Delta Substation Security

Substation Security

After you’ve constructed a power substation, how do you safeguard that investment?

Substations are commonly located in remote areas, making them even more susceptible to malicious activity and accidents. Safety and security breaches at a substation can be extremely costly—and even deadly.

Threats to Substations

Common threats to substations include:

  • Copper theft
    Thieves will go to great lengths to steal this valuable metal. Since copper is used in critical elements of a substation, copper theft can cause downtime and expensive repairs. Thieves also put themselves in great danger, accessing high-voltage areas with bolt cutters that could clip an active wire.
  • Malicious attacks
    Snipers and hackers have attacked substations with gunfire and cyber terrorism. These incidents have caused government agencies to emphasize the importance of protecting our nation’s infrastructure and power grid.
  • Wildlife
    Birds of prey such as eagles and osprey like to build their nests on tall structures. When these nests are built on substations, the birds are at risk of harming themselves and causing power outages. It requires the cooperation of wildlife officials and utility personnel to safely remove the nests, which can be up to 3 feet wide.

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Delta Energy Optimized Buildings

$47 Million Funds Innovative Technology for Energy-Efficient Buildings

Delta Energy Optimized Buildings

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding opportunity of up to US$47 million for the development of innovative technologies that will improve energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings.

Energy Optimization for Buildings

Buildings have traditionally been passive consumers of energy. In the United States, buildings account for approximately 40% of the total energy demand and 75% of all electricity use. Now that electrical grids are facing more challenges due to increasing peak electricity demands and infrastructure limitations, it’s essential to create flexible technologies for buildings.

2019 DOE Funding Opportunity

The goal of the DOE’s funding opportunity is to increase energy productivity by supporting flexible and energy-efficient technologies for buildings. The technologies are focused on the following areas:

  1. Flexible Buildings Technologies
  2. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technologies
  3. Solid-state Lighting Technologies

A Resilient, Reliable Grid

From a national level to a regional level, Delta is proud to support innovative technology developments that improve energy affordability and optimize energy supply for building occupants.

Electrical Safety Drones

Flying Drones to Increase Safety

Electrical Safety Drones

Our industry is always seeking innovative ways to reduce risks and hazards while also improving the reliability of our electric grid.

It’s not a bird…It’s not a plane…It’s a drone!

In 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the first energy company, ComEd, to operationally pilot unmanned aircraft systems. The ComEd program has successfully launched more than 250 drone flights, and it continues to expand. By 2020, ComEd anticipates having a fully operational drone program with expanded flight mission capabilities.

Exelon, one of Delta’s main customers, has also invested in the use of drones to raise their safety performance. Their mid-Atlantic utilities, including BGE and PECO, are developing pilot programs to incorporate drone technologies into their everyday operations.

Benefits of the Drone Program

Instead of having to climb tall structures or energized equipment to maintain power lines, workers can use drones to capture system images. The aerial perspective and high-resolution images from drones provide benefits such as:

  • Mitigating injury risk for line workers on dangerous terrain
  • Analyzing storm damage in locations that might be inaccessible
  • Minimizing planned power outages by capturing images of energized equipment while they are running

Technology Advancements for Utilities

With technology continuing to advance, drones can eventually replace other aerial imaging sources such as helicopters. Whereas helicopters might harm the surrounding environment due to their size and wind power, drones minimally impact the environment.

Utilities are also forming 3D maps with hyperspectral imaging and LiDAR technology. This allows them to assess potential risks of the local landscape and vegetation, helping to preserve natural habitats and species.

Delta is excited about our industry’s use of advance technologies to provide a safer environment for our workers and to produce energy more efficiently for our customers.

Delta Utility Services conference room

Delta’s New Office in Sparks, Maryland

In February 2019, Delta Utility Services, Inc., moved its office to Sparks, Maryland. The new office allows us to work together more efficiently and host customers more comfortably.

Delta Utility Services reception area

Spacious Layout

The new space features an open layout that accommodates our expanding company. With 3,000 square feet, the bigger office can fit our growing staff all on one floor. This allows us to enjoy a more welcoming, collaborative environment, with even better communication between our field and office staff.

Delta Utility Services conference room

Open Doors

“We’re excited that our new facility allows us to host events and meetings with other companies,” says Amy Burns.

The new office is conveniently located just 5 minutes north on York Road from our previous office on Shawan Road. When our field workers and customers come to visit, they’ll enjoy easier access and greater parking availability.

Delta Utility Service office Sparks Maryland

Come Visit Us

We look forward to seeing you in our new office soon!
10 Fila Way, Suite 200
Sparks, MD 21152

Delta Utility Services hats

National Electrical Safety Month

National Electrical Safety Month

National Electrical Safety Month

Every day, safety is a top priority for electric utilities around the country. During the month of May in particular, our industry highlights the importance of safety precautions.

Creating Buzz About Electrical Safety

Utilities are using social media and community events to increase awareness about electrical safety. They educate customers about driving safely in work zones to protect linemen, not overloading outlets, and avoiding power lines. Children are also learning safety tips when linemen visit their schools to talk with them.

Electrical Safety During National Disasters

This campaign is led by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting electrical safety in homes, schools, and offices. The 2019 theme is “Electrical Safety During National Disasters.” It’s an opportunity to focus on how to prepare for and rebuild after natural disasters.

ESFI provides important safety reminders such as:

  • Before the storm hits, make sure to charge all phones and other communication devices. Then, unplug all electronics, and move them as high as possible to avoid water damage from flooding.
  • Turn off the main power breaker feeding the home to prevent any surges to the wiring and equipment.
  • After the storm blows through, avoid flooded areas, as they may be electrified.
  • Do not use any electrical equipment or electronics if they’ve been submerged.
  • If you encounter a fallen power line outside, stay at least 35 feet away.

Delta Holds A+ Rating in Safety

At Delta Utility Services, our experienced crews not only provide superior workmanship, but also succeed in maintaining an impeccable safety record. We proudly hold an “A+” rating with ISNetworld.

Delta Utility Digital Substation

Benefits of Digital Substations

Delta Utility Digital Substation

Digital substations are an example of smart grid technologies that give utilities greater flexibility and adaptability.

Consider some of the benefits of building a new digital substation or upgrading an existing substation.

  • Increased capacity and operation efficiency
  • Improved resiliency and safety
  • Expedited design modifications to accommodate new resources
  • Enhanced cybersecurity

Additionally, digital substations have reduced material and installation costs. They also leave a smaller environmental footprint.

Substation Expertise

Delta specializes in turnkey substation construction and smart grid technologies. We pride ourselves in our ability to strategically plan and execute a project successfully on time and within budget. By commissioning digital substations, we help our customers reap the benefits of modernized grid technology.

Delta Utility Maryland Smart Grid

Maryland Ranks Third in Nation for Grid Modernization

Delta Utility Maryland Smart Grid

Exelon’s smart grid initiatives have helped propel Maryland into the top three of the 2018 Grid Modernization Index (GMI). The GMI evaluates and ranks states based on their progress in modernizing their electric systems with smart grid technologies.

Maryland is served by three Exelon utilities: BGE, Delmarva Power, and Pepco. These utilities have greatly led to the state’s recognition for grid modernization. Efforts in Maryland include:

  • strong smart meter deployment
  • high level of customer engagement through energy efficiency and demand response programs
  • continued investments in the local energy grid to enhance resiliency and reliability
  • ongoing efforts to plan for the future energy grid, including electric vehicles, battery storage and distributed generation

Smart Grids in Maryland

Delta is proud to work closely with BGE in Maryland to modernize our state’s electric systems with smart grids. Our work provides customers with greater value by increasing their control over energy use and enhancing energy reliability. Contact us to learn more about our smart grid services in Maryland.