customers left in the dark – Mayor orders an investigation into cause – Con. Ed pays out $4 million for spoilages

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n New York’s AG issues report on outages. . . – “We conclude Con Ed entered the 1999 summer cooling season, the time of year when demand on the system is highest and the effects of heat on the system are most pronounced, with a distribution system containing numerous defective or inadequate components. ”

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n Chicago is Hit by Power Outages during the Summer of 1999 – The Loop business district goes out – Over 100, 000 residents lose power for several days – All from failed equipment

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n Department of Energy investigates the cause of the 1999 power outages n DOE pulls together a group of experts to form the Power Outage Study Team (POST)

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n The POST report finds…. . “In anticipation of competitive markets, some utilities have adopted a strategy of cost cutting that involves reduced spending on reliability. ”

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. Number of employees in electric IOU’s in thousands

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n DOE’s POST Finds. . – Con. Ed’s cable condition not accurately assessed – Harsh environment in which cables are located contributes to reliability problems. – Winter salt, oil from car engines, and high humidity all cause problems in the vaults, manholes and conduits.

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n DOE’s POST Finds. . – Chicago’s Commonwealth Edison planned distribution system upgrades were not implemented on schedule. – Maintenance management contributed to severity of the outages

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. Com. Ed Substation Maintenance Expenditures in Millions of $

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n Massachusetts residents hit by Power Outages summer 2001. . – Some Boston area residents without power for up to two & half days. – Boston residents suffer nearly 600, 000 hours of outages 5 weeks – All due to infrastructure failure

The Problem: Aging Infrastructure…. n National Grid hires Dupont to do an independent assessment. – Recommend Co undertakes a detailed assessment of the physical condition of their assets. – Develop a preventive maintenance plan ASAP.

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n The establishment of a PMD will. . – reduce number of outages – decrease response time – restore reliability to the distribution system

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n To ensure its success the PMD must be an autonomous division with. . . – separate supervisors – separate crews – separate equipment – separate vehicles

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n This new division should focus on three areas. – Underground – Overhead – Substations & Vaults

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n In the Underground – manholes inspected on a 3 year cycle – a checklist of items to be examined be established – unused cable removed – load readings performed on transformers regularly

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n In the Overhead crews perform circuit patrols which include. . – Load readings – pole testing – conductering – visual inspections – padmount inspections

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n In the Overhead – primary phases identified and marked on cross arms – load break switches, underslungs and cut outs checked on a regular basis – regular tree trimming program established

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n Substations & Vaults – transformers tested and overhauled if needed – tap changer transformers checked – maintenance on breakers performed every two years

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n Substations & Vaults inspections include a review of…. – lighting – pumps – hatches – a check for leaks – cleaning of entrances

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n Division manager & supervisors assigned to division with…. – a team of engineers – clerical support – lab personal – garage personal

The Solution: Preventive Maintenance Division n Established with… – strict accountability & standards – short & long term goals – dedicated employees, equipment & vehicles Will help to restore the electric distribution system to one that is once again safe & reliable.