ABB Wins $100 Million Contract to Rebuild ComEd T&D System

Following this summer's electrical equipment failures at some Chicago substations, ComEd developed an in-depth process to improve its T&D system. As an extension of the ongoing work begun through this revised process, ComEd today awarded ABB Power T&D Company a contract valued at approximately $100 million to rebuild key components of ComEd's transmission and distribution (T&D) system.

ABB engineers, in conjunction with a team of ComEd and other outside experts, are identifying areas of the T&D system that can be improved. This will be done using ABB's advanced software programs and computer equipment, designed to improve power distribution systems.

The Raleigh, NC-based ABB will rebuild ComEd electrical equipment to increase capacity levels at five Chicago substations -- Northwest, Ohio, Kingsbury, Lakeview and Diversey. Specifically, the company will supply and install a complete range of systems and products including cables, distribution transformers, high-voltage switchgear, power transformers, power lines and medium-voltage equipment.

Engaged principally in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to retail and wholesale customers, ComEd provides service to more than 3.4 million customers across Northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population.

"ComEd must improve its electrical service to all customers throughout Northern Illinois," said Carl J. Croskey, ComEd president of the Distribution Group. "Although there were several viable candidates, we selected ABB because they are a global leader in electrical technology. ABB will assist us in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our T&D system, which in turn will help us vastly improve service reliability." Edited by Stephen Heiser