DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oncor, the largest transmission and distribution business in Texas, has placed into service leading-edge power delivery equipment that will support environmental improvements in the North Texas area, while allowing for the continued reliable operation of the power grid.
“This investment will accommodate future integration of wind power and other forms of remote generation to support future growth in the Metroplex,” Oncor Chairman and CEO Bob Shapard said. “At the same time, it also addresses the present needs in North Texas for system reliability by allowing the operation of older, local generating plants – which are typically among the least efficient units – to be minimized.”
Historically, local generating plants helped moderate voltage fluctuations in electricity. With much of the generation in the urban areas of North Texas shut down in order to address environmental concerns, new voltage control is needed.
In response, Oncor has invested $50 million in smart grid technology Static VAr Compensators (SVCs) in Dallas, which are emissions-free solutions to the problem. As the largest and fastest acting installation of its kind in the world, the SVC technology provides the needed voltage control without the need for generation so close to population centers.
Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (“Oncor”) is a regulated electric distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, delivering power to approximately 3 million homes and businesses and operating approximately 117,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. While Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Energy Future Holdings Corp.), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.
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