Case Study: Reduction In Power Outages In Sleepy Hollow Makes Residents – And Their Trees – Happy

When a problem arose in 2006 with a 5,000-foot stretch of power lines along Sleepy Hollow Road, the prospect of trimming back some of the tree branches as a potential solution was not an attractive one. ComEd suggested a few different solutions. Placing the power lines underground was one such proposal, but this would have proven extremely cost-prohibitive. Total relocation of the lines was also brought up but was dismissed as well, primarily because it would have been a near-impossible task given the geography of the area and the overall system configuration. Sectionalizing was also considered, but was not applicable in this situation.

While ComEd works hard to collaborate with all customers and municipalities to ensure reliable service in a cost-effective manner, an acceptable solution to all parties was urgently desired. After all, ComEd, a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, one of the nation's largest electric utilities, was responsible for more than 78,000 miles of power lines and ComEd was devoting a lot of time and attention to this one troublesome stretch. Finally, another option presented itself. ComEd contacted Hendrix Wire & Cable, one of the premier providers of high-quality overhead and underground power distribution products, and investigated the viability of Hendrix's spacer cable product for this application.