PEARL RIVER – Orange and Rockland Utilities is preparing to meet higher summer demand for electricity with continued investments in projects that improve electric service reliability and the further development of energy efficiency programs that help customers use less energy, save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
As a means of preparing for this summer’s peak demands for electricity, the utility is making investments of some $120 million this year to fortify the reliability of its electric system. That is on top of the $84 million O&R has spent over the last 10 years on electric system maintenance and reliability.
Several operational steps including proactive system maintenance and construction to close monitoring and fast reaction to heat-related electric system concerns on high heat days also play a role in the sale and reliable delivery of electric service, the company noted.
O&R is also moving forward with a strategy in the wake of Superstorm Sandy to provide additional storm protection at specific key electric system locations. They include building additional electric circuits and undergrounding system-critical locations where multiple overhead circuits are present on distribution poles.
The company will also continue the installation of recloser switches throughout its electric distribution system.
