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AVANGRID Inc.
08/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/20/2024 11:49
Bizarre Forklift Incident Highlights Benefits of a Modern Grid
Press Releases
08/20/2024
Bizarre Forklift Incident Highlights Benefits of a Modern Grid
Bizarre Forklift Incident Highlights Benefits of a Modern Grid
Most customers had their power restored remotely in ten minutes thanks to automated reclosers and remote operated switches
Augusta, ME - August 20, 2024 - Early Sunday morning, joyriding vandals stole an industrial forklift and drove its boom into high voltage transmission lines in the Lewiston-Auburn area, cutting power to nearly 7,000 customers. No one was hurt and police continue to investigate.
Despite this bizarre incident, Central Maine Power (CMP) crews were able to quickly restore power to more than 80% of affected customers in 10 minutes, thanks to investments in modern grid technology.
The fast restoration time represents a notable advancement in how the modern grid is capable of being managed remotely from CMP's Energy Control Center. The installation of more automated reclosers and remote switches on the system is part of the company's ongoing investment strategy. In this case, grid technology reduced the number of customers affected by this outage while utility workers dedicated more than six hours to making the scene safe, untangling the industrial forklift, and performing equipment repairs.
"This type of outcome is precisely why we continue to pursue strategies and investments to further enhance grid automation," said Adam Desrosiers, Vice President of Electric Operations for CMP. "We know our customers are depending on the electricity we deliver to work, to drive cars and to heat homes. These devices can greatly reduce the scale and duration of power outages for our customers - no matter the cause."
As part of its strategy to invest in more grid automation, CMP is working to identify additional funding resources to accelerate grid modernization strategies.
In October 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Deployment Office announced that CMP had secured a $30 million grant, awarded under the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. This grant was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In July 2024, CMP was awarded a portion of the $6.6 million in grants announced by the Governor's Energy Office as part of the Maine Grid Resilience Program to make upgrades, including adding automated devices to portions of its system in the Baldwin, Sebago and Standish area.
Below are links to downloadable video of a CMP automated recloser, the CMP Energy Control Center and pictures of the entangled forklift:
B/Roll of Automated Recloser