Atlantic City Electric Customers See Fewer Outages as Years of Grid Investments Strengthen Reliability

Atlantic City Electric customers experienced fewer power interruptions this summer than in previous years, even as record-breaking heat and severe storms tested the energy grid across South Jersey.

Atlantic City Electric continues to strengthen reliability through investments in its electric grid - work that is essential to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy service. These improvements help the energy system better withstand extreme weather events and reduce the frequency and duration of power outages.

These results did not happen by chance. They are a product of years of investment in building a stronger, smarter electric grid. Smart technology is working behind the scenes every day to improve reliability. This summer alone, automated equipment known as reclosers prevented approximately 160,800 customer outages, often restoring power or isolating damage before customers experienced an interruption. Smart meters also helped avoid nearly 1,400 unnecessary crew dispatches by remotely confirming when service had been restored, allowing crews to focus on customers who still needed help.

Atlantic City Electric's reliability work includes proactive vegetation management, upgrades to transmission lines and related equipment, substation enhancements, and the installation of steel utility poles designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Today, outages across Atlantic City Electric's service area occur about 43 percent less often than they did a decade ago.

Atlantic City Electric's Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility in Beach Haven helped ensure reliable energy service to residents and visitors during the Fourth of July weekend when the company's Ship Bottom substation saw its highest peak demand in the past 10 years.

When storms do cause damage, trimming or removing fallen trees remains critical to restoration. Crews completed more than 200 assignments to clear vegetation throughout the summer season.

The system was tested early and often. South Jersey saw several days of record-breaking heat in July, termed a "Heat Dome" for the region. During the heat wave before the Fourth of July, temperatures topped 100 degrees in parts of the region. In Atlantic City, temperatures reached 103 degrees for three straight days, the first time this has happened on record. Demand for electricity climbs sharply on days like those, as air conditioners run harder and longer to keep homes and businesses comfortable.

The work does not stop with the season. As the fall season sets in and temperatures start to dip, Atlantic City Electric remains focused on ensuring its electric system is fully prepared to meet customers' energy needs throughout the winter months ahead.

To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric's online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting atlanticcityelectric.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/AtlanticCityElectric, and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/AcEleCconnect. Atlantic City Electric's mobile app is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/MobileApp.