As temperatures approach triple digits across parts of the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Power prepares for higher demands on the grid from both record temperatures and increased customer need.
“We’ve taken steps for grid hardening, in particular since last summer, to prevent overloading at the substation level,” Pacific Power vice president of operations Erik Brookhouse said. “We are confident about our network’s readiness for this summer.”
The company works to keep reliable electric service by monitoring which substations and circuits have the highest use, identifying any potential trouble spots and implementing solutions.
“Understanding the climate and customer needs help us provide reliable electricity during this season,” Brookhouse said.
Pacific Power reviews the electrical system’s performance at the end of each summer. Last year it identified 49 projects completed before the 2022 summer season, such as increasing system and distribution capacity; installing new equipment such as switches, voltage regulators and transformers; and balancing and reconfiguring the electrical pathways serving customers in specific areas.
Engineers and power system operators watch area weather forecasts as well. Electric systems are sensitive to temperature, so the conditions that most impact them come during consecutive days when 100-degree highs are coupled with nighttime temperatures that do not cool below 70.
“Customers can also take steps to manage their energy use during the summer peak season,” Brookhouse said. “We have simple tips, programs and incentives for customers to increase their energy efficiency at home and in the workplace, particularly during the summer months.”
Customers can also take steps to manage their energy use during the summer. To see a full list of energy-saving tips, visit the company’s website at http://www.pacificpower.net.