Substation Upgrades Enhance Grid Reliability

Lakewood Substation Transformer Replacements

What is a substation transformer? 

Transformers are critical pieces of equipment at a substation. They adjust the voltage of electricity as it moves through the local electric system so it can safely and reliably reach homes and businesses.

We’ve installed two new transformers at the Lakewood Substation months ahead of schedule.

The transformers provide additional capacity and backup options for the Lakewood area. If a problem occurs, crews have more flexibility to shift electricity to other equipment, which can help reduce the length of some outages and restore service more efficiently.

The added capacity could also help beyond the customers normally served by the Lakewood Substation, and the additional flexibility may give us more options to help restore customers served by neighboring substations.

Grovewood Substation Breaker Replacements

What is a substation breaker? 

A breaker works like a protective switch within a substation. It helps control the flow of electricity and can automatically interrupt power when it detects a problem, helping protect important equipment and the broader electric system.

At the Grovewood Substation, we are replacing existing breaker equipment with newer equipment designed to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the substation.

While the Grovewood Substation is outside of the Lakewood area, it still helps serve Lakewood customers. Reliable breaker equipment helps us protect the electric system when problems occur and safely manage the flow of electricity. Replacing aging equipment helps strengthen the system, reduce the risk of equipment-related issues and support reliable service for customers.

Proactive Tree Trimming Helps Reduce Outages

Why do we trim trees near power lines? 

Branches growing too close to power lines or falling during storms can damage electrical equipment and cause outages. Trees are one of the top causes of outages in Ohio. That's why we regularly inspect and maintain vegetation around our lines, including pruning branches, managing brush and removing trees that pose an increased risk to the electric system.

In Lakewood, crews have already pruned trees in nearly 100 locations (54 miles of power line) ahead of schedule, with additional vegetation management continuing throughout the areas that serve the community. 

For customers, this work means fewer opportunities for trees and branches to interfere with electrical equipment, helping reduce the risk of tree-related outages and support more reliable service.

Equipment Upgrades Support Reliable Service

Step-Up Transformer Banks

What is a step-up transformer bank? 

Step-up transformer banks are part of the equipment that helps us manage how electricity moves through the local power system. We installed new banks at these locations to provide more flexibility to move power where it’s needed. 

For customers, that means a stronger, more flexible system designed to support reliable electric service.

Overhead Transformers

What is an overhead transformer?  

Overhead transformers are the equipment you may see mounted on utility poles. They help prepare electricity for use by nearby homes and businesses. At these locations, we replaced existing transformers with larger ones that can handle more electricity. That added capacity reduces strain on equipment and helps lower the risk of outages caused by overloaded transformers.

Smart Meters Deliver More Insights and Faster Response

How do smart meters help? 

Smart meters securely send electricity-usage information to us automatically and give customers access to more detailed information about their energy use. They also provide valuable information about the electric system that can help us identify issues and support a faster outage response.

For customers, that means greater insight into your electricity use and better information for us to help manage the electric system and support reliable service.