Tashka/iStock/Thinkstock
94994072
94994072
94994072
94994072
94994072

New York Governor Announces Immediate Actions to Improve Subway System Power Service

Aug. 1, 2017
Con Edison called on to take substantial and immediate actions to increase the subway's reliability and prevent future service failures

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair John Rhodes is demanding that Con Edison take substantial and immediate actions to increase the subway's reliability and prevent future service failures. This action follows the PSC and MTA's investigation into Con Edison's equipment failure that resulted in significant delays across the subway system. As the investigation continues, Rhodes asserted that Con Edison must analyze existing equipment failures, perform comprehensive and regular inspections, and commit additional personnel and equipment to improve service. Con Edison must also dedicate and assign a Crisis Response Team for the subway system and track performance through monthly reports to the PSC.

"Over the past 12 months, power-related issues have caused more than 32,000 subway delays, and we will not accept this dangerous and irresponsible status quo," Governor Cuomo said. "Con Edison must safely and effectively provide electricity that powers the subway system, and this order will require Con Edison to bring their equipment and functionality into the 21st century to support the 21st century customers of the subway system."

Con Edison will be expected to allot additional personnel and perform comprehensive inspections of all electronic equipment, install new sensors and monitoring equipment throughout the system, and create an advanced communications network.

Con Edison will be expected to create a pre-deployed stockpile of emergency generators and replace all aluminum cables with new failure-resistant copper cables and install redundant electric supply to eliminate single points of failure in its systems. Con Edison will perform an analysis of power supply and power quality affecting the signals throughout the subway system. Additionally, Con Edison will be required to inspect equipment in manholes, interlocking and station equipment, and equipment serving high-voltage substations.

The PSC will consider an emergency order at its next session, making violations of the order subject to fines.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.