Black & Veatch has been selected to provide program management and integration services for Public Service Electric & Gas’ (PSE&G) Grid Modernization Program. Black & Veatch will implement PSE&G’s innovative Automated Loop Scheme, deploying Smart reclosers with digital logic and communication functionality which significantly improves the reliability of the electric grid. The program also provides communication infrastructure for future Smart Grid functions which will, over time, benefit the utility’s 2.1 million electric customers.
“This program modernizes our grid by deploying Smart devices and communication infrastructure to reduce distribution system customer impacts caused by outages,” said Dick Wernsing, Reliability Centered Maintenance Expert PSE&G of New Jersey. “We partnered with Black & Veatch because they understand our business drivers and have the right combination of program management, utility automation, telecommunications and cyber security expertise to implement the program and to ensure the design is aligned with emerging Smart Grid and cyber security standards.”
Black & Veatch is providing comprehensive program management and integration services for the grid modernization program. Specifically, services include program management, design engineering oversight, procurement and logistics and field management, which includes end - to - end system integration.
“PSE&G is known as a national leader in electric utility service reliability, and is making groundbreaking strides with their Grid Modernization program,” says Brad VerMeer, Director of Black & Veatch’s Utility Automation services. “The innovative solutions for intelligent infrastructure being implemented will have a positive effect on power delivery and operational reliability of service to PSE&G’s customers for years to come.”
The Grid Modernization Program will lay the foundation for a range of sustainable Smart Grid technologies that could be employed in the future. These include the integration of plug-in electric vehicles and small-scale wind and solar generation, as well as tools that allow customers to save money by reducing energy consumption and purchasing electricity when it is less expensive.
Editor’s Notes
The initial phase of the Grid Modernization program will involve the automation of forty three (43) 13 kV loops, the upgrading of twenty nine (29) associated substations and Distribution Management System configuration for operational control and monitoring of the Smart devices.
The automation of the 13 kV loops are designed to enable greater Customer Segmentation, Single Phase Tripping and Make-Before-Break switching operations which improve grid reliability.
These plans will markedly reduce customer impacts caused by outages, improve asset utilization and reduce operating costs.
About PSE&G
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the Reliability One Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets. Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch develops tailored infrastructure solutions that meet clients’ needs and provide sustainable benefits. Solutions are provided from the broad line of service expertise available within Black & Veatch, including conceptual and preliminary engineering services, engineering design, procurement, construction, financial management, asset management, program management, construction management, environmental, security design and consulting, management consulting and infrastructure planning. With $2.7 billion in revenue, the employee-owned company has more than 100 offices worldwide and has completed projects in more than 100 countries on six continents.
