Exploring the World of Arc Flashes and Mitigating Their Potential

Arc flash is a hazardous electrical phenomenon that can occur when there is an unexpected release of energy due to a fault in an electrical system. This release of energy creates a sudden and intense burst of heat, light, and pressure, which can cause severe injuries, equipment damage, and even fatalities. Arc flashes are a significant concern in industrial and commercial settings where electrical systems are prevalent, making it crucial to understand and mitigate the risks associated with them.

 

Factors Contributing to Arc Flash

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of arc flash events. These include equipment failures, such as short circuits or insulation breakdowns, as well as human errors, improper maintenance, inadequate training, or using the wrong tools. The level of electrical energy and the proximity of workers to the equipment during an arc flash can greatly influence the severity of the incident. It’s important to note that arc flash incidents can happen even when electrical systems are well-maintained, underscoring the need for effective mitigation strategies.

 

Mitigation Strategies for Arc Flash

Mitigating the risks associated with arc flash is paramount to ensuring the safety of personnel and protecting valuable equipment. Here are some key strategies to mitigate the potential for arc flash incidents:

 

Arc Flash Risk Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards and determine the arc flash energy levels for different equipment and scenarios.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with appropriate PPE, including flame-resistant clothing, face shields, and insulated gloves, to reduce the risk of injuries during an arc flash event.

 

Engineering Controls: Implement engineering solutions such as arc-resistant switchgear, current-limiting fuses, and arc flash relays to contain and redirect arc flash energy away from personnel.

 

Training and Procedures: Ensure that workers are well-trained on electrical safety practices and emergency procedures, emphasizing the importance of de-energizing equipment before performing maintenance or inspections.

 

Ongoing Maintenance and Awareness

Mitigating arc flash risks is an ongoing process that requires regular equipment maintenance, continued training, and raising awareness among employees about the potential dangers of electrical systems. Periodic equipment inspections, maintenance, and the use of arc flash labels on equipment can help personnel understand the associated hazards and take appropriate precautions. Additionally, staying updated with industry standards and regulations is essential to ensure that mitigation strategies remain effective and compliant with the latest safety guidelines, ultimately fostering a safer working environment. By combining these strategies, organizations can significantly reduce the risks posed by arc flash incidents and protect both their workforce and valuable assets.

 

About EPS

Voltyx’s EPS is a major proponent of modernizing electrical infrastructure, with sustainable practices at the forefront of everything we do. From substation services, troubleshooting and preventative maintenance, engineering services, and acceptance and maintenance testing, EPS can assist with all your electrical infrastructure needs. Our technicians are available 24/7 for emergency response. To learn more about how EPS and their NETA accredited technicians can help with updating your equipment, visit www.voltyx.com/eps/.

 

About Voltyx

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners.

 

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com.

Transformer Lifecycle Services Replace Transformer Previously Struck by Lightning in Northern Virginia

On July 31, 2023, Transformer Lifecycle Services (TLS) came to the aid of a client located in northern Virginia, by locating and installing a compatible transformer. Previously struck twice by lightning, the original transformer began experiencing a tremendous amount of stress from the high demand that comes with the summer heat. This transformer was then identified as the source of several widespread outages in the region, leaving thousands without power for hours at a time.  According to the region’s utility director, Tony Dawood, “These outages, for the city, are unprecedented. We’re doing everything we can, as quickly as possible, to make the station whole again.”

 

While the current transformer is on loan for the next three months, TLS will be busy rebuilding the one struck by lightning, as current expected delivery on new equipment is a two year wait time- a direct effect from the supply chain issues plaguing many industries.

 

“What’s very unique to electrical equipment is it doesn’t fail like you would think. It’s a cumulative process, so it takes time. You can test this piece of equipment and it’ll show that it’s working when, in fact, it’s already been deteriorating. And then it’ll completely fail,” said Dawood.

 

About TLS

Transformer Lifecycle Services (TLS) is an independent provider of transformer and substation services for the electric utility industry throughout the United States. Our management and skilled field-based technicians have received specialized training and are among the most experienced in the industry. Our customers know us as trusted resources in the substation field with established long-term relationships grounded in safety, integrity, reliability, and professionalism.

 

About Voltyx

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners.

 

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com.

Unlocking Hidden Insights: The Power of Electrical Infrared Scanning

In the world of modern technology and infrastructure, ensuring the reliability and safety of electrical systems is paramount. One invaluable tool that has revolutionized the way we inspect and maintain these systems is Infrared Scanning. This non-invasive technique has become an essential part of predictive maintenance programs, offering a glimpse into the hidden world of electrical equipment, identifying potential issues before they become critical.

How Infrared Scanning Works

Infrared Scanning is based on the principle that electrical equipment emits heat when it experiences resistance, known as resistive heating. By using a specialized infrared camera, technicians can capture thermal images of electrical components. These images reveal temperature variations that may indicate problems such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing components. The color scale in these images, with warmer colors representing higher temperatures, allows professionals to quickly spot anomalies.

 

Preventing Catastrophic Failures

One of the most significant advantages of Infrared Scanning is its ability to prevent catastrophic failures. It can detect problems that are often invisible to the naked eye, like overheating in circuit breakers or electrical panels. Detecting these issues early on allows maintenance teams to address them promptly, preventing costly equipment failures, power outages, fire hazards, and arch flash incidents. By scheduling timely repairs, organizations can save both money and downtime.

 

Improved Efficiency and Cost Savings

Regular Infrared Scanning also contributes to improved energy efficiency. By identifying electrical components that are running hotter than normal, facilities can address energy waste due to increased resistance or poor connections. This not only reduces energy consumption but also extends the lifespan of electrical equipment, reducing replacement and repair costs in the long run. It’s a win-win situation for both sustainability and the bottom line.

 

Enhancing Safety and Compliance

Finally, Infrared Scanning plays a vital role in enhancing safety and ensuring compliance with industry standards. It helps identify potential fire hazards and electrical shock risks. By proactively addressing these issues, organizations can maintain a safer working environment for their employees and adhere to regulatory requirements, avoiding fines and legal complications.

 

In conclusion, Infrared Scanning is a game-changer in the world of electrical maintenance and reliability. By harnessing the power of thermal imaging, it empowers organizations to detect and address potential issues before they escalate, saving both time and money while enhancing safety and sustainability. Incorporating this technology into your maintenance program can ensure the longevity and reliability of your electrical systems, ultimately contributing to the success and efficiency of your operations.

 

About EPS

EPS is setting the standard of excellence in the power industry by using our unsurpassed experience, safety record, state-of-the-art training programs, and professional credentials. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for routine maintenance, testing, and emergency services, and is a full member of the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA).

 

About Voltyx

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners.

 

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com.

Bushings Testing and Maintenance: Why Preventative Care is More Important Now Than Ever Before

As key components of HV substations, bushings allow conductors to transfer energy from one insulated medium to another. To understand transformer bushings and their importance, we need to first understand the function of a transformer.

Transformers are used to step up or down an electrical voltage supply. Aiding the transformer to safely distribute a high, low, or medium voltage supply is the bushing. A bushing is an electrical insulator, allowing safe passage of electrical current while preventing unwanted incidents.

Bushings are internally insulated by using a variety of methods including:

• Oil-impregnated paper

• Resin bonded paper

• Resin-impregnated paper

• Or SF6 gas

Being such an integral piece of equipment on HV power transformers, bushings failures can cause catastrophic loss of power and revenue due to long replacement lead times. Which is why the regular testing and maintenance of bushings is so important by today’s standards. In addition to the potential of significant loss of revenue, there are also high safety risks to surrounding equipment and personnel should a bushing not perform correctly. To avoid any safety hazards or significant loss of power distribution and revenue, it is critical to maintenance your existing equipment to extend its life.

Routine maintenance tests fall under two categories: Field and Laboratory. Each have their own pros and cons, which are ultimately determined on a case-by-case basis.

Field Testing

Field testing provides the monetary benefit such as little to no outage time, especially when using an online monitoring system. While field tests can prove effective, they also pose constraints due to the limited amount of testing that can be conducted in the field to determine bushing health and longevity. In addition, field testing is currently limited to low voltage equipment.

Laboratory Testing

Lab testing opens the door for a wide range of testing to determine overall bushing and transformer health. Since the lab equipment is far more sophisticated when compared field testing, solutions for maintenance and repairs are easily determined. The downside, of course, is the cost. When factoring in outage time, plus the cost of shipping the bushing to the lab, laboratory testing tends to be more costly. However, the cost for testing and maintenance upfront equates to pennies on the dollar should a bushing need to be replaced, especially when exponentially long lead times for delivery are factored in.

Bushing Testing Methods

Measuring power factor and capacitance are the two most common field bushing tests. Both of which can accurately diagnose issues for up to 10kV. In addition to these field tests, bushing testing methods consist of:

• Online monitoring

• Thermography

HV lab, or OEM test floor methods also consist of testing for capacitance but includes dissipation factors. Laboratory testing includes not only an oil analysis but incorporates a simulated operating environment for thorough diagnosis.

As a proponent of grid modernization, Voltyx is an integrated solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through the intricacy of modernizing the electrical infrastructure. Through vision, strategy, service, and support, Voltyx and its’ family of operating companies offer robust services for the energy industry including maintenance, acceptance testing, installation, and commissioning. For more details on these services and how Voltyx can assist with your energy site, visit www.voltyx.com or email us at info@voltyx.com

About Voltyx

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners.

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com

Exciting Developments Are Underway in Nashville

The first quarter of 2023 has brought significant change and progress to the Voltyx family. One exciting development is the historic brick building acquired during the first week of January. The turn of the century, modern-Industrial building sits just minutes from Downtown Nashville and will be known as Voltyx Academy. The riverfront hub will be the single-source location for the following:
Field Technical Training Academy- Hands-on, performance-based courses with full learning journeys each step of the way for our technicians
Safety & Risk Compliance Academy– An immersive learning to promote safety culture and mitigate risk
Sales Academy- Trusted Advisor/Client Journey Selling, and progressive Industry Sales Training, Tools, and Methodology
Leadership Academy- Management Development and Leadership Development that sets the tone for the heartbeat of our culture and business operations
Customer Solutions- Innovation Labs for industry thought leaders, customer showcases, Engineering and Sales engagement, industry expos
The sleek, modern interior of the Voltyx Academy includes multiple interactive spaces for training and development with cutting-edge digital tools, an observation deck with excellent potential for hosting industry-related podcasts, and scattered throughout are conversation zones for colleagues to connect and share their knowledge. In addition, this first-of-its-kind, 15,000 square foot omnichannel learning center for technical hands-on training, which includes a relay lab, equipment sourced from all over the country for skill drills on equipment, along with an Immersive Technology Learning Lab featuring Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality.
The dedicated Academy team looks forward to hosting every Voltyx team member as they continue their professional development. They are equally excited to continue sharing the progress from Nashville in the upcoming months.

The Scorching Impact: Unveiling the Effects of Extreme Heat on the Electrical Grid

As our electrical grid ages, the effects of extreme weather events are becoming more and more severe. Among the many vulnerable systems, the electrical grid stands prominently affected by scorching temperatures. Below are some of the effects extreme heat can have on the electrical grid and the implications for our modern society.

Strained Power Generation

Extreme heat poses a formidable challenge to power generation infrastructure, particularly thermoelectric power plants that rely on cooling systems. These plants require ample water supplies to cool their equipment and prevent overheating. However, during heatwaves, water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs can experience reduced water levels or elevated temperatures. Insufficient cooling water can force power plants to reduce their output or, in severe cases, shut down altogether, leading to power shortages and blackouts.

Increased Energy Demand

As temperatures soar, so does the demand for electricity to power air conditioning units and refrigeration systems. People rely heavily on these cooling devices to combat the oppressive heat. The surge in energy consumption during heatwaves places an immense strain on the electrical grid, pushing it to its limits. The increased demand combined with the decreased generation capacity due to power plant limitations creates a precarious situation that can lead to system failures.

Transmission and Distribution Challenges

Extreme heat also affects the transmission and distribution infrastructure, which consists of power lines, transformers, and substations. High temperatures can cause power lines to sag, increasing the risk of line-to-line or line-to-ground faults. Additionally, overheated transformers are prone to failures, leading to localized power outages. Furthermore, the increased load on distribution systems during heatwaves can result in voltage drops and line congestion, diminishing the reliability and stability of the grid.

Vulnerability of Aging Infrastructure

Many electrical grids worldwide suffer from aging infrastructure, which further exacerbates the effects of extreme heat. Older components, such as overhead power lines and transformers, are less resilient to extreme temperatures, increasing the likelihood of failures. Heat-induced equipment failures can lead to extended outages, significant repair costs, and disruptions in essential services, impacting businesses, healthcare facilities, and residential areas.

Implications for Society

The consequences of extreme heat on the electrical grid have far-reaching implications for society. Heatwave-related power outages jeopardize public health and safety, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with medical conditions reliant on electrical devices. The disruption of critical infrastructure also affects industries, leading to economic losses and hampering productivity. Moreover, the lack of power can hinder emergency response systems and exacerbate the challenges faced during heatwaves.

Mitigating the Effects

Addressing the effects of extreme heat on the electrical grid requires a multifaceted approach:

a. Investing in Resilient Infrastructure: Upgrading aging electrical infrastructure with advanced materials and technology can enhance its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and reduce failure rates.

b. Diversifying Energy Sources: Expanding the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can alleviate stress on thermoelectric power plants during heatwaves, offering a more sustainable and resilient energy mix.

c.
Enhancing Grid Flexibility: Implementing smart grid technologies can enable better load management, demand response systems, and improved monitoring, allowing for more efficient energy usage and quicker identification and response to grid disruptions.

d. Improving Heatwave Preparedness: Developing comprehensive heatwave response plans that include coordination between power utilities, emergency services, and government agencies can help mitigate the impacts of extreme heat on the electrical grid.

In conclusion, extreme heat poses significant. challenges to the electrical grid, pushing power generation, transmission, and distribution systems to their limits. As climate change continues to fuel more frequent and intense heatwaves, it becomes imperative to invest in resilient infrastructure, diversify energy sources, and improve grid flexibility. By doing so, we can enhance the resilience of our electrical systems and mitigate the cascading effects of extreme heat on the grid, safeguarding our communities and ensuring a more sustainable future.

About Voltyx

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners.

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com.

How AI is Changing the Electrical Grid

AI is revolutionizing the energy sector by bringing forth new opportunities for efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. One key area where AI is making a significant impact is in the optimization of energy generation and distribution. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data collected from sensors and smart grids to predict demand patterns and optimize energy production. This enables energy companies to make informed decisions about when and how to generate and distribute electricity, reducing wastage and improving overall efficiency.

Furthermore, AI is playing a crucial role in enhancing the integration and management of renewable energy sources. The intermittency and variability of renewable energy, such as solar and wind, pose challenges for grid operators. However, AI algorithms can predict weather patterns and adjust energy production and consumption accordingly. By optimizing the integration of renewable energy into the grid, AI helps increase its reliability, reduces dependency on fossil fuels, and contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix.

In addition to energy production and management, AI is also facilitating significant advancements in energy conservation. Smart energy systems powered by AI can analyze data from smart meters, building automation systems, and occupancy sensors to optimize energy usage in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Machine learning algorithms can identify energy-saving opportunities, such as adjusting temperature settings, optimizing lighting schedules, or identifying energy-intensive equipment. By automatically adjusting energy consumption based on real-time data, AI helps reduce waste and lower energy bills for consumers while promoting sustainability.

In summary, AI is transforming the energy sector by improving the efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of energy generation, distribution, and consumption. By leveraging AI technologies, energy companies can optimize their operations, integrate renewable energy sources, and conserve energy in various settings. The continued development and application of AI in the energy sector hold great promise for a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable energy future.

About Voltyx

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners.

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com.

NASS’ Experts Are Actively Aiding in Minimizing the Environmental Impact of SF6 Breaker Gas 

SF6 breakers, are widely used in the electrical power industry for their exceptional arc-quenching properties. These breakers utilize SF6 gas as an insulating medium, which exhibits excellent dielectric strength and thermal conductivity. As a result, SF6 breakers offer several advantages over traditional oil or air-based circuit breakers, including higher voltage ratings, compact size, and better performance under high-voltage conditions. However, due to the environmental concerns associated with SF6 gas, its disposal has become a significant challenge, leading to the development of stringent regulations and specialized techniques for its proper handling and recycling. 

Disposing of SF6 gas is critical and requires careful attention to minimize its environmental impact. SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) several thousand times greater than carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the responsible management and recycling of SF6 gas to mitigate its contribution to climate change. Disposal methods for SF6 gas typically involve recovering, purifying, and reusing the gas to reduce emissions. Various techniques, such as gas filtration, chemical treatment, and cryogenic separation, are employed to remove impurities and contaminants from used SF6 gas, allowing it to be recycled and reused in the electrical industry. Additionally, governments and regulatory bodies have implemented strict protocols and guidelines to monitor and regulate the disposal of SF6 gas, promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and technologies in the power sector. 

The Voltyx family of companies provides daily service on SF6 breakers throughout the country. Our services have significant environmental impacts. By performing regular maintenance, we enhance the reliability of the breakers, thereby reducing the occurrence of emergency outages. These outages can result in various forms of environmental damage, including fires, gas spillage, and the release of harmful toxins during failures, which can result in immeasurable GWP.  

For example, NASS recently performed two annual maintenance services on nine 230kV SF6 breakers. Through this service, NASS was able to halt leaks on two breakers and repair the mechanism on a third, improving reliability across the customer’s fleet.  

Voltyx’s NASS is a major proponent of modernizing electrical infrastructure, with sustainable practices at the forefront of everything we do. To learn more about how NASS can help with updating your equipment or aid with the proper disposal of SF6 gas at your company, visit www.voltyx.com/nass.  

 

About Voltyx 

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners. 

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com

Voltyx’s EPST Partners in Joint Venture to Create First and Largest Wind Farm on East Coast

In 2021, one of the largest multi-national energy companies was tasked with creating the largest wind farm off the United States’ east coast. Included in the project’s scope were twelve turbines and one offshore substation with a proposed location 15 miles east of Montauk, NY. In Fall of 2022, Voltyx’s EPST was chosen as the electrical testing and engineering group to support the project.

The new wind farm will need a new 138/69kV onshore substation for New York’s largest electrical utility and will be the first offshore wind farm to provide power to approximately 70,000 homes throughout the state. To accomplish this goal and reach the Summer 2023 completion date, the client and EPST have also brought in New England’s largest electrical utility to aid with the construction of the onshore substation in Montauk. Beginning in January 2023, EPST began their work on this onshore substation project including:

  1. Reviewing engineering design for the onshore substation and P&C packages, including relays utilizing the new and advanced 61850 protocols.
  2. Programming and testing of all protection and control devices.
  3. Integration testing of 61850 protocol.
  4. Testing of telecommunication devices between onshore, offshore, and local utility substations.
  5. Acceptance testing of substation equipment including:

    a. (3) 138kV breakers
    b. (3) 69kV dead tank breakers
    c. (1) 138/69/24kV autotransformer
    d. (1) 138kV oil-filled fixed shunt reactor
    e. (1) 75-MVAR 24kV STATCOM
    f. (1) 50-MVAR 69kV Harmonic filter
    g. (1) Control house with AC & DC utilities, relay panels, and SCADA equipment.
  6. Energization of onshore and offshore substations through new transmission lines with local utility.

Throughout the first quarter of 2023, EPST was busy assembling a crew of experienced industry professionals who could expedite and deploy a condensed schedule in Long Island, NY. Though there were a significant number of weather-related obstacles, in May 2023, EPST delivered this project on time and on budget to the client.

EPST will complete the energization of the South Fork Wind Farm Substation in July 2023, when we look forward to sharing an update on this exciting project!

 

About Voltyx

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners.

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com.

Electric Power Systems Partners with California Department of Water Resources to Modernize the State’s Electrical Infrastructure

Voltyx’s operating company, Electric Power Systems (EPS), has embarked on a new project alongside the State of California to assist with its Strategic Reliability Reserve (SRR) program. The California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) and their sister agencies, the California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Air Resources Board (CARB), have been tasked to expand power generation and energy storage facilities in response to extreme events, such as heatwaves and wildfires that have plagued the state over the last several years.

As part of the statewide initiative, the SSR requires upgrades and expansions of existing substation equipment, controls, and protection. In addition, installing emergency power generator units at existing facilities will be implemented to feed directly into the electrical grid during peak-demand events.

EPS has been selected, along with the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, to provide installation and testing of the new and existing electrical apparatus. Included in the overall scope of work, EPS will assist with the following:

  • Demo existing and install new RTU cabinet, including wiring, testing, and commissioning.
  • Demo existing and install new protection and control cabinet, including wiring, testing, commissioning, end-to-end testing, and utility witness testing.
  • Perform acceptance testing of all new medium voltage switchgear.
  • Perform testing of all new and existing apparatus in the 69kV substation. Includes air switches, SF6 circuit breakers, substation transformers, instrument transformers, bus structures, lightning arrestors, DC systems, cables, and grounding.

Since the commencement of the program, each project site throughout the state of California has endured its own unique set of challenges due to the landscape and weather-related setbacks. However, by taking a safety-first approach with planning and execution, EPS has faced these challenges head-on with experienced crews who possess the necessary skill set to deliver high-quality results while minimizing risk.

This ongoing project with the State of California to modernize the electrical infrastructure is critical to both current and future energy needs. EPS is proud to be an integral partner in this effort to provide the reliable and up-to-date infrastructure that will benefit our communities for decades. 

About Voltyx

As the holding company of five operating companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, Voltyx is an integrated power solutions provider focused on guiding our partners through vision, strategy, service, and support. The Voltyx family has served the electrical grid for more than 40 years and is united at the core by providing exceptional testing, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. Our reputation for safety, innovation, and service is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, driving reliability back to our partners.

For more information about Voltyx and our family of operating companies, visit www.voltyx.com.