Con Edison Installing 100 'Interrupters' on Underground Electrical Equipment to Enhance Reliability in Brooklyn and Queens
Devices Will Limit Outages As Heat Waves Become More Severe And Frequent And the Need for Power Grows During the Clean Energy Transition
Con Edison is installing 100 new “interrupters” on underground electric delivery equipment in Brooklyn and Queens over the next five years. To date, crews have installed 20 interrupters.
An interrupter is a sophisticated device that swiftly detects and “interrupts” problems within underground electrical systems. These devices function as circuit breakers, significantly reducing the impact of electrical issues by keeping a portion of a cable in service when a fault occurs.
This strategic approach ensures a continued flow of energy to many of the customers served by that cable, reducing the likelihood of larger outages. This new technology will help Con Edison maintain its industry-leading reliability as the demand for electricity increases during the summer months and as more New Yorkers transition away from fossil fuels.
“As temperatures rise, the demand for electricity to cool homes and buildings increases substantially,” said Jamie Brennan, vice president, Brooklyn and Queens Electric Operations at Con Edison. “Implementing these advanced interrupters is a crucial step in enhancing our system's efficiency, reducing safety hazards and mitigating prolonged customer outages.”
The interrupters improve an electric delivery system that is already among the most reliable in the world. Based on 2023 data, the typical Con Edison customer would experience only one outage every seven years, not counting interruptions caused by storms.
By swiftly isolating and addressing faults, these devices enhance the overall resiliency of the power grid, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted.
Con Edison remains committed to investing in innovative solutions to meet the growing energy needs of its customers. The deployment of these interrupters is a testament to that commitment, reinforcing the company’s dedication to providing safe, reliable, and efficient energy to the communities it serves.
Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $15 billion in annual revenues and $67 billion in assets. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam, and serves 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit conEd.com.