PPEC to make system improvements

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PAULDING — One of the constants at Paulding Putnam Electric Co-op (PPEC) is to continue to provide reliable power to its members. In order, to accomplish this, PPEC has to prioritize upgrades and maintenance to its infrastructure. In 2017, the co-op plans to replace 34 miles of distribution line, conduct 300 line miles of right-of-way clearing, and increase the capacity of its Ottoville Substation.

Often trees getting into the power lines are the culprit of power outages. However, with a consistent right-of-way clearing program, PPEC has been able to lower outages due to trees limbs.

“The main cause of outages for PPEC 10 years ago was tree related,” said PPEC Engineering and Operations Manager Alan Kohart. “Now our outage figures are some of the lowest in the state.

“This has everything to do with PPEC making a commitment of reliable service for our members,” Kohart added.

The biggest project for PPEC in 2017 is making upgrades to the Ottoville Substation in Putnam County, which will begin between April and June this year. The Ottoville area has seen steady growth over the last several years and this upgrade will extend capacity and assist with new potential growth.

In 2016, PPEC made $1 million worth of upgrades to the Latty Substation in Paulding County, replaced 30 miles of lines throughout the system, and also added a microwave digital communication system, which allows for better system awareness.

“The microwave system is the backbone to our smart grid initiatives and now allows us to connect more efficiently and securely to devices in our substations,” Kohart noted. “In essence, if communication to a substation was taken out by a massive storm, we’d be able to reroute communications through another functioning substation.”

“We made great progress in 2016, and hit substantial milestones, but our work is not done here,” said PPEC President and CEO George Carter. “We are committed to implementing infrastructure upgrades every year which will result in stronger reliability and peace of mind for our members.”

For a detailed look at PPEC’s upcoming tree trimming/right-of-way clearing schedule, visit its website at www.PPEC.coop.