New technology allows power to come back on quicker when storms hit

ATLANTA — Storms can cause damage and we know how much of an inconvenience it is when they knock out power.

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon learned about new technology to assist in keeping the power on.

Georgia Power crews are reinforcing certain lines to reduce the time your power is out when storms move in, using smart grid technology.

This technology has automatic electronic devices installed on the system to act as a self-healing network during an outage.

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The device allows the lines to isolate the outage and reroute power.

Jason Manley, general manager for the Georgia Power grid investment program, talked about what this will mean for customers.

“Faster restoration time and for some avoiding the outage all together,” Manley said.

We flew a drone over an area where a smart grid device was being installed on a line that services homes and businesses.

David Finnely, the owner of Evans Mill Pawn, said that in his 30 years of business, he’s had his fair share of power outages after bad weather and it is a hassle.

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“In the dark and no lights, you know. Cash registers can’t run, the biggest thing is usually security. Making sure we can contain the store and lock it down,” said Finnely.

The new smart grid will divide those on the same power line. Not everyone who shares the line would lose power.

Crews will have the ability to restore power within seconds.

“That’d be awesome. Anything to maintain security and keep the customers happy,” said Finnely.

Georgia Power has invested about $1.3 billion in the grid investment program. For now, customer rates are not impacted by the improvements.

In addition to adding the smart devices, some overhead lines are being buried underground. In areas that are prone to flooding or high winds, substations are being raised higher off the ground and stronger poles are being installed.

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