Reliability Projects
Delivering Performance in a Challenging World
Buzzard Point Substation and Ritchie Substation
Pepco is always working to provide safe, reliable electric service to our customers, and to support the needs of the region. As part of this commitment, we are increasing the capacity of two underground circuits between Pepco's Buzzard Point Substation in Southwest Washington, DC and Pepco's Ritchie Substation in Seat Pleasant, Maryland. These upgrades are necessary to maintain reliable electric service, comply with updated standards from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation for local distribution companies that maintain transmission lines and substations, and to address the projections of the regional electric grid operator, PJM Interconnection LLC (“PJM”), for power and reliability protocols on Pepco's transmission system.
Harvard Substation
We are always working to provide safe, reliable electric service to our customers, and to support the needs of the region. As part of this commitment, we are increasing capacity of approximately 6000 feet of 4kv to 13kv underground feeders at the Harvard Substation by building a new conduit and upgrading cables located in the District of Columbia. These upgrades will enhance reliability for customers in Ward 1 in the District of Columbia. This is phase three of a six phase project.
Friendship Heights
Pepco has designed a three-phase project to upgrade existing infrastructure in the Friendship Heights area. The project involves more than tripling the capacity of three 4 kilovolt (kV) primary distribution lines, also known as feeders, by replacing them with 13 kV lines. We also will reduce load on the Harrison Substation in Friendship Heights by transferring three 4 kV feeders to the Oliver Substation in Van Ness. This work is similar to other 4 kV conversion projects completed throughout the District of Columbia.
Penn Branch
The Penn Branch upgrade involves projects on three feeders. A feeder is a power line that delivers electricity to many homes and businesses. The first project began in May 2012 and was completed in August 2012. Work on the second and third feeders began in February 2013 and is expected to be completed by June 2013. This project includes the installation of thousands of feet of primary, secondary and residential power lines and a total of 44 transformers and 168 poles.
