Managing Power Outages: Strategies and Solutions

NEWS

Planck Vision Systems’ thermal imaging cameras offer continuous 24/7 monitoring, enabling the constant collection and analysis of data with software designed to detect trends and anomalies. These cameras, available in fixed mount or pan/tilt drive configurations, are adept at surveying large areas within a substation, providing clear thermal images. With Planck Vision Systems, cameras are strategically positioned to prevent costly unexpected failures within substations.

Electric power utilities are confronting the risk of expensive unplanned maintenance and escalating costs. As infrastructure ages, these utilities become increasingly susceptible to blackouts and brownouts, which can have far-reaching impacts on communities.

In TOMS RIVER, NJ, power outages persist for some residents of Toms River and Lakewood into Monday afternoon, as crews from Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) work to repair damage caused by a fire. The fire, which erupted late Sunday night at the Silverton Road substation, disrupted service for approximately 9,900 customers, according to Chris Hoenig, a spokesperson for JCP&L.

By 1:30 p.m., service had been restored to most customers, with about 1,600 customers in Toms River and Lakewood, primarily in the Holiday City at Silverton community, still without power. Hoenig indicated that these remaining customers would remain without service until repairs to the substation were completed, with service expected to be fully restored by 8 p.m.

In this regard, the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies, such as thermal imaging cameras, holds promise in enhancing the resilience of power infrastructure and mitigating the impact of unforeseen events.
As the investigation into the substation fire continues, FirstEnergy remains committed to ensuring the reliability and safety of its power delivery systems for the communities it serves.
Crews are diligently working throughout the day to restore power to affected customers as swiftly and safely as possible. Hoenig noted in a tweet that efforts are ongoing to isolate damaged equipment, with replacement parts already en route, though repairs are expected to take a significant portion of the day. For the safety of the crews, additional customers may experience temporary service interruptions as damaged equipment is isolated and repaired. Hoenig, in a statement released by Toms River police, acknowledged the challenges of being without power, particularly on a hot and humid day, and expressed gratitude for customers’ patience as restoration efforts continue.

Planck Vision Systems’ thermal imaging cameras, with their capability for continuous monitoring and early anomaly detection, could offer valuable support in situations like these, helping utilities identify potential issues before they escalate into costly failures. As power utilities strive to enhance their infrastructure resilience, technologies like thermal imaging can play a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring reliable service delivery.

Affected customers can obtain ice and water from designated locations, including ShopRite on Route 70 in Brick and ShopRite on Fischer Boulevard in Toms River, by requesting a voucher at the customer service desk, according to Hoenig.

1. Customer Outage Impact: Approximately 9,900 customers were affected by the outage.
2. Remaining Affected Customers: About 1,600 customers remained without power.
3. Duration of Outage: The outage lasted until about 8 p.m.
4. Repair Efforts: Crews were working throughout the day to isolate and repair damaged equipment.
5. Replacement Parts: Replacement parts were already on the way, indicating significant equipment damage.
6. Inconvenience: Customers experienced inconvenience due to the outage, especially on a hot and humid day.
7. Compensation: Ice and water were provided to affected customers at designated ShopRite locations

Considering these factors, the total financial loss could be substantial, including repair costs, compensation for outage-related expenses, and potential revenue loss for affected businesses. However, specific figures would require access to detailed financial data from Jersey Central Power & Light.