Coned 2018 Research and Development

2018
Electric Research & Development
Report and Project Status Sheets
Matter Number 10-00779

Prepared for the Public Service Commission
by Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
4 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
April 2018
CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Goals and Objectives........................................................................................................................ 1
Organization..................................................................................................................................... 2
Staffing and Departmental Organization .................................................................................. 3
Program Development and Management ................................................................................ 3
Project Selection and Management .......................................................................................... 4
Technology Transfer .................................................................................................................. 4
Research and Development Program .............................................................................................. 5
Collaborative R&D .................................................................................................................... 5
General R&D Support ............................................................................................................... 6
2017 R&D Successes .................................................................................................................. 6
Awards and Other Noteworthy Items ...................................................................................... 6
2018 Program ........................................................................................................................... 7
Research and Development Program Plan Expenditures (Form E-1) ........................................... .11
Research and Development Program Plan Expenditures 2017-2021 (Form E-3) ......................... .15
Con Edison Research and Development Project Status Reports ................................................... 25
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INTRODUCTION
Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (“CECONY”) and Orange and Rockland Utilities
(“O&R”) continue to maintain a high degree of focus on research and development (R&D), because
R&D helps CECONY and O&R (“the Companies”) maintain reliability, manage risk, and control costs.
The characteristics of our system, large population, high load density, tremendous infrastructure
density, high marginal costs for new infrastructure, and the demand for continuation of our
renowned reliability, and increasing customer expectations of excellent engagement present the
Companies with technical issues that are unique in New York State and in the industry. These
factors, and an increasing focus customer sited technologies, and with our service territories’ unique
demographic, require us to be at the forefront of developing cutting edge power delivery
improvements, development of innovative solutions, and new engagements with clean tech
incubators and universities.
The Companies’ research program is focused on obtaining the greatest results for challenges unique
to the Companies over various product delivery times, addressing current enterprise risks as well as
longer term strategic value. The Companies’ portfolio balances short term and strategic, as well as
balancing a mix of small and large projects.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The electric utility industry is responsible for delivering electricity in a safe, reliable, economic,
environmentally sound, and transparent manner and with due consideration to sustainability and
the conservation of natural resources. To fulfill this obligation, continuous improvement in every
phase of the Companies’ operations is required. Success is dependent, to a great extent, on a sound
research, development, and demonstration program, with support, advice, and cooperation from
our customers, the Companies, government, industry, and other electric utilities.
R&D works to provide technologies that support the long-term sustainability of our businesses. R&D
does this by identifying, developing, demonstrating and providing advanced equipment, hardware,
software methodologies, analytics, etc. to company operations. R&D’s overall role and
responsibilities involve formulating and implementing a research program which addresses the
strategic and near-term needs of the Companies’ electric transmission and distribution (T&D)
systems, including building on R&D’s work on customer engagement technologies and innovations
into our operations, planning, and forecasting capabilities, enhancing system security and resiliency.
The following are guidelines used in establishing the Companies’ research programs:
 Develop advanced technologies and analytical techniques to improve efficient, cost-
effective, reliable, resilient, safe, maintainable energy delivery, and to extend the operating
life of existing company equipment.
 Develop advanced energy systems offering the potential of enabling customers to better
manage and reduce their energy costs, while also reducing adverse environmental impact.
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 Develop advanced technologies and techniques to increase worker and public safety and
improve productivity.
 Develop advanced technologies and techniques to harden the infrastructure of the
operating systems against adverse weather and improve cyber and physical security and
load and weather forecasting.
 Support environmental research that will aid in operating and planning the electric systems
in a cost-effective and environmentally excellent manner.
 Develop and demonstrate new technologies that will permit our customers to use electricity
more effectively and economically.
 Assess the merits and feasibility of highly innovative ideas and technologies that could lead
to practical solutions, products, and new opportunities for future use on our systems.
ORGANIZATION
Since its formation in 1970, the R&D Department has kept pace with the changing electric utility
industry to ensure that continued progress is made in identifying research that will improve service,
reducing cost to the consumer and minimizing the environmental impact of supplying adequate
amounts of electric power. R&D has aggressively pursued new emerging technologies that improve
the Companies’ operations, serve our customers, and help create new markets.
R&D operates in a collaborative and transparent environment with a cost-conscious mindset. Our
strategy to meet the corporate cultural transformation is:
 We are open, fair, trusted and trusting, internally and externally:

o Relying on and encouraging the talents of others within the Companies
o Conducting open discussions at our monthly staff meetings and departmental meetings
that are held to address specific issues
o Conducting timely and frequent outreach activities with internal customers and external
stakeholders and technologists.
 Recognizing the substantial interest that customers and other external stakeholders have in
every aspect of our business, we affirmatively and successfully engage with customers and
external stakeholders in every aspect of our business:
o Continually learning more about technological innovations in our, and other, industries
o Benchmarking against utility and non-utility industry leaders
o Seeking out new ideas across a broad spectrum of different industries, academia, policy-
makers, governmental agencies, research consortia, and incubators
 With a cost-conscious mindset, all employees act like business owners

o Identifying needs of the Companies that may have solutions in R&D
o Developing and deploying advanced technologies and analytical techniques to meet
those needs
o Developing and deploying advanced technologies to improve worker and public safety
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o Developing and deploying advanced technologies to improve company efficiency
o Effectively balancing our portfolio to meet both near term operational needs and
longer-term strategic issues
o Working to increase value and leveraging expenditures
Staffing and Departmental Organization

Under the leadership of its Director, CECONY’s R&D Department comprises two major sections:
Electric, and Gas and Steam Research. R&D personnel come from company operating areas and with
external technology experience - with many years of company-specific experience, and from other
industries and academia to provide broader experience. Each of our staff seeks to develop extensive
internal contacts and a detailed understanding of our business needs, and a philosophy on what
constitutes good R&D. Working collaboratively with other groups in the Companies, the staff
establishes and implements the R&D program. The support of our internal customers, with their
professional staffs and labor forces, helps keep R&D close to their needs and insures that solutions
get implemented. Approximately 19% of the Companies’ staffing and labor costs on R&D projects
are provided by company organizations outside the R&D department. This approach achieves cost
savings, provides a customer focus, and maintains program flexibly.
Electric Transmission and Distribution research projects implement new technologies to enhance
efficiency, improve safety, improve reliability and operating performance, and extend the useful life
of electrical equipment and the mitigation of environmental impacts of this equipment. These
projects also support the Companies’ Customer Service, Energy Efficiency/Demand Side
Management, and Utility of the Future and Distributed Resources Integration organizations by
advising, developing and helping to introduce better end-use technologies and by providing the
planning tools required to understand and influence electricity usage to benefit the Companies and
its customers. Included are R&D activities in the areas of electrical distribution, transmission,
substations, power systems planning, operations, energy management and use, and computing
applications.
The Technology Transfer program stresses the importance of maximizing return on our investment
in research programs. Brainstorm sessions, Technically Speaking seminars, expanded staff meetings,
workshops, status reports, technical publications, research databases, and Corporate Affairs notices
keep employees informed about and engaged with new and emerging technologies.
Program Development and Management

CECONY’s R&D Department, guided by corporate goals and objectives and in consultation with other
company organizations, determines technological R&D needs, develops the R&D portfolio, and
establishes programs that implement the plan. Individual projects are funded either solely by the
Companies or jointly through various arrangements with federal and state agencies, industry group
R&D organizations, technology incubators, other utilities, and manufacturers. With support from
engineering and operations personnel, the R&D Department also establishes test sites and
demonstration facilities for evaluating new technologies. Once commercial feasibility of a
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technology is established and demonstrated by adequate field trials, the technology is no longer
considered R&D. The R&D Department monitors initial implementation of new technology to ensure
that expected benefits are achieved and potential implementation problems are addressed. It also
monitors new technical developments that might be of future benefit to the Companies and
customers.
R&D and other personnel in the Companies articulate the needs to steering committees established
to advise and direct industry-wide research through the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and
other industry consortia.
Project Selection and Management

The process of selecting R&D projects is guided by the experience of the professional staff and the
Companies’ senior management with input from an array of design and operations workers and
managers. The goal is to match the needs of the Companies’ operations to opportunities for
solutions using advanced technology. The first step is to determine whether the project meets the
New York State Public Service Commission’s definition of R&D. An analysis of candidate projects is
then made, with potential advantages being reviewed against financial resources required for
successful development. The probability of achieving commercial success in a reasonable time is
also considered, and other R&D activities are reviewed for possible duplications. R&D projects must
have a path to likely implementation should they prove viable. Project appropriation requests
include milestones for payments, specific metrics used to determine the success of the R&D project
as well as an implementation plan defining how the product or process would be integrated into
operations if the R&D effort is successful. A cost/benefit analysis is performed, to the extent
possible. Qualitative benefits are discussed, and every effort is made to apply quantitative analysis.
Emphasis is placed on projects that show near and mid-term benefits, as well as long term
programmatic issues that have significant impact on the Companies. This general approach
facilitates a comparison of various candidate technologies and aids in project selection and
prioritization.
Upon receiving funding approval, a project leader is selected, usually from the corporate area most
affected by the research results, such as Electric Operations, Central Engineering, Customer Service,
or Environment Health and Safety. The project leader takes responsibility for achieving objectives
and facilitates technical coordination between company organizations. The project leader and an
R&D engineer share responsibility for administering the project and ensuring that reports are made
at appropriate milestones.
The combined experience of the R&D engineer, project leader, and other personnel is a critical
factor when developing the field evaluation and demonstration phase that many projects require
before moving from the developmental stages to commercially feasible applications.
Technology Transfer
The Companies continue to stress the importance of maximizing return on its investment in research
programs. Seminars, workshops, status reports, technical publications and research databases keep
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employees informed and engaged with new and emerging technologies. Employees participates as
advisors to EPRI and have access to internet-based technology libraries, enabling on-line searches of
databases that include ongoing research projects, publications, products, experts, and patents. As
the program has matured, more individuals throughout the Companies have become aware of
research information and products that are of value to them in achieving corporate goals and
objectives.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The purpose of the Companies electric R&D program is to develop and demonstrate new
processes/methods, technologies, and tools that will improve the electric system as well as its
operating and business practices through both an internal program and external industry research
organizations. R&D is driven by the goal to provide new technology options to fill near term
operational needs and longer term strategic needs of the corporation. The program strives to
provide proactive problem solving opportunities that have the potential for making step-changes or
even quantum leaps in the way we do business. The near term operational goal is to demonstrate
technologies that have been developed and are ready for deployment into the field. The medium
term goal is to develop technologies that fill a need, improve performance, or enhance customer
experience and the long range goal is to identify new technologies that presently don’t exist.
Included within this goal are the following general concepts:
 Assess the impact of emerging technologies on business operations, competitiveness and

profitability and deliver more innovative products.
 Anticipate changing technology needs driven by our internal business, by external regulation
and by our customer needs. Based on these needs, develop and implement plans to bring
new technology options to the Companies.
 Establish and maintain relationships, with high-value industry, incubators, and other groups
and organizations to maintain contacts, gather strategic information and develop new
partners for co-funding of research projects.
R&D pursues these goals and initiatives through a wide variety of external and internal programs
and activities.
Collaborative R&D
The Companies continue their commitment to industry-group R&D programs and actively
participate in the decision-making process of such national organizations as EPRI, NEETRAC, and
CEATI. For projects that are of common interest to the Companies and the industry, particularly on
large demonstrations, once the basic research and proof of concept have been completed, the
Companies work collaboratively with various utilities, industry, government and private
organizations located outside the state or even the nation. The Companies’ flexible R&D program
allows for reducing the risk associated with initial development of technologies of specific
importance to the Companies. Other entities may then be willing to help fund demonstrations of
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operational systems. The Companies have also found that manufacturers are not willing to
undertake technology development on problems that are unique to the Companies unless there is
support in the form of funding the basic research and feasibility of proof of concept, and providing a
reasonable market for the product. This requires the Companies to fully fund product development
or to look for partners with similar needs. Collaborating with other utilities provides both financial
leverage and market support. Many partners are outside of New York State and sometimes outside
the United States. Collaborative organizations such as EPRI, NEETRAC, and CEATI provide a useful
forum to help fund multi-million dollar demonstrations.
The Companies have budgeted $3.85 million in 2018 in support of industry group research. Forms E-
1 and E-3 identify the estimated expenditures for industry group R&D programs, as well as the
Companies’ total expenditures for internal and contractor programs.
General R&D Support

General and administrative R&D support includes those costs relating to research performed by the
Companies that is not specific to a program area. Such efforts have widespread application and
benefits throughout the Companies and for customers. Other general R&D support includes
administrative costs that support research and technical services in all other R&D program areas.
R&D has budgeted $2.1 million in 2018 for general and administrative support of the electric R&D
program.
2017 R&D Successes

In 2017 R&D’s notable successes include:
 Evaluation and recommendation of next steps for the Steam Condensate Monitor, a multi-year
effort to better detect potential water hammer conditions. Completed field design for Phase 2
of the underground splicing machine; next steps include field prototype testing.
 Scoping and installation of motor vehicle monitoring technology to detect and remediate
potentially unsafe driving practices.
 Field installation of manhole monitoring system for detection of unsafe conditions.
 Deployment and field testing of electric meter collar to support interconnection of residential
DERs.
 Implementation of electric vehicle load management project to evaluate alternatives to rate-
based programs.
 Installation and demonstration of an improved insulated busbar system.
 Completed prototype of 3-core XLPE insulated cable for retrofit of existing Con Edison high
pressure fluid-filled cable systems.
Awards and Other Noteworthy Items
 2017 saw R&D Champion awards to 3 company employees who have furthered the work of
R&D.
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 R&D continued the relationships with New York State clean tech incubators through mentoring,
advising, and competition judging and demonstration of near commercial technologies.
One EPRI Technology Transfer Award was received by Con Edison Research & Development in
collaboration with Distribution Engineering for 2017 work: Development of Microgrid Assessment
Methodology and Microgrid Control Technologies.
2018 Program
The 2018 internal and contractor R&D program is segregated into four (4) sub programs:
transmission, distribution, substations, and customer. Program areas of focus, goals and objectives
and some of the program elements underway are summarized for each area.
Transmission Program
Goals and Objectives
 Develop replacement options
 Minimize environmental impact of dielectric fluid
 Maximize use of existing facilities
The Transmission research program is directed toward improving the reliability, upgrading the
capacity, and extending the life of the Companies’ underground and overhead transmission systems.
R&D activities in the area of transmission include: developing and testing alternative underground
transmission cable technologies, locating disbonded coatings on underground transmission pipes;
development of techniques and equipment to expedite detection and location of faults in
transmission feeders; examination of the present and expected performance of 138-kV and 345-kV
cable systems; and implementation of state-of-the-art sensors, hardware and software, and projects
to reduce the impacts of geo- and electromagnetic, and intentional electromagnetic events.
Distribution Program
 Improve worker health and safety
 Reduce Risk
 Increase productivity
 Improve public safety
 Improve asset management
 Enhance system reliability and resiliency
 Enhance the customer experience
 Reduce costs/maintain competitiveness
 Improve data analytics and security
The Distribution R&D program focuses on developing, demonstrating and assisting in the early
deployment of new technologies that will improve safety, system reliability and integrity, promote
environmental excellence, and reduce costs of construction, maintenance and operation of the
distribution systems. R&D activities in the area of distribution include: manhole event mitigation,
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stray voltage detection and mitigation; real-time fault location system for primary distribution
feeders; hardening of infrastructure against adverse weather, improved damage assessment
systems, performing advanced development at the Distribution Cable and Joint Cable Center of
Excellence located at the Con Edison Van Nest facility, with EPRI, to evaluate existing distribution
assets and develop improved technologies, equipment and materials that can be used to replace
aging infrastructure; and exploring partial discharge detection as a diagnostic for incipient failures
and other anomalies in distribution cables, joints and transformers.
The Distribution R&D program continues participation in NEETRAC, an effective venue for
collaboration on research, development, prototyping and testing the widening range of technologies
and equipment that are becoming possible or are being developed by vendors. Using NEETRAC
sustains technology transfer, participates in important standards development activities, and
leverages R&D funds via federal and other funding and collaboration with utilities. Participation also
enables the Companies to exclusively define the scope and initiate expedited direct-placed projects.
Cable and Joint Center for Excellence is an initiative to support our core wires business, including
maintaining reliability and enhancing the workforce. The Center, at CECONY’s Van Nest location, has
been established to evaluate underground network feeders and develop improved solutions for
necessary replacements. The Center consolidated the cable and joint autopsy programs that were
previously dispersed among various operating groups. The Center analyzes condition assessment
and remaining life techniques to better prioritize replacements and sustain reliable network service.
Substations Program
 Reduce O&M costs
 Maximize use of existing facilities
 Improve safety
 Develop lower-cost, smaller-size, and more efficient, reliable, and environmentally
acceptable equipment
The Substation R&D program focuses on reducing the O&M costs of substation equipment and
extending the useful life of installed equipment. R&D projects in this area include the
demonstration of advanced monitors to assess, both on-line and in real time, the condition
(including the operating status) of power transformers, load tap changers and circuit breakers.
Utilities in dense urban environment are experiencing increased fault current levels due to
additional distributed energy sources as well as systems being operated at higher power levels than
in the past. Projects include fault current mitigation technologies, arc flash protection, and sulfur
hexafluoride (“SF6”) management.
Customer Program
 Improve the customer experience
 Reduce costs/maintain competitiveness
 Integration of data collection
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Customer Engagement projects focus on efforts to enhance the customer experience and lower
costs. Included are assessments and demonstrations of new technologies that offer improved load
control, non-intrusive analysis of customer load patterns, improved interconnection practices, and
Distributed Energy Resource (“DER”) and Electric Vehicle (“EV”) facilitation.
Additional Information
Additional information on the Companies’ R&D program may be obtained directly through:
King Look
Director R&D Department
(212) 460-4801
lookk@coned.com
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Combined Companies
Form E-1
Research and Development Program Plan Expenditures
($ 000)
Actual
2017 Estimated Expenditures
Expenditures 2018 2019 2020 2021
1. Total company expenditures for internal

and contractor programs
Administration 2,144 2,111 2,153 2,209 2,266

Transmission/Substation 2,446 1,860 1,820 1,315 1,315
Distribution 1,801 2,383 2,390 2,945 2,870
Electric Vehicles 113 10 100 50 50
All Other (Customer and Environmental) 104 367 272 268 267
Total Internal and Contractor Programs 6,608 6,731 6,735 6,787 6,768
2. Company contributions to industry

research and development programs
EPRI 3,243 3,243 3,243 3,243 3,243
CEATI 196 250 250 250 250
NEETRAC 132 132 132 132 132
Other 292 224 224 204 204
Total Industry Group Expend. 3,863 3,849 3,849 3,829 3,829
Sub-total Electric R&D Expenditures 10,471 10,580 10,584 10,616 10,597
Less O&R Portion Billable To New Jersey (85) (108) (111) (106) (106)
Total New York Electric R&D Expenditures 10,386 10,472 10,473 10,510 10,491
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Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc
Form E-1
($ 000)
Actual
Expenditures 2018 2019 2020 2021

Administration 2,088 2,023 2,058 2,107 2,157

Transmission/Substation 2,446 1,860 1,820 1,315 1,315
Distribution 1,572 2,053 2,040 2,615 2,540
Electric Vehicles 75 0 100 50 50
All Other (Customer and Environmental) 104 367 272 268 267
Total Internal and Contractor Programs 6,285 6,303 6,290 6,355 6,329

EPRI 3,008 3,008 3,008 3,008 3,008
CEATI 196 250 250 250 250
NEETRAC 132 132 132 132 132
Other 212 124 124 104 104
Total Industry Group Expend. 3,548 3,514 3,514 3,494 3,494
Total Electric R&D Expenditures 9,833 9,817 9,803 9,849 9,823
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Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.
Form E-1
($ 000)
Actual
Expenditures 2018 2019 2020 2021
Administration 56 88 95 102 109

Distribution 229 330 350 330 330
Electric Vehicles 38 10
Total Internal and Contractor Programs 323 428 445 432 439

EPRI 235 235 235 235 235
Other 80 100 100 100 100
Total Industry Group Expend. 315 335 335 335 335
Total Electric R&D Expenditures 638 763 780 767 774

Total Electric R&D Expenditures - New York
553 655 669 661 668
(Less: Proportion to NJ Affiliate)
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FORM E-3
CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PLAN EXPENDITURES 2017 - 2021 (000)
Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Description Project
Actual Budget Estimate Estimate Estimate Authorization
Spending
Administration (common distribution 77.60% to electric)

SALARIES AND WAGES $1,748 $1,793 $1,838 $1,896 $1,954 Annually Funded
OTHER EXPENSES $304 $237 $237 $237 $237 Annually Funded
EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT WITH CLEANTECH INDUSTRY PARTNERS $0 $5 $5 $5 $5 $3 $0
PILOT OF HIS GOLDFIRE SEMANTIC SOFTWARE FOR ENHANCING R&D KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER $74 $6 $6 $6 $6 $10 $106
PATENT SEARCHES IN CONNECTION WITH COMPANY R&D TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS $124 $186 $186 $186 $186 Annually Funded
Subtotal Administration $2,250 $2,227 $2,272 $2,330 $2,389
Industry Groups
APPLICATIONS RESEARCH FOR DISTRIBUTION, SUBSTATIONS AND TRANSMISSION - NEETRAC $132 $132 $132 $132 $132 $140 $132
EPRI - ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION $1,583 $1,583 $1,583 $1,583 $1,583 $4,005 $2,959
EPRI FOR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION AND CUSTOMER R&D $1,660 $1,660 $1,660 $1,660 $1,660 $5,767 $3,638
R&D MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES $23 $15 $15 $145 $81
IEEE XPLORE DIGITAL LIBRARY ACCESS COST SHARING $5 $5 $15 $5
CIGRE MEMBERSHIP $5 $4 $4 $4 $4 $15 $10
3G SYSTEM OF THE FUTURE BENCHMARKING $25 $25 $25 $25 $250 $98
INTERNATIONAL UTILITY WORK GROUP PARTICIPATION $48 $25 $25 $25 $25 $420 $321
APPLICATIONS RESEARCH - CEATI $196 $250 $250 $250 $250 $500 $422
EPRI/NYSERDA/DOE TRAVEL $136 $50 $50 $50 $50 Annually Funded
Subtotal Industry Groups $3,783 $3,749 $3,749 $3,729 $3,729
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FORM E-3
Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Description Project
Spending
In-House Projects
GENERAL COMMON Projects (common distribution 77.60% to electric)

DRONE DEFENSE $0 $19 $19
SOURCE DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE COMPETITIVE EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND OPERATIONS
$39 $23 $19
SOFTWARE ALTERNATIVES TO SOLE-SOURCE WARES
DEVELOPMENT OF AMI MOBILE ACCESS POINTS (MAPs) $14 $30 $18
EVALUATION OF STONE WOOL (ROXUL) FOR FIRE BARRIER APPLICATIONS $1 $50 $1
DEVELOP WEATHER IMPACT MODEL $78 $39 $39
DEVELOP WEATHER PREDICTION TOOLS WITH NY STATE MESONET $39 $39 $39
OFF-GRID, REMOTE SURVEILLANCE SOLUTIONS $47 $47 $47
Subtotal Common $15 $202 $167 $163 $163
Transmission
OPTIMIZATION OF PFT LEAK EXCAVATING $15 $15 $50 $47
OVERALL INSPECTION PLAN FOR OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION FEEDERS $75
IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP PD MEASURING PLAN FOR 59TH ST AGING HYBRID FEEDERS $25
MANHOLE COATING INSPECTION TOOL $25
TRANSITION JOINT TRANSMISSION MANHOLE REAL TIME ASSESSMENT $35
ALTERNATIVE TO PFT STUDY $50
HIGH AMPACITY XPLE INSULATED PIPE TYPE CABLE $1,021 $710 $600 $200 $3,071 $1,671
PARTICIPATION IN EPRI "SUNBURST 2000" PROGRAM RELATED TO GEOMAGNETICALLY INDUCED
$30 $30 $396 $412
CURRENTS
MITIGATION OF GEO AND ELECTRO MAGNETIC EVENTS $14 $25 $25 $475 $389
EXPANDED USE OF PHYSICAL OPERATING MARGIN SOFTWARE $4 $5 $5 $250 $227
SURFACE WAVE TECHNOLOGY FOR DISBONDED COATING DETECTION ON UNDERGROUND PIPES
$100 $633 $598
FEASIBILITY STUDY
DISBONDED COATING DETECTION FOR UNDERGROUND PIPE FEASIBILITY STUDY $10 $250 $227
PIPE TYPE CABLING SYSTEM PD DETECTION DEMONSTRATION $6 $25 $105 $99
EHV TRANSMISSION FEEDERS INSULATOR RISK ASSESSMENT $0 $25 $25 $313 $319
AEOLIAN VIBRATION STUDY FOR EHV OVERHEAD FEEDERS $18 $25 $25 $110 $103
IRIS ON THE MOVE BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION $100 $101
DEVELOPMENT OF FAULT LOCATING SENSOR FOR UNDERGROUND DIELECTRIC CABLING SYSTEM $25
NEXT GENERATION FOR PERFLUOROCARBON TRACER (PFT) $5 $50 $100 $35 $200 $90
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FORM E-3
Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Description Project
Spending
EVALUATION OF NDE METHODS FOR CARBON FIBER WRAP APPLICATION $44 $90 $44
END WALL CORROSION DETECTION DEMONSTRATION $7 $50 $50 $50 $70 $58
DIELECTRIC OIL SEPARATOR (OIL RELEASE BLOCKER) DEMONSTRATION $2 $35 $70 $75 $130 $52
EHV OVERHEAD FEEDER DEAD END CONNECTOR ASSESSMENT $35 $35 $150 $38
LONG STANDOFF MAGNETOMERY CORROSION DETECTION DEMONSTRATION $35 $50 $35
DISBONDED COATING DETECTION FIELD VALIDATION $50 $75 $50 $245 $115
138kV TRANSITION JOINT QUALIFICATION TEST $74 $145 $74
UNDERGROUND TRANSMISSION FEEDERS DIGITAL IMAGING STUDY $278 $497 $465
HPFF JOINT CASING CORROSION PROTECTION AGING TEST $4 $50 $37
TRANSMISSION MANHOLE OIL MINDER $22 $50 $100 $375 $422
REAL TIME CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF AGING HV TRANSITION JOINT ($5) $110 $101
OIL FILLED CABLE LEAK BLOCKING ADDITIVE $50
138kV HPFF/XPLE TRANSITION JOINT DEVELOPMENT $100 $25
EHV HPFF CABLING SYSTEM REMAINING LIFE STUDY $75
EHV OVERHEAD SYSTEM INDUCED VOLTAGE STUDY $50 $50 $50
AUTOMATED EHV DRONE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT $100 $75 $75
138kV HPFF RETROFIT TIE CABLE IN-FIELD DEPLOYMENT STUDY $250 $100 $50
345kV HPFF RETROFIT SYSTEM IN-FIELD DEPLOYMENT STUDY
EHV OVERHEAD SYSTEM COMPONENTS IN-SERVICE EVALUATION TOOL $50 $50 $75
INFRARED LEAK LOCATING TECHNOLOGY $50
Subtotal Transmission $1,625 $1,595 $1,520 $1,105 $1,105
Substation
CONFER PHASE 2 $80
NEXT GENERATION SUBSTATION BATTERY DEMONSTRATION $6 $50 $6
HIGH VOLTAGE TESTING DURING FIRE SUPPRESSION $100 $150 $100
SUPERCONDUCTING CABLE AND FAULT CURRENT LIMITER DEMO AT DUNWOODIE $52 $5,400 $1,294
DEMONSTRATION OF REMOTE BREAKER RACKING SYSTEMS $49 $225 $275 $500 $49
DEMONSTRATION OF 138kV MGC BUS SYSTEM AT ELMSFORD SUBSTATION $472 $375 $541
DEVELOPMENT OF LINE GROUPS SYSTEM FOR BULK ELECTRIC SYSTEM FAULT ANALYSIS $120 $40 $300 $256
DEMONSTRATION OF BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM $3 $100 $3
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FORM E-3
Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Description Project
Spending
TRANSMISSION MODERNIZATION DEMONSTRATION $1 $159 $121

SUBSTATION OPERATIONS SIMULATOR $19 $25 $25 $250 $170
DEMONSTRATION OF NEW FAULT RECORDING TECHNOLOGIES $25 $100 $83
CYBER COMBAT SIMULATOR
SUBSTATION PATROL ROBOTS $80
Subtotal Substation $821 $265 $300 $210 $210
Subtotal Transmission & Substation $2,446 $1,860 $1,820 $1,315 $1,315
Distribution
DEVELOPMENT OF A TESTING PLAN FOR LI-ION ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS $30 $10 $145 $84
PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE PREDICTION AND PREVENTION ENHANCEMENT $116 $150 $116
MANHOLE CONTROL AND CONTAINMENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY $35 $50 $50 $140 $35
PREVENT MANHOLE EVENT PREVENTION SYSTEM - TRIAL $44 $85 $44
EATON 15kV 40kA SUBMERSIBLE VACUUM FAULT INTERRUPTER WITH GROUNDING POSITION $239 $80 $80 $80 $297 $239
UNDERGROUND SPLICING MACHINE DEVELOPMENT PHASE 2 $245 $85 $450 $320
SMART INVERTER - REACTIVE POWER SUPPORT $50 $50 $75 $75
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM FOR STORMS RESPONSE $75 $85 $75
ASSESS SUPER CAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE AND PV INTERGRATION TECHNOLOGY - NYSERGA $3 $30 $3
DEVELOPMENT OF A ZINC-BIRNESSITE BATTERIES FOR GRID STORAGE $63 $187 $125
IMPACT STUDY AND MODELING OF KINETIC ENERGY RELEASE FROM MANHOLE COVER EJECTIONS $91 $150 $91
ASSESSING AUGMENTED REALITY FOR UTILITY INDUSTRY $9 $400 $209
DEMONSTRATION OF NOVEL ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT $25 $40 $40 $40 $100 $39
RANDOM NETWORK PROTECTOR AUTO-EXERCISE TO MITIGATE ALIVE ON BACKFEEDS $136 $30 $10 $10 $260 $255
UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE SAND FILL DEVELOPMENT TO MITIGATE MANHOLE EVENTS $7 $50 $30 $90 $8
DEMONSTRATE MANHOLE COVER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS $50 $28
UNDERGROUND SPLICING MACHINE DEVELOPMENT $6 $400 $358
EXPLORE OFF-GRID STREETLIGHT SOLUTIONS ENABLED BY SOLAR AND ENERGY STORAGE $30 $20
IN SITU CORROSION DIAGNOSTIC TOOL DEVELOPMENT FOR NETWORK TRANSFORMERS $50
NEXT GENERATION NETWORK PROTECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION $50
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO DESIGN DISTRIBUTION WORK AND DRAW LAYOUTS $100
18
FORM E-3
Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Description Project
Spending
COMPUTERIZE CALCULATIONS OF SYSTEM LOSSES STUDY $50

EMERGING LOW VOLTAGE EVENT MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES $100
SOLID STATE POWER ELECTRONIC TRANSFORMER DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION $50
PROOF TEST FAULT LOCATION ANALYTIC DEVELOPMENT $50
ARC FAULT DETECTION IN NETWORK PROTECTOR RELAYS FIELD DEMONSTRATION $50 $485 $485
INNOVATION BRAINSTORM WORKSHOP FOR STATEN ISLAND $20 $30 $20
OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE USING ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRIC CONDUITS / DUCTS ($14) $70 $70 $80 $485 $90
URD VACUUM SWITCH DEMONSTRATION $17 $50 $63
INFRARED SECONDARY INSPECTION ("ISI") $17 $80 $50 $220 $85
REMOTE CONTROL OF NETWORK PROTECTOR RELAY ($80) $82 $9
COMPACT SUBMERSIBLE 25kA PRIMARY FAULT INTERRUPTING SWITCH AND CONTROL CABINET $15 $490 $117
DEMONSTRATION OF SAFETY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR ELECTRIC OPERATIONS $50 $50 $50 $21
PI ENHANCEMENT FOR CONDITION BASED MAINTENANCE PILOT - PHASE 1 $10 $50 $27
EARLY SUMMER LOAD FORECASTING TOOL $30 $75 $65
SITUATION AWARENESS, DECISION AND COMMUNICATIONS TOOL IN THE BROX-WESTCHESTER
$100 $450 $375
CONTROL ROOM
ENHANCED MANHOLE FIRE SUPPRESSANT TESTING EVALUATIONS $25
LARGE GAP COMMUNICATION FOR PTO DEVELOPMENT $25
NETWORK TRANSFORMER DISSOLVED GAS DETECTOR DEVELOPMENT $25 $50
SENSORED LOW VOLTAGE CRAB DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION $50
SENSORED FEEDER CABLE ACCESSORY DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION $35 $15
UNDERGROUND CONDUIT DEVELOPMENT TO MITIGATE MANHOLE EVENTS $6 $30 $50 $100 $90 $92
UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE EVENT MITIGATION TESTING $160 $185 $160
BURNOUT GAS CAMERA DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION $50
ENHANCED NETWORK SECONDARY CABLE FIRE RATING DEVELOPMENT $40
Funded by
RAPID ATTACK DETECTION, ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION SYSTEM (RADICS) ($54) ($54)
DARPA
Funded by
NYSERDA OPTICAL SENSORS DEVELOPMENT FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM $3 $3
NYSERDA
Funded by
DOE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSENSOR FOR DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS $4 $4
DOE
CONSERVATION VOLTAGE REDUCTION AND OPTIMIZATION DEVELOPMENT $58 $150 $100 $250 $235
ENHANCED AUTO-LOOP $50 $50 $60 $190 $153
SERVICE LINK™ APPLICATION FOR METER EXCHANGES $11 $50 $13
MONITORING OF BACKFEED CONDITIONS USING COMMUNICATING MICROPROCESSOR RELAYS ($34) $50 $255 $103
19
19
20
FORM E-3
Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Description Project
Spending
UNDERGROUND AUTOLOOP FOR NETWORK SYSTEM FEEDERS $20

PHASE II - DEMONSTRATE GENERLINK WITH AMI TECHNOLOGY IN PILOT STUDY $150 $100 $100
FIBER OPTIC VOLTAGE SENSOR APPLICATION FOR 27kV AND 13kV $50
NEXT GENERATION UNDERGROUND SENSOR SYSTEM $50 $50 $50
OFF GRID SURVEILLANCE SOLUTION $40 $60 $50
DRONE DETECTION DEMONSTRATION $30
MATERIALS ANALYSIS AND TESTING FOR MANHOLE SAFETY $45 $50 $100 $70
JSSE MOBILE APPLICATION $20 $50 $25 $50 $20
PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS $101 $60 $350 $336
STRUCTURE MONITORING SYSTEM ($220) $250
ANALYTICS AND STATISTICS OF SECONDARY PROGRAM DATA $22 $150 $100
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FOR VENTED RESTRAINED MANHOLE COVERS ($210) $25 $20 $20 $210 $0
ENERGY STORAGE SAFETY AND PROJECT PERMITTING SUPPORT $5 $150 $152
ENHANCED VIDEO ALARM $20 $30 $9 $8
MANHOLE EVENT PREVENTION SYSTEM - PHASE 0 TRIAL $40
NEAR-REAL-TIME OH BROKEN WIRE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL DEVELOPMENT $25 $15
MACHINE LEARNING INVESTIGATION OF NETWORK SECONDARY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS AND
$100
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
DEVELOP COLOR CHANGING PAINT SENSITIVE TO ELECTRIC FIELDS $25
DEVELOP CURRENT LEAKAGE DETECTION FOR SECONDARY CABLE $30
DEVELOP HARDENED GFCI FOR STREET LIGHT SERVICE $25
STUCTURE OBSERVATION SYSTEM (SOS) FIELD EARLY WARNING
VAULT GRATING REDESIGN TO REDUCE RISK $40
VEHICLE MOUNTED CONTACT VOLTAGE DETECTION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT $50
MOBILE CONTACT VOLTAGE DETECTION DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION $25 $100 $100 $140 $134
MOBILE CONTACT VOLTAGE DETECTION TESTING $50
LIMITER SENSOR DEVELOPMENT $150
POWER FLOW CONTROL DEVELOPMENT $150 $150 $150
SUBMERSIBLE FAST SWITCH FOR LOAD & CAPACITY TRANSFERS $141 $2,250 $950
COMMUNICATION WITH LV SWITCH $80
BLOCKCHAIN EVALUATION AND DEMONSTRATION $100
KILOWATT LABS EVALUATION PROJECT $30
20
FORM E-3
Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Description Project
Spending
ENHANCED STORM DAMAGE ASSESSMENT CAPTURE AND ANALYTICS DEVELOPMENT $50 $50
HIGH IMPEDANCE FAULT AND ARCING FAULT DETECTION ON OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION LINES $75 $50 $50 $50 $86 $133
MOBILE SITE SAFETY RESPONSE TEAM $50 $45 $23
STORM RESTORATION WORK PACKAGE PRIORITIZATION AND PLANNING ENHANCEMENT
$45
DEVELOPMENT
CABLE TENSION SENSOR $50
DEFECT IDENTIFICATION OF OH LINES $60 $80 $80
ENHANCED WEATHER PREDICTION $35
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS AT HUDSON AVE $50
TECHNOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ELECTRIC RAIL REGENERATIVE BRAKING BENEFIT TO ELECTRIC
$149 $225 $199
POWER SYSTEM
PILOT TEST OF METER COLLAR FOR DER INTERCONNECT AND METERING $50 $60 $50
TRANSPORTABLE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (TESS) $80 $30 $1,931 $439
NETWORK RELAY PROGRAMMING DEVELOPMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES $20 $40 $20
DISTRIBUTED GENERATION QUICK CONNECT PLUG $19 $150 $90
UTILITY ANALYTICS COLLABORATIONS $25 $50
PILOT TEST OF SOLAR INTERCONNECT AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE - PLUG AND PLAY SOLAR
$40 $50
INTERCONNECT
WIDE AREA POWER GRID DISTRIBUTED CONTROL PROJECT - DOE ENERGISE $150
ADVANCED SENSING FOR NETWORK PROTECTOR HEALTH ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENT $25 $25
ENSEMBLE SENSOR SUITE DEVELOPMENT FOR UNDERGROUND NETWORK STRUCTURES $45
INTELLIGENT USE OF NETWORK PROTECTOR RELAYS IN THE EMERGING SMARTER GRID $25 $50
REGEN BRAKING PILOT DEMONSTRATION $100 $50
Subtotal Distribution $1,572 $2,053 $2,040 $2,615 $2,540
Customer
ICS DATA ACQUISITION USING FORENSIC TECHNIQUES $42 $140 $108
TELECOMMUNICATION INITIATIVE $10 $225 $214
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH ON CYBER COMBAT SIMULATOR (CCOMS) - PHASE 0 $70 $70 $70 $90 $70
ADVANCED STEAM HEATING CONTROLS PILOT $30 $90 $60
ESOURCE MEMBERSHIP $35 $35 $35 $32 $32
Subtotal Customer $82 $105 $105 $105 $105
21
21
22
FORM E-3
Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Description Project
Spending
EH&S
NEW ERGONOMIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR SAFER WORKING $7 $75 $35
CTA 2045 RESEARCH PROJECT $60
Subtotal EH&S $7 $60 $0 $0 $0
Electric Vehicles
ELECTRIC VEHICLE LOAD MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PILOT $75 $240 $75
ELECTRIC VEHICLE LOAD DISAGGREGATION $100 $50
Subtotal Electric Vehicles $75 $0 $100 $50 $50
Subtotal In-House Projects $4,197 $4,280 $4,232 $4,248 $4,173
Total CECONY Research & Development Before O&R Proportion For NY Electric/Gas & NJ RECO $10,230 $10,256 $10,253 $10,307 $10,290
Total CECONY Research & Development For O&R Proportion For NY Electric/Gas & NJ RECO ($397) ($439) ($450) ($459) ($468)
Total CECONY Research & Development After O&R Proportion For NY Electric/Gas & NJ RECO $9,833 $9,817 $9,803 $9,849 $9,823
22
FORM E-3
Total
O&R 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Project
Project
Description Actual Budget Estimate Estimate Estimate Authorization
Spending
Industry Groups
EPRI Activities $80 $100 $100 $100 $100 Annually Funded
In-House Projects
Electric Distribution Volts & Amps Sensors Beta testing (Beta EDVAS Project) $1 $282 $315
Relay Redundant Wireless Communications R&D Project $28 $60 $57
ORU - Electric Distribution VA Sensors Production Testing Phase II ver1 $126 $90 $126
Driver Risk Management System for Vehicle Fleet Safety - SmartDrive $38 $10 $55 $38
SEL-651R Emulation of the Eaton-Cooper Form 6 Recloser $74 $80 $74
DEW Hosting Capacity Analysis $50
Distribution System Advanced Integrated Sensors $180 $60 $50 $50
Information Messaging Bus Development for Real-Rime R&D Modelling Platform $100 $10
Development of Common Information Model (CIM) services for Messaging Bus $100 $100 $100
Development of Data Analytics and Data Warehousing of Advanced Sensors $80 $80 $80
Communication and Data Analysis $100 $100 $100
Subtotal In-House Projects $267 $340 $350 $330 $330
Total O&R Research & Development Before Affiliated Billing $347 $440 $450 $430 $430
O&R NY Portion Before Affiliated Billing (75.4% NY 26.6% NJ) $262 $332 $339 $324 $324
Affiliate Billing R&D Electric NY $291 $323 $330 $337 $344
Total O&R NY Research & Development $553 $655 $669 $661 $668
23
23
24
Con Edison Research and Development Project Status For Year Ending 2017
TITLE Pilot of IHS Goldfire semantic software for enhancing R&D knowledge transfer
CSN 99791 POET 21957852 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Administration/Industry Group - Administration
DURATION 3/14/2016 to 5/2021 ENGINEER Brenda Hill
PROJECT LEAD Brenda Hill
AUTHORIZED $10,000 (Scope change – Pending increase) EXP. THROUGH 2017 $105,944
OBJECTIVE
Goldfire is a semantic search engine developed by Invention Machine, and acquired by IHS in 2010. Goldfire
is capable of providing search results on documents of varying formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, etc.)
stored in multiple locations both internally and externally. R&D will proceed with a 1-month pilot test of the
Goldfire system on a limited portion of R&D background material (to be determined). The software will be
installed on an independent server approved by IT, and will have access to R&D material stored on R&D's
department-wide server. There is also the possibility to access, through the Goldfire software, information
outside of the ConEd firewall, at organizations with which ConEd has membership status and access to
independent reports.
BENEFITS
Successful deployment of the software will result in more efficient project research time.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The R&D Department undertakes on average 100 projects per year. Prior to approval of a project, and
project funding, the Project Manager does background research to determine the viability of a project, and to
confirm non-duplication of prior projects. R&D currently has no easily accessible archive of previous project
information for internal use. In addition, R&D has access to a multitude of websites for which ConEd
maintains corporate memberships. However, the user must access each website independently to search for
pertinent data, which can not only be very time consuming, but there are certain websites which are not easy
to navigate. Authorization increase pending.
25
TITLE APPLICATIONS RESEARCH - NEETRAC
CSN 90356 POET 22954048 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Industry Group
DURATION 12/19/2017 to 3/2021 ENGINEER Frank Doherty
PROJECT LEAD George Murray
AUTHORIZED $140,000 EXP. THROUGH 2017 $132,000
OBJECTIVE
Continue participation in industry collaboration, and thus help drive innovation, sustain technology transfer,
participate in important standards development activities, and leverage R&D expenditures via other utility
and governmental funding and collaboration. A list of recent base-funded projects in which we have shared
the benefits is attached for information. Participation also enables Con Edison to initiate expedited projects
whose focus and scope we exclusively define.
BENEFITS
Participation in industry collaboration increases technology transfer and funding leverage, and complements
ongoing work with others. Baseline projects underway include a broad array of subjects, and by virtue of
participation we expect to gain enhanced knowledge of power delivery domains vital to Con Edison. The
model for member-driven collaboration also helps drive innovation and accelerate commercialization by
meeting needs of a broader utility base. Successful knowledge transfer will be enabled by active participation
of individual Technical Advisors, both by subject matter experts and by novices who participate as a
professional development opportunity.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress - In 2017 we received results of seven projects, including: Conductor Safe Ground Clearance;
Transmission Line Traveling Wave Parameters; Fault Locating Methods; Student Capstone Underground
Robot Project; Watt-Hour Meter Socket Overheating Study; Overhead Lines Applications for Unmanned
Aerial Systems Info Exchange; and Tested Smart Grid Program Scoping Study. Participation continues in
2018.
26
TITLE EPRI - ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION
CSN 99775 POET 2206144 TASK 0001
DURATION On Going ENGINEER William Fairechio
PROJECT LEAD William Fairechio
OBJECTIVE
Membership in EPRI research and information programs provides current information on new electric
research initiatives.
BENEFITS
Participation in industry research programs will help identify new technology applications which will aid in
meeting corporate goals and surface new research initiatives.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Funding of EPRI's programs continues into 2018.
27
TITLE EPRI FOR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION AND CUSTOMER R&D
CSN 99774 POET 22061441 TASK 0001
DURATION On Going ENGINEER William Fairechio
PROJECT LEAD William Fairechio
OBJECTIVE
Membership in EPRI research and information programs provides current information on new electric
research initiatives.
BENEFITS
Participation in industry research programs will help identify new technology applications which will aid in
meeting corporate goals and surface new research initiatives.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Funding of EPRI's programs continues into 2018.
28
TITLE R&D MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES
CSN 92255 POET 10046626 TASK 0036
DURATION 12/14/2011 to 12/2019 ENGINEER Brenda Hill
PROJECT LEAD Brenda Hill
OBJECTIVE
The Company is looking for ways to determine the technology management best practices used by other
utilities and other industries involved in research and development.
BENEFITS
The benefits is to have tools available for development and continuous improvement of R&D metric, access
to R&D program data of other utilities for comparative analysis, strengthing of our understanding of
emerging technologies and a network of peer contacts.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Participated in the Research Technology Management (RTM) Forum, an organization comprised of 12 of the
largest utilities in North America. Monthly conference calls and webinars are held to discuss best practices
for technology management within and outside the utility industry.
29
TITLE CIGRE Membership
CSN 14106 POET 20829413 TASK 0001
DURATION 2/21/2014 to 12/2021 ENGINEER Sergo Sagareli
PROJECT LEAD Sergo Sagareli
OBJECTIVE
CIGRE aims to:
• Allow engineers and specialists from all around the world to exchange information and enhance their
knowledge related to power systems,
• Add value to the knowledge and information exchanged by synthesizing state-of-the-art world practices,
• Make the synthesis of CIGRE's work available to the decision-makers of the industry (CEOs, directors,
managers, and regulators).
BENEFITS
Access to knowledge and information on most recent developments in the state of the art and technical
literature through:
• CIGRE e-library: technical brochures, scientific papers, symposia proceedings and other papers;
• CIGRE bi-monthly magazine Electra and monthly newsletter;
• Participation in CIGRE sessions.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The International Council on Large Electric Systems (in French: Conseil International des Grands Réseaux
Electriques or CIGRÉ) is one of the world’s most authoritative professional organizations in the field of large
power systems, since it was founded in Paris, France in 1921. CIGRE membership consists of international
experts and leading organizations who exchange knowledge, share best practices and join forces for the
Power System of Today and Tomorrow. In 2015, project provided Con Edison’s corporate membership in
CIGRE. In 2016, membership in CIGRE was continued. Two Con Edison Engineers participated in CIGRE
General Session in Paris, presenting technical papers based on two R&D projects. Con Edison has
representation in two CIGRE Working Groups (WG) – on application of robotics in Substations, and new SF6
gas alternatives. In 2017, participation in WG continued. Paper submitted by Energy Efficiency department
Engineer took second place in paper competition among young engineers during Grid of the Future
symposium, conducted by CIGRE in Cleveland, Ohio.
30
TITLE International Utility Work Group Participation
CSN 92439 POET 10064342 TASK 0313
PROJECT LEAD Marissa Castoro
OBJECTIVE
The International Utility Working Group (IUWG) under the Innovation Group (formerly - 3G System of the
Future Program) has a primary goal of benchmarking with dense urban load centers in US, Europe and the Far
East.
BENEFITS
Immediate goals are to identify new technologies and designs that would support future system designs. This
working group has already provided technical design input to our transfer switch plans, aided our discussions
with the city on joint tunnel use and business development planning, and continues to evolve to more
specific uses. Membership expansion is being pursued to increase our financial and commercial leverage
with manufacturers.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The International Utility Working Group (IUWG) meets every year for an annual benchmarking meeting
where 9 utility companies are represented and information is exchanged in an open, productive
environment. The 2017 meeting was hosted by UKPN and held in London, England. The sessions included
joint, technical, and executive sessions supplemented by guest speakers, an innovations fair and field visit.
Conference Participants:
- United Kingdom Power Networks (UKPN)
- Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)
- Singapore Power (SP)
- Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company (SMEPC)
- Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO)
- Enedis (EDF – France)
- Consolidated Edison
- Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)
- China Light and Power (CLP)
- Ausgrid
This year’s conference explored a wide variety of topics, ranging from the future of the industry to
inspection and maintenance practices. Some common themes across the ten participating utilities dealt with
the changing landscape due to increased integration of distributed generation, energy efficiency and
31
customer solutions. Utilities are looking for ways to remain competitive while embracing these changes that
threaten traditional models of operation. To continue to compete in this space, utilities are improving the
ways in which they engage with their customers. Through incentive programs, social media tools, and
community engagement programs, utilities are changing the way they are viewed by the public.
To enhance the maintenance and operations functions of the utilities each participating company
demonstrated various investments in their innovation departments. Examples of this are seen in automated
robotic inspections of substations and dielectric fluid additive to prevent leak from distribution cables.
Many of the participating companies also focused on developing new forecasting programs. Efforts to create
better models that specialize on short term forecasting allow utilities to be more flexible, efficient, and
responsive to system changes. These tools are projecting the effects of customer solar and other distributed
generation contributions and determining how they affect the system.
This year’s conference brought about numerous project ideas that the 3G System of the Future group is
actively investigating to determine if they meet our system needs.
32
TITLE Applications Research - CEATI
CSN 99844 POET 21797874 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Thomas Fredeman
OBJECTIVE
Objective of this program is to improve current practices, knowledge and technology used in power
transmission and distribution. Con Edison engineers participate in nine interest groups and task forces in
CEATI, that cover many aspects of distribution, transmission and substations equipment design, asset
management, as well as system operation and planning. On each project there are assigned
monitors/advisors to provide feedback and steer research in the direction that will bring most benefits.
Project funding is leveraged by cost sharing among companies in the groups. In the course of research, CEATI
conducts industry-wide surveys that provide venue for knowledge and best practices sharing among utilities.
BENEFITS
Engaging with these CEATI projects will allow Con Edison organizations to increase leverage of expenditures
and improve technology transfer, and will complement ongoing work with VENDOR and elsewhere. The
projects presently underway include a broad array of subjects, and by virtue of our participation we expect
enhanced knowledge development in transmission, substation and distribution domains important to Con
Edison.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Technological innovation and increasing competitiveness of renewable energy resources, combined with
aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, and system security and resiliency needs, are all leading to
significant changes in how electricity is generated, distributed, managed and consumed. Con Edison is faced
with changing regulations, developing technologies, and growing integration of energy and information
services driven by the emerging Smart Grid, as well as Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative. As these
changes take place, we are challenged to cost-effectively allocate resources, appropriately deploy new
technologies, and enhance the capability of our workforce as the changes are taking place. In addition, the
need to sustain delivery of energy at lower costs is an overarching goal that must be achieved.
2017 CEATI provided 24 deliverables: project final reports, conference and workshop proceedings in 9
Interest Groups that comprised Con Edison’s portfolio.
33
TITLE Development of AMI Mobile Access Points (MAPs)
CSN 90901 POET 22815920 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Common
DURATION 10/3/2017 to 12/2018 ENGINEER Steve Labudzinski
PROJECT LEAD Joseph Venezia
OBJECTIVE
The availability of alternative equipment to provide a temporary Mobile Access points (MAPs) will mitigate
the risk of disruption to the AMI network. Mobile Access Points (MAPs) will enable continuation of AMI
related services while restoration is in progress. This will impact restoration priority and allow for operational
flexibility. Having a MAP will also serve the purpose of identifying new AMI Access Point by determining the
optimum location for a permanent access point. The objective is to identify and work with a vendor(s) to
design and build a prototype AMI MAP. The prototype will be spec'd to our defined requirements. The
project plan is to field evaluate the prototype MAP for a minimal of 6 months and if the prototype is
determined to be useful and used, it will be capitalized.
BENEFITS
The availability of alternative equipment like MAPs that enable continuation of AMI related services while
restoration is in progress will impact restoration priority. If a utility can deploy MAPs that enable the
continuation of AMI related services while restoration is in progress, the restoration of the permanent AMI
infrastructure could be moved down the priority list. This allows work crews to focus their efforts on other
areas without sacrificing AMI related capabilities, including those capabilities that could prove useful during
or just after an incident.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The company is deploying AMI technology as part of its infrastructure and technology enhancement. The AMI
network utilizes Access Points (APs) that AMI devices such as meters and field sensors communicate through.
APs are powered by a secondary connection from the electric distribution system leaving it vulnerable to loss
of power from events such as large storms that may cause wide-spread AMI network outages. Outages may
impact network coverage that can result in low visibility of meters and sensors. Loss of communication
through an AP during a storm recovery effort may result in loss of system insight required by the Incident
Commander to understand the extent of damage to the grid and the progress of restoration efforts.
34
TITLE Evaluation of Stone Wool (Roxul) for Fire Barrier Applications
CSN 90899 POET 22834142 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Common
PROJECT LEAD Troy Evans
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to evaluate a new material called Roxul which is made of stone wool and has
fire barrier properties that meet fire code requirements. The plan is to design and build a fire protection
barrier using Roxul in Van Nest workout location for the storage of gas cylinders adjacent to a building or
structure in order to avoid the need to construct a structure with a 2 hr fire rated wall.
BENEFITS
The benefits to the company are costs savings associated with compliance to new FDNY regulations. The
purchase of pre-fab structure or construction of a building is estimated to $190K to $300K, respectively.
Modifying the current structure is estimated at $50K. It also offers a qualitative benefit of enabling the
Company to comply quickly with new FDNY regulations.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The cage used for the storage of flammable gases in the Van Nest yard does not have a 2 hr fire rated wall as
required by fire code (FDNY )regulations as it is currently located. The Company has other locations that have
similar circumstances. The completion of the 2 hr fire rated wall wil be completed in 2nd Quarter of 2018 and
inspected by the FDNY.
35
TITLE High Ampacity XLPE Insulated Pipe-Type Cable
CSN 90569 POET 22328231 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electrical - Transmission / Planning
DURATION 11/28/2016 to 7/2020 ENGINEER Jade Wong
PROJECT LEAD Michael Buckweitz
AUTHORIZED $3,071,000 EXP. THROUGH 2017 $1,670,854
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to qualify the design of a new XLPE insulated EHV cable system and a HPFF to XLPE transition
joint
 Task 1: Manufacture a preliminary cable to confirm low loss operating characteristics of the design, and
the mechanical pulling properties of the cable in a 10” pipe. Include also a high voltage tests on the cable
to confirm suitability of the high stress insulation design.
 Task 2: Manufacture and test the final cable design as per above. The cable design will include an overall
foil laminate moisture barrier over the 3-core XLPE cable assembly.
 Task 3: Installation simulation test in steel pipe with bends
 Task 4: Straight joint installation demo in manhole
 Task 5: Design, manufacture, and electrical type tests on straight through joint and three core cable
system in mock up manhole
 Task 6: Design, manufacture, and electrical type test on transition joint for HPFF and three-core XLPE
cable system including fault current withstand test.
BENEFITS
The elimination of dielectric fluid leaks to the environment and reduction in Company O&M maintenance/
repair costs. Increased transmission system reliability due to reduced feeder outages.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Con Edison has approx. 700 miles of underground High Pressure Fluid Filled (HPFF) transmission feeders.
Many of these feeders, particularly at the 345 kV level, are also force cooled for increased current capacity.
Most of the HPFF feeders have been in services for more than 50 years and over the years, dielectric fluid
leaks have materialized on the pipes due to corrosion effects caused largely by disbonded coating. When the
pipe coating does not adhere to the surface of the pipe, as in disbonded coating, water penetrates at the
interface and galvanic corrosion of the pipe ensues. This condition is one that cannot be effectively overcome
by the application of additional cathodic protection. Currently the Company is actively recoating pipes in
some of the most problematic areas as an interim measure, but long range, this option would be prohibitively
too expensive.
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Increasing dielectric oil leaks and repair maintenance costs of the aging 345kV HPFF cable feeders in
particular, warrants investigations into novel solutions. The proposed R&D project will assist the asset
management and the environmental groups in addressing these issues.
The proposed project will develop an oil/water free EHV cable system to retrofit the deteriorated HPFF
transmission feeders to eliminate feeder dielectric fluid leaks. The new feeders will consist of XLPE insulated
cables in lieu of the oil filled cables while taking advantage of the existing 10” steel pipes to serve as a cable
conduit and thus eliminating dielectric fluid leaks. We had started the manufacturering of the prototype
cable with aluminum foil laminating process.
In Nov 2017 we completed project milestone 1/ design and manufacturing a low loss XLPE insulated cable in
pipe, preformed the high voltage electrical testing to confirm the cable’s hig stress insulation and low loss
deisgn, the result rating is 1350 amp which meets 90% of current EHV forced cooled rating.
37
TITLE Mitigation of geo- and electro-magnetic events
CSN 92111 POET 10064342 TASK 0071
PROJECT LEAD Sam Sambasivan
OBJECTIVE
Addressing Bulk Electric Systems (BES) reliability concerns with regard to GIC and Electro-magnetic Pulse
(EMP) Event or Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI) that have been at the core of the number of
Congress, DHS and DOE documents, leading to development of the new NERC Standard, requiring
assessment of the vulnerabilities, development of the monitoring, modeling and mitigation measures.
BENEFITS
Proactively addressing these issues will give Con Edison a reliable operation of BES during geomagnetic
storms, a voice in the policies that are developed, as well as good understanding of any future mandatory
requirements that may be considered for adoption.
TECHNICAL STATUS
 Project team participated in development of new NERC TPL-007 Reliability Standard, providing
comments to Standard Drafting Team, leading to improved requirements beneficial to Company and
Industry.
 GIC (Geomagnetically Induced Currents) monitoring equipment installed in 14 locations considered
vulnerable by conducted assessment studies.
 Transmission system model was developed, expanded beyond Con Edison systems’ footprint, refined for
higher accuracy, and validated against existing historical records.
 IEMI vulnerability survey conducted and monitoring equipment installed at Energy Control Center (ECC)
and Alternative Energy Control Center (AECC).
 In 2015, IEMI hardening design and estimate were completed for AECC.
 In 2017, project team focused on EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) mitigation. As a solution for ECC survival
in case of high altitude nuclear explosion, project sponsored development and design of mobil control
center based on miltary specifications MIL-STD-188-125.
38
TITLE Expanded use of physical operating margin software
CSN 92116 POET 10064342 TASK 0075
PROJECT LEAD Matthew Koenig
OBJECTIVE
The project objective is to obtain, develop and apply additional Physical Operating Margin Software modules
to Transmission Planning applications, and to increase System Operations' familiarity with the capabilities
and functionalities with a view toward possible future use of -RT (real time) versions of this software by
System Operations and other company organizations.
BENEFITS
Improved planning and operational information for Transmission Planning and System Operations.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Vendor periodically upgrades their software to improve the speed, the online risk monitor display, line
tripping mechanism, software for Online Risk Monitor and implement other enhancements, including more
detailed collaborative model of the Con Edison NYPA & LIPA interfaces. Additional training on new POM
features and functions is being conducted yearly; in 2014, seven Engineers from Transmission Planning
attended workshop at the Con Edison offices.
2015 workshop was held in May, in Con Edison offices, with 14 Engineers from NYPA and Con Edison in
attendance. In 2016, workshop was held on June 16-17, in Con Edison’s offices, with 12 Engineers from NYPA
and Con Edison in attendance. In 2017, workshop was held August 17-18 in NYPA’s offices in White Plains,
attended by 14 Engineers from NYPA and Con Edison.
39
TITLE Disbonded coating detection for underground pipe feasibility study
CSN 92432 POET 10046626 TASK 0045
PROJECT LEAD Thomas Villani
OBJECTIVE
Various HPFF feeders on the Con Edison transmission system, especially feeders M51-M52 and 18001-02,
have experienced dielectric fluid leaks that were caused by the shielding effect of disbonded coating on the
pipe. When the coating is not adhered to the surface of the pipe, water can penetrate under it and support
galvanic corrosion of the pipe surface. This condition is one that cannot be overcome by the application of
cathodic protection because the coating prevents cathodic protection current from reaching the pipe surface.
Disbonded coating only occurred to the pipes that were coated with coal tar enamel or somatic (asphalt)
coating. Since the 1980's Con Edison has been using extruded polyolefin coating on which similar problem
has not been developed
BENEFITS
Potential benefits from improved system reliability and labor productivity are sizable.
1. Improve overall transmission network reliability
2. Increase customer satisfaction
3. Enhance environmental excellence
TECHNICAL STATUS
DNV and University of Akron had delivered the final report delivered on Nov 2013. University of Akron had
completed the development of a mathematical model for Detection of Disbonded Coating for Buried Steel
Pipes. The model is based on AC signal in soil/coating/metal interface. DNV final report consisted of
literature search of commercial available survey methods for corrosion detection which might lead to
possibility of coating disbondment detection.
In 2015 Akron University compelted to build the mathematical model in the laboratory and validated the
accuracy. The team then moved to Texas A&M and continue to work to build the pipe line interface to
simulate the Con Edison underground pipe system environment. Also the team is working on creating pipe
sample using the same coal tar coating for long term corrision and coating delamination simulation in a setup
environment similar to New York region weather.
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In Dec 2016 Texas A&M Univeristy had completed the design and built a multi-pipeline array simulation
using 4" pipelines with coal tar enamel (somastic) in soil simulation conditions in the laboratory. The model
included intact, disbonded, and holiday coating conditions. Cathodic protection is also included via impress
current. We had completed the validation of the mathematical ppe coating detection model. The project is
scheduled to be closed out on 1st quarter 2018.
41
TITLE Pipe-Type Cabling System PD Detection Demonstration
CSN 92650 POET 20683308 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Arie Makovoz
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this R&D project is to demonstrate that the electrical discharge signal that is being generated
inside the steel casing can be captured outside and recorded using non-intrusively technique. We will use a
345 kV joint assembly and install sensors outside the pipe. The partial discharge activity will be simulated by
independent PD generator and captured by sensors installed outside the casings. Comparison of injected and
captured signals will validate ability to capture internal PD and sensor accuracy.
BENEFITS
Any opening of underground transmission pipe-type system for inspectlon costs 0.6 million dollars and not
Included feeder outage time. The non-intrusive inspection technique will assist the decision of prioritize joint
repair and eliminate inspection outage requirtements.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Majority of the Con Edison underground pipe-type transmission system is over 50 years and still very reliable.
As the system continues to age new monitoring techniques will be required to maintain a high level of
reliability. ''DGA" (dissolved gas analysis) is a non-Intrusive technique that is used to assess the electrical
condition of static pipe-type cabling system while the system is energized. DGA has limitations on feeders
with circulation. Additional technology needs to be developed to monitor feeders with circulations well as
cable accessories. In 2013 R&D worked with Engineering completed the specification of the partial discharge
testing criteria and specification and vendor selection. In 2014 on-line partial discharge testing was
performed for one HV HPFF joint which was scheduled to be opened and repaired. Result of the partial
discharge testing was confirmed and the joint was repaired. Additional test for EHV HPFF joints and pot head
terminations are scheduled for 2016 to further validate the accuracy of on-line partial discharge test. In 2016
we had completed the on-lien PD assessment of a HV feeder joint in Brooklyn prior to a scheduled joint
repair. The result of the PD assessment was confirmed with the repair result
In 2017 we had completed the field testing of a semi-stop joint of a pair of EHV feeder when the feeders
were in service. We determined the test result was inconculsive due to the weak return PD signal within the
pipe, and PD testing was not effective for pipe-type system. This project will be closed out on 1st quarter
2018.
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TITLE AEOLIAN VIBRATION STUDY FOR EHV OVERHEAD FEEDERS
CSN 98890 POET 20735515 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Robert Shuman
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to develop a software tool for assessing the control and damping performance
from spacer dampers installed along a span of an overhead line.
BENEFITS
Assist transmission line engineers in the selection of suitable spacer dampers and in the proper design of
overhead lines for Aeolian vibration. Reduce the risk of line failures from Aeolian vibration, saving
maintenance and restoration costs. Enhance the reliability of overhead lines and thus their availability to
customers. And improve overhead line safety to the public.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Aeolian vibration is an important factor that must be considered in designing an overhead transmission line.
Aeolian vibration causes fatigue failure on overhead line components and expose the line to the risk of
failure. For a bundle conductor line, spacer dampers are generally used for controlling Aeolian vibration. The
control efficiency of these spacer dampers depends on the design, installation and arrangement of spacing
between spacer dampers along the span. While sophisticated mathematical models are available in the
literature, utilities often either use much simplified empirical methods or rely on damper manufacturers to
assess the performance of the spacer dampers and spacing for the purpose of line designs. There is a need
for a practical tool for consistent and reliable design and analysis of Aeolian vibration performance from
spacer dampers. The objective of this project is to develop a rational, yet practical tool for assessing the
control and damping performance from spacer dampers installed along a span of an overhead line. The end
product could be a software module for bundle conductor vibration and can be applied to Hudson River
Crossing EHV feeders Y88 and Y94. In Sept 2016, EPRI completed vibration simulation in South Africa's
laboratory with partial hardware accessories from Con Edison Hudson River Crossing. The result was
inconclusive due to simulation was based on using dummy conductor that was based only on weight factor
and lacking saging behavior. We planned a July 2017 simulation that will use actual conductor to match
vibration behavior from real time vibration sensor. In June 2017 we completed vibration simulation in South
Africa's laboratory with hardware accessories from Con Edison Hudson River Crossing. Simulation result had
proven that current Con Edison setup meets allowable ACSR conductor strain and sustainable for Aeolian
vibration. This portion of the project is scheduled for close out on 1st quarter 2018.
43
TITLE Next Generation for Perfluorocarbon Tracer (PFT)
CSN 90222 POET 20946547 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Joseph Moawad
OBJECTIVE
For the existing leak detection process the following major areas will be studied:
1. Preparation - optimize the sampling rate and re-evaluate the absorption apparatus
2. Chromatography- evaluate column design
3. Detection- increase the sensitivity and output of the electron capture detector (ECO)
4. Presentation - improve visualization and formatting of chromatographic data
A new concept that will also be pursued under this initiative will be the investigation and demonstration of a
handheld portable gas chromatograph (GC) for bar hole PFT detection.
BENEFITS
Enhanced leak detection and analysis will result in the following:
1. Reduced environmental impact.

2. Improved overall transmission feeder reliability.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The current generation of perfluorocarbon tracer (PFT) leak detection equipment was developed in the early
2000s. The existing PFT instrumentation clearly has the capability to detect PFT in the air. This is
demonstrated by the measurement of the normal environmental background PFT, the instrument response
to standard injections, and the instrument response during most leak events. However, there have been leak
searches where the instrumentation did not detect PFT in the concentration that would be expected based
on the observed conditions. For example, a substantial volume of PFT tagged cable oil had been lost to the
environment during the M52 feeder leak in March 2013, however the PFT measured in the atmosphere
directly above the leak location did not reveal PFT concentrations to be significantly greater than what was
being measured in the background readings for the general area. In addition, the analysis of bar hole samples
taken very close to the leak location did not detect the presence of PFT in the samples. There have also been
recent incidents where the PFT vehicle passed directly over a subsurface structure containing quantities of
PFT tagged oil, but the instruments on the vehicle did not measure PFT concentrations significantly above
normal backgrounder readings.
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In these cases described above, the instrumentation did not respond in a manner that normally would have
been expected. However, it is recognized that it is possible that unusual and unverifiable subsurface
conditions may have existed that resulted in the unexpected movement of PFT through the subsurface at the
leak locations. To determine if this is the case or if the existing PFT instrumentation has potential deficiencies
that may be affecting the analysis of the readings, an effort to study and optimize the current sampling and
analysis techniques is proposed.
In 2017 we attempted to redesign the front end concentractor of the PFT GC to make it faster and easier for
maintenance with modular component and cannot meet the required concentration level. In 2nd quarter
2018, we plan to create a historical trending model to reduce the locating selection process time.
45
TITLE Evaluation of NDE Methods for Carbon Fiber Wrap Application
CSN 90541 POET 22933777 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Vijay Srinivasan
OBJECTIVE
In Phase 1 screen a wide range of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods at many different labs. In
preparation for that, Central Engineering has already fabricated eight specimens with defects of various sizes
in various locations. We plan to evaluate only methods that can be implemented in NYC streets where these
wraps may be taking place. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in 12 months.
Successful Phase 1 would result in Phase 2 to develop and implement field ready instruments. Field ready
instrument will then be used as a quality control check shortly after the wrap is complete, and used in all
future wraps. Methods to be tested include high frequency eddy current, laser shearography, microwave,
millimeter wave, infrared thermography and multiple ultrasonic techniques.
BENEFITS
Identification of potentially successful method(s) would provide a pathway to field implementation of a
reliable quality control check that can be performed shortly after wrapping process is completed.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Con Edison transmission system comprises mainly of underground HPFF system. Dielectric oil leaks from
underground steel pipes occur as a result of corrosion on the pipes. CFRP (Carbon Fiber Wraps) is being
studied as an alternate ways to provide a rapid pipe repair solution. Methods of locating and sizing defects in
carbon fiber composite wraps on steel pipe is still being developed. Electric Ops and Mechanical Engineering
are working on an ultrasonic method, but it doesn't have the capability to analyze areas that are not in
intimate contact with the steel.
We plan to evaluate and establish a non-destructuve evaluation (NDE) method that can be implemented in
NYC streets for buried pipes with carbon fiber wrap repair. The scheduled completion date will be Dec 2018.
46
TITLE End Wall Corrosion Detection Demonstration
CSN 90568 POET 22345593 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Kenneth Chu
OBJECTIVE
Demonstrate using reflectometry technique in surveying metallic buried structures for surface anomalies -
 Task 1 to design a laboratory setup and physical model by emulating the field conditions of end wall
conditions
 Task 2 to characterize the response of reflectometry for a metallic coated pipeline embedded in
concrete, in laboratory environment
 Task 3 to characterize in laboratory conditions metallic and coating anomalies
BENEFITS
From the result of the R&D project, Transmission Operations can perform proactive leak repair instead of
emergency repair. We can avoid the emergency response and remediation process should a dielectric fluid
leak occur with the manhole endwall. Additionally, for the present PSC mandated inspection, Transmission
Operations uses a visual inspection process and has limited information in the end wall areas of manholes.
This project will develop an assessment behind the end wall and feeders going through concrete bridge
abutment inspection procedure.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Several of the Con Edison underground High-Pressure Fluid Filled (HPFF) transmission feeders have been in
service for more than 50 years and over the years, dielectric fluid leaks have materialized on the pipes due to
corrosion effects caused largely by disbonded coating. When the pipe coating is damaged and does not
adhere to the surface of the pipe, as in the case of disbonded coating, water penetrates at the interface and
galvanic corrosion of the pipe begins. Cathodic protection systems are installed on the HPFF underground
pipes to prevent corrosion but, cathodic protection systems do not protect steel pipes in cases where
disbonded coating exist and on equipment contained within manhole structures that are subject to
atmospheric conditions. In addition, feeder pipes and joints can settle at manhole locations and when this
occurs, the pipes can come in contact with the concrete wall penetrations and damage to the pipe coating
can occur. Water and moisture will enter the interface where the coating damage has occurred and galvanic
corrosion will also begin (similar to disbonded coating). There have been several instances where dielectric
leaks have occurred within the manhole pipe penetration area(s). If a dielectric fluid leak were to occur
within the end wall, permanent repairs will require that an excavation of the area adjacent to the manhole be
47
performed and the breaking out of the concrete endwalls is required. Remediation of the surrounding soil is
required to meet NYSDEC Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon requirements. A similar type of scenario exists on
HPFF pipes routed through concrete bridge abutments. Due to the increasing number of dielectric fluid leaks
and associated maintenance repair costs of an aging HPFF cable system, a means of determining the amount
of corrosion before a leaks occurs warrants investigation. The proposed R&D project will assist Transmission
Operations, the Asset Management Group of Central Engineering, and the Environmental Health and Safety
Group address this emerging issue.
In Dec 2017, the project demonstrated using reflectometry technique to detect and locate metallic defects
or coating anomalies of buried pipes end wall or immersed in an two feet pipelines. By sending different
frequency signals to metallic conductors and comparing with the response, the test concluded we can detect
the anomaly .
48
TITLE Dielectric Oil Separator (Oil Release Blocker) Demonstration
CSN 90652 POET 22146362 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Frederick Schuepfer
OBJECTIVE
We are required by federal law to use more effective prevention and control technology when available.
Technology developed at Ohio State University's (OSU's) Nanoprobe Laboratory for Bio- and Nanotechnology
and Biomimetics involves a multilayered coating applied to a stainless steel mesh which repels oil but allows
water to pass through. The objective of this project is to bench test this Oil Release Blocker technology under
conditions representative of the Con Edison service territory. In the initial task, OSU will identify and test the
best compounds to use for each of the layers and will subsequently test various mesh creation techniques.
Using these results, the prototype mesh samples will be developed and further tested by Con Edison for all-
season conditions.
BENEFITS
We cannot increase the geographical size of our stations to support the containment of deluge/fire
suppression water system. In addition, technology does not currently exist in the realm of oil/water
separators that would allow us to discharge water without the oil during a station fire. If the OSU invention
turns out to be applicable, even our smallest station would have the ability to safely contain a significant
amount of oil/water. This technology will eliminate substantial cleanup costs, regulatory fines and overall
impact to the environment.
TECHNICAL STATUS
As part of federal and corporate oil spill prevention requirements, Con Edison must provide backup or
“secondary” containment where oil is present. Existing oil spill prevention technology can be expensive,
onerous to maintain, and can create flooding problems. The stakes are high: a serious oil spill to a waterway
can result in substantial fines and cleanup costs, consent order directives which may take years to fulfill, and
damage to our company’s public status and reputation as a good neighbor.
In March 2017 we used two new Con Edison oil sample from transformers and underground feeders for
laboratory demonstration and Ohio State University had delivered 4 layers of Nano practices mesh filters that
can perform water and dielectric oil separation up to 4.8 liters per min flow rate and 18 ppm of dielectric oil
in water.
Con Edison field testing is scheduled for 2nd quarter 2018.
49
TITLE EHV Overhead Feeder Dead End Connector Assessment
CSN 90664 POET 22176345 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Aronld Wong
OBJECTIVE
Dead end connectors failure factors are those which can be attributed to aspects of their service life (e.g. age
of the fitting) and initial installation practices. Other factors relate to mechanical and thermal fatigue. The
failure analysis will use a variety of visual and other laboratory assessment tools and field measurements to
assess a probable cause of failure of the dead-end. By comparing the attributes of the aged unit to the
attributes of a new fitting (of the same type, if available), as well as to a similarly aged unit from the field,
insight can be derived on the condition of the fittings in service and an inspection protocol recommended to
assess and mitigate the in service units.
The objectives of the work are:

1. Determine the cause of failure of the dead-end
2. Determine the condition of similar dead-ends
3. Provide basic information and training on using the Ohmstik device and Infrared cameras
4. Provide best practices for using the Ohmstik device and Infrared cameras when inspecting
compression connectors
5. Analyzing Infrared measurements and data from inspections of dead end connectors
6. Develop a drone demonstration to inspect and asset the dead end connectors using infrared camera
7. Recommend a course of action for assessment and management of the connector population
BENEFITS
From the result of the R&D project, proper specifications can be prepared for future installations and
remedial measures can be taken to avoid potential failures. In addition, inspection protocols can be defined
to detect whether similar dead-ends are in danger of failing. Power utilities using these dead-ends can follow
the procedure in order to operate transmission lines with this type of fittings more reliably and safely.
Interruptions of power supply to their customers are thus reduced.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Most of the overhead transmission lines in the Company have been in services for more than 40 years. A
recent overhead EHV outage involved dropping a conductor because of a dead end connector failure. To
prevent similar incidents from occurring, we would like to develop an assessment tool to determine the
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condition of existing in-service dead end single stage compressed connectors and to develop a population
assessment plan for the remaining connectors in service on the transmission system.
In Nov 2016, R&D introduced the use of Ohmstik to asses connector connectivity and located another dead
end connector that required immediate replacedment and was repair. Ohmstik requires physical lift access
which is not accessible to a few towers. In order to asses the entire dead end connectors along the EHV
feeder route, we used UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) with a wide view thermal sensor for connectivity
assessment. Conventional thermal sensor using a narrow view and calculated the real temperture based on
the uncertin emsivity constant. We had initialed the R&D effort using a wide view thermal comparison usign
relative temperature among all assessories in the same phase in the same tower. In Dec 2016 metallurgical
testing on the two failed dead end connectors had shown that the inhibitors were not applied during
installation.
In Dec 2017, we worked with EPRI to develop a thermal assessment model based on infrared reading and
loading. We plan to develop and test the thermal sensor in 1st quarter 2018 as part of the thermal
assessment model.
51
TITLE Long Standoff Magnetomery Corrosion Detection Demonstration
CSN 90765 POET 22642692 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Ronald Pietrowski
OBJECTIVE
Demonstrate using long standoff magnetometry technique in surveying metallic buried structures for surface
anomalies -
 Task 1 to design a laboratory setup and physical model by emulating the field conditions of buried
pipe with corrosion conditions
 Task 2 to characterize the response of long standoff magnetometry for an existing transmission
feeder in actual field environment; open trench pipes with coating and no coating; and regular
buried pipe in ground.
BENEFITS
leak occur on the buried pipeline.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Several of the Con Edison underground High-Pressure Fluid Filled (HPFF) transmission feeders have been in
service for more than 50 years and over the years, dielectric fluid leaks have materialized on the pipes due to
corrosion effects caused largely by disbonded coating. When the pipe coating is damaged and does not
adhere to the surface of the pipe, as in the case of disbonded coating, water penetrates at the interface and
galvanic corrosion of the pipe begins. Cathodic protection systems are installed on the HPFF underground
pipes to prevent corrosion but, cathodic protection systems do not protect steel pipes in cases where
disbonded coating exist and on equipment contained within manhole structures that are subject to
atmospheric conditions.
Due to the increasing number of dielectric fluid leaks and associated maintenance repair costs of an aging
HPFF cable system, a means of determining the amount of corrosion before a leak occurs warrants
investigation. The proposed R&D project will assist Transmission Operations, the Mechanical Engineering
Group of Central Engineering, and the Environmental Health and Safety Group address this emerging issue.
In Nov 2017, we demonstrated using long standoff magnetometry technique to detect and locate metallic
defects on buried pipes in laboratory. We will plan to schedule field test by 1st quarter 2018.
52
TITLE Disbonded Coating Detection Field Validation
CSN 90668 POET 22363074 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Mark Bauer
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to demonstrate and validate using the AC variable impedance methodology to detect coating
anomalies on buried pipes -
Task 1 Selecting pipelines and determining hardware set up in field conditions
Task 2 Testing, calibrating, and establishing essential parameters in field or large scale conditions; using pipe
with no failures as a baseline and testing pipe that contains disbonded coating failures
Task 3 Issuing field test report.
BENEFITS
leak occur.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Various High Pressure Fluid-Filled (HPFF) feeders on the Con Edison Transmission System, especially feeders
M51-M52 and 18001-02 have experienced dielectric fluid leaks that were caused by the shielding effect of
disbonded coating on the pipe. When the coating is not adhered to the surface of the pipe, water can
penetrate under it and support galvanic corrosion of the pipe surface. This condition is one that cannot be
overcome by the application of cathodic protection because the coating prevents cathodic protection current
from reaching the pipe surface. Disbonded coating has occurred on pipes that were coated with coal tar
enamel or somatic (asphalt) coating. Since the 1980’s Con Edison has been using extruded polyolefin coating
which has not developed similar problems to date.
In 2017, we had completed disbonded coating testing for five spans of underground HPFF feeders and
completed result validation for one span and received good result. The validation requires detail and
extensive constructio package for excavation. In 2018 we will continue the validation process. In addition
we discovered stray voltage on the underground buried pipe which led to rapid corrosion on the pipe. We
plan to develop and install stary voltage sensor for underground pipe in 1st quarter 2018.
53
TITLE 138 kV Transition Joint Qualification Test
CSN 90778 POET 22671523 TASK 0001
OBJECTIVE
Phase 1 Design and manufacture of prototype HPFF/XLPE cable transition joint.
Phase 2 Perform electrical design tests on prototype transition joint in a laboratory setting, simulating actual
field conditions. The goal is to determine the detectability of failure conditions and failure
mechanism on the designed transition joint.
** If detectable failure of prototype transition joint occurs, the cause of the failure will be properly
documented and analyzed. The transition joint prototype will be re-designed based on the failure
analysis and re-tested.
Phase 3 Manufacture proposed transition joint and perform Qualification Test at a third party laboratory with
simulation of actual field conditions. The transition joint will be subjected to tests that include, but
are not limited to:
a. Partial Discharge test.

b. Tangent Delta measurement.
c. Heating cycle voltage test.
d. DC withstand test.
e. Impulse test
f. Power frequency voltage test.
The transition joint will undergo extensive analysis and examination as part of the qualification testing
procedure and will be dissected upon completion of all tests. Final test report and dissection analysis will be
issued to Con Edison for review and comments.
BENEFITS
The main benefit of this initiative is reliability enhancements of our transmission system and environmental
excellence.. Potential benefits expected from this pilot demonstration include: elimination of dielectric oil
leaks which result in significant reduction in the operation and maintenance costs, greater flexibility in the
Company's strategic options; effective resource allocations, and increased customer satisfaction
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TECHNICAL STATUS
The Con Edison power transmission system is mainly built on High-Pressure Fluid Filled (HPFF) cable circuits.
Approximately 575 miles out of a total of 690 miles of underground transmission cables are HPFF. The
average age of these underground cable systems is about 47 years. The oldest feeders currently in service are
around 70 years old.
HPFF transmission feeders are a critical component of our electric system. They are composed of many cable
sections connected by splices (joints) in underground manholes. Failures in these joints can cause extensive
and expensive service outages and repairs. Additionally, only one supplier of HPFF pipe-type cables exists in
the world today. Consequentially, HPFF cable replacement is not always a feasible option when performing
cable restoration.
To counter, in a cost-effective manner, the inevitable repairs that are required of pipe-type systems,
transition joint between HPFF and XLPE cables is essential. For this reason, it must be available upon demand.
It is necessary to design and implement this type of transition joint to ensure the standard reliability of the
Con Edison power delivery system. Additionally, such a venture would result in fewer cost expenditures for
maintenance and/or installation of increasingly limited supply HPFF pipe-type cables.
In 2017, Con Edison was working with two different manafacturers on the 138 kV transition joints
development. The first manafacturer had failed twice in the electrical qualification test in North America’s
laboratory and decided to re-design with different material and move the testing facility to Eurpoe and
qualification test is schedule for 3rd quarter 2018. The second manafacturer had scheduled qualification test
for 2nd quarter 2018 in Asia.
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TITLE Underground Transmission Feeders Digital Imaging Study
CSN 96250 POET 20876527 TASK 0001
OBJECTIVE
Corporate Goals:
1. Maintain the reliability of our transmission systems and improve their efficiency and safety.
2. Improve the quality of our normal operating practices and readiness to deal with emergencies.
BENEFITS
The results of these tests will assist Transmission Feeders Engineering and Transmission Operations in the
development of a long range strategy for the targeted replacement and/or modification of critical
transmission assets.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Transmission feeders are a critical component of our electrical system. They comprise hundreds of cable
sections connected by splices (joints) in underground manholes. Failures in these joints can cause extensive
and expensive service outages and repairs. Therefore, periodic inspection of feeder joints for potential failure
indications (shielding and insulation disruptions) becomes necessary.
Currently, the only feasible inspection method of feeder joints without service disruption has been
conventional x-ray imaging, utilizing radioactive isotope sources with film as the imaging medium. There are
several limitations to this approach including difficulties in interpreting image, limited dynamic range, long
inspection times and lack of digital image for review and filing.
To address these issues, modern digital x-ray technology such as computed tomography, that provide three-
dimensional images of structures, rather than the two-dimensional ones of conventional X-ray imaging will
be developed, tested and if successful, implemented as service maintenance tool. The results of these tests
will assist Transmission Feeders Engineering and Transmission Operations in the development of a long range
strategy for the targeted replacement and/or modification of critical transmission assets.
In November 2017, Transmission Engineering, together with Transmission Operations and the R&D
Department successfully tested new 3D x-ray inspection technique on 345kV Feeder in manhole. A special
rotating skid was designed and installed around joint casing to house and rotate x-ray machine with precision
of 0.5 degree. The patented computer software, developed for this application, can separate front and back
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images, which allow us to perform 360º Computer Tomography (CT) on the joint with rotation angle limited
to 220º due to manhole’s physical constrains. The inspection was perform while the feeder was in service.
This is the first time a full mobile CT industrial inspection was performed in a manhole with challenges such
as a tight space with limited angle accessibility.
The CT inspection will not only creates 3D image of the joint for inspection and analysis, but also allow us to
have multiple cross-sectional joint views and separately inspect joint layers based on material density
(copper, paper, lead, steel, etc.). The new ability and additional data will help us more accurately assess
condition of transmission cable joints and determine right course of action. This will be a perfect example of
adopting precise medical technology in our industry. This project is scheduled to be closed out in 1st quarter
2018.
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TITLE HPFF Joint casings Corrosion Protection Aging Test
CSN 99866 POET 21726098 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Thomas Villani
OBJECTIVE
Corrosion tests will be performed on joint casing with corrosion tapes or epoxy. These casings will be
exposed to conditions similar to the field or manhole conditions to determine the life expectancy of the
corrosion protections.
Tasks:
• Conducting an aging test to provide aging conditions on different methods used to protect the joint
casings from corrosion.
• Determining the life expectancy of each corrosion proof method
• Final report to include methodology and testing results.
BENEFITS
The main benefit of this initiative is improved environmental performance by proactively detecting
disbonded coating and preventing dielectric fluid release to the environment. In addition, this initiative will
enhance the reliability of our transmission system. Potential benefits expected from this pilot demonstration
include: significant reduction in the operation and maintenance costs during normal and emergency
conditions, greater flexibility in the Company’s strategic options, effective resource allocations, and increased
customer satisfaction.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Various HPFF feeders on the Con Edison Transmission System have experienced dielectric fluid leaks that
were caused by the shielding effect of disbonded coating on the pipe. When the coating is not adhered to
the surface of the pipe, water can penetrate under it and support galvanic corrosion of the pipe surface. This
condition is one that cannot be overcome by the application of cathodic protection because the coating
prevents cathodic protection current from reaching the pipe surface. Disbonded coating only occurred to the
pipes that were coated with coal tar enamel or somatic (asphalt) coating. Since the 1980’s Con Edison had
been using extruded polyolefin coating on which similar problem has not been developed. Coating
delamination or coating blistering are produced by environmental conditions and they can be exacerbated by
inadequate cathodic protection design, there, the correct application and monitoring of these coatings under
working conditions is mandatory for a reliable pipeline system.
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Coating can be damaged by handling during pipe storage, transportation, installation, developed later in
service by transient over-voltage, by high operating temperature, by external agents such as chemicals in the
ground, by dig-ins, in addition, external parts adjacent to the pipe line such as valves and casings.
In Dec 2017, we had prepared and sent joint casing to the laboratory. In 1st quarter 2018, we will conduct
an aging test to provide aging conditions on different methods used to protect the joint casings from
corrosion and determine the life expectancy of each corrosion proof method.
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TITLE Transmission Manhole Oil Minder
CSN 99974 POET 21164235 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Mark Bauer
AUTHORIZED $375,000 (Scope change - Pending increase) EXP. THROUGH 2017 $422,476
OBJECTIVE
1. Develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a capacitance sensing detector capable of detecting of
presence of dielectric fluid and water, and determining the volume percentage of the dielectric fluid.
2. The sensing system is battery supplied for 6 months.
3. Ability to provide a wireless transmit of detector output to drive/walk by from inside the manhole
without the opening of the manhole cover.
4. Sensors will be tested in the vendor’s facility.
5. Sensors will be tested in Con Edison manholes for 6 months.
BENEFITS
Enhanced leak detection and analysis will result in the following:
1. Reduced environmental impact.
2. Improved overall transmission feeder reliability.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Currently Con Edison uses Gas Chromatography instrumentation to pinpoint dielectric fluid leaks. This
pinpointing process is often hindered by PFT entering nearby facilities such as electric duct banks, sewers,
and subway tunnels. In addition, protection plates in shallow areas often cause migrating PFT to be diverted,
complicating pinpointing of the exact location of leaks as well. When the PFT locating process fails, a crew
needs to be dispatched to inspect the manholes along the feeder route to check for dielectric oil leak. This
requires local area traffic control and opening of manhole cover. This R&D project will address the above
problems and by demonstrating the use of capacitance sensors system to detect the presence of dielectric oil
inside the manhole and send remote notification locally without opening the manhole cover. The prototype
will include two six feet capacitance sensing strips, and control systems. The sensing strips are comprised of
one foot module and capable of differentiate between dielectric oil and motor oil, and water. The control
system is capable to report the percentage of water vs dielectric oil inside the manhole, sending report on
998provide manhole dielectric oil finding condition wireless locally without opening the manhole cover. In
Feb 2017, twenty-three oil minders had been installed in separate manhole along a pair of EHV HPFF feeders.
The next step is to demonstrated the real time monitoring capaility of the oil minder and setup an early
warning system for dielectric leak detection and locating.
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In 3rd quarter 2017, we discovered most of the oil minders that were installed in the manholes had stopped
working due to the harsh condition inside manhole.
In 1st quarter 2018, we plan to integrate the existing oil minder dielectric oil sensors with distribution
structure monitoring device which had proven surviabilty inside manhole. 2nd quarter 2018 we plan to
integrate the oil minder with thermal and regular imarging capability.
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TITLE Real Time Condition Assessment of Aging HV Transition Joint
CSN 99906 POET 21588809 TASK 0001
OBJECTIVE
Task 1. Perform an on-line Partial Discharge measurement test for six existing feeders on the Queens side of
the bridge to ascertain the cable and joint condition along the bridge.
Task 2. Install a real-time PD recording device on the transition joint for one of the HV feeder for a six
months trial period. The transition joint had failed and a PD sensor lead will be installed during the
repair that is was completed Aug 2015. The PD recording device will be self-powered and capable to
provide remote reporting.
Task 3. Repeat the on-line Partial Discharge measurement test in three and six months intervals for trending
purpose.
Task 4. Determine the transition joint PD recording device installation will become permanent based on
historical data.
BENEFITS
Any opening of Queensboro bridge solid dielectric transmission joint, installed in a steel pipe, for inspection
will cost company at least $2 million including special scaffolding system assembly, and not including system
outage time. The non-intrusive PD inspection technique will assist the decision of prioritize joint repair and
eliminate inspection outage requirements.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Con Edison has six 138 kV High Pressure Fluid Filled Feeders (HPFF) across the Queensboro bridge. In order
to prevent dielectric fluid leaks into the river, Con Edison subsequently replaced the bridge sections of these
feeders with solid dielectric (SD) cables and connected them to the existing HPFF cables with transition joints
on both sides of the bridge. A total of six Solid Dielectric (SD) feeders in pipe were originally placed in service
in 1997 traversing from Queens to Manhattan directly under the deck of the Queensboro Bridge. Each feeder
has a joint located on the Queens anchor span and another joint located on the Manhattan anchor span of
the bridge.
We had experienced a number of regular joints and transition joints failure in the spring and summer of
2015. The root causes of the failures were determined to be inadequate cable support in combination with
cable movement and load cycling, resulting in a failure of the bonding connection. The failed bonding
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connection then caused damage to the shielding, semi-conductive layer, and insulation. These signs raised
concern about the status of existing cables
In Sept 2016, we installed a real time partial discharge measurement system in one of the transition joint
manhole to ascertain the joint condition.
The project is scheduled to be closed out in 1st quarter 2018.
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TITLE Next Generation Substation Battery Demonstration
CSN 90604 POET 22270906 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electrical - Substations
PROJECT LEAD Malaj Halim
OBJECTIVE
Objective of this project is to demonstrate and document performance of the new battery technology that
will provide same or better reliability and design life as traditional FLA battery, will be less maintenance
intensive, and will have comparable cost. New battery technologies and systems have emerged that require
much lower maintenance and come with monitoring systems. Installation of new technology has has yet to
be proved in utility environment. It is not acceptable from substation reliability point of view. Therefore, a
new battery system will be installed in TLC, as a part of the Substation Simulator, currently under
construction. Battery performance will be monitored and documented in course of Substation Operations
personnel training.
BENEFITS
Less inspection and maintenance time will be spent on substation batteries.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) batteries are currently used as a power supply for relay protection and control in
substations. This technology has been around since first power plants and substations were built over 100
years ago. FLA batteries proved to be reliable and long-lasting, with design life 15 - 20 years; however, they
require relatively frequent maintenance and inspection. Batteries in many Con Edison stations, subject to
NERC PRC-005 standard, also must be either monitored or dischsrge-tested every 5 years, to determine their
capacity. Monitoring systems are comparable in price and maintenance needs to the battery itself; discharge-
testing is expensive and reduces battery life. While there are existing battery technologies that require low
or no maintenance, their costs substantially exceed traditional FLA batteries.
In 2017,the project team identified zink-air technology as the one that has potential to replace FLA batteries
based on criteria described above, developed requirements and worked with vendor to develop prototype.
Team traveled to vendor’s lab for factory acceptance testing, which did not provide expected results. The
vendor is looking for improvements to their technology to fully comply with specified requirements.
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TITLE High Voltage Testing During Fire Suppression
CSN 90786 POET 22712676 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Christopher Bentley
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to replicate a specific real-world scenario of selected fire suppression nozzles
directed at an in-service transformer. The fire suppression system will be replicated in the laboratory and one
phase of the transformer will be replicated through the deployment of a single bushing and a post insulator.
A ground plane will be positioned to replicate the electric fields in the air from the two adjacent phases that
would be present on the in-service transformer. The results of this test will provide a valuable data-point on
this specific scenario. Further research would build on this scenario by replicating different suppression
schemes and system voltages.
BENEFITS
Taking transformers out of service is associated with reducing system reliability and equipment availability. It
also takes operating personnel time to plan and execute outage, which may be avoided by confirming that
outages are not required for live testing of suppression systems.
TECHNICAL STATUS
There are many instances when substation would need to test a fire suppression system on a transformer
without the need to take an outage on the transformer. There is thus a compelling need to understand
whether such a test would cause a flashover of the transformer insulation during the fire suppression test.
Test plan was developed and tests performed in vendor’s HV lab. Final report from the vendor received and is
under review.
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TITLE Superconducting cable and fault current limiter demo at Dunwoodie
CSN 92721 POET 10064342 TASK 0414
PROJECT LEAD Zachary Wolff
AUTHORIZED $5,400,000 EXP. THROUGH 2017 $1,294,059
OBJECTIVE
Based on an opportunity offered by the Department of Homeland Security and American Superconductor,
Con Edison is finalizing plans for a combined demonstration of a superconducting cable and fault current
limiting capability that would enable network to network interconnections and more effective sharing of
assets between substations to improve the resiliency and reliability of the New York City grid. The program is
developing for demonstration a new type of inherently fault current limiting superconducting cable, and will
also include parallel development efforts for a 13kV 4000 amp stand alone fault current limiter
• Con Edison is supportive of superconducting technology, because we see superconducting as a way to

meet the special needs of dense urban utilities with regard to severe underground physical congestion
routing between substations and future potential for size reductions of specific devices like power
transformers.
• Superconducting technology could also support advanced substation and interconnection designs that
would allow us to route larger amounts of power between substations, feeders and networks, improving
asset utilization by helping us to make more effective shared use of resources.
• In particular, we are focused on a rapid development and deployment of new functionalities like fault
current limiters, which we believe will be a critical enabling technology to support "open access",
transmission capacity additions, protection of FACTS devices from close proximity faults, energy storage,
and distributed and aggregate generation.
• A fault current limiter added in series with a superconducting cable can improve the superconducting
cable's performance and enable smaller cable size supporting less costly retro-fit installations.
• Rugged, repeatable, quick recovery fault current limiters are also needed to give selected distributed
generators an advanced option to remain available to serve peak loads following an external fault.
• Reducing fault currents will also reduce the mechanical and thermal stresses of "through faults" on all of
the existing electrical infrastructure that these fault currents pass through.
• Cryogenics fordevices of smaller size (less length) like fault current limiters and relatively short substation
to substation interties would seem to be more like already commercial superconducting motors,
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synchronous condensers (SuperVAR) and MRls than cables and once installed in a substation, cryogenics
could potentially be used in other ways to extend non-superconducting equipment ratings and life.
• We also believe in the need to accelerate fault current limiting functionality, and to that end support the
development of a number of fault current limiting technologies at multiple voltage levels.
BENEFITS
The capability to share assets between substations would enable the current 3G-System of the Future
architecture concept and greatly facilitate it's application and evolution into existing substation
interconnection designs.
TECHNICAL STATUS
As a separate task within this project, Silicon Power was selected and approved by VENDOR and DHS to
complete design, assembly and testing of the first of a kind 13 kV 4000 amp stand-alone Solid State FCL
device in accordance with the planned construction schedule.
In 2011 - Silicon Power assembled and tested SS FCL at independent lab KEMA. Device passed functional and
thermal testing, but failed dielectric tests. Completion of design and construction of fully functional device is
being planned as a collaborative effort with VENDOR and interested utilities. VENDOR successfully tested 25
m long prototype superconducting cable at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and started manufacture of the
170 m long cable. Test results and project progress were presented at vendor Superconductivity conference
in October, as well as at the project meeting with DHS and Con Edison personnel.
In 2012, engineering design of the complete system, which includes superconducting cable with special
terminations, cryogenic refrigeration system, circuit breakers, reactor, bypass cable and switches, bus work,
protection and control systems, was completed for the purposes of obtaining construction permit from local
Department of Buildings and procurement of equipment. All required documentation, including drawings and
specifications, was submitted to the city of Yonkers authorities. Detailed design for construction will be
completed after permit is obtained and purchase orders for the equipment are issued to vendors.
In 2013, detailed design of all equipment and its installation was completed and PO’s for equipment issued.
New estimate based on detailed design and actual vendors quotes completed, which showed significant
potential overruns.
In 2014, value engineering analysis led to project redesign, with some equipment PO’s suspended or
cancelled. New cost-sharing agreement with VENDOR was drafted.
In 2015, negotiations of the new cost-sharing agreement with VENDOR continued.
In 2016, due to lack of progress in cost-sharing agreement negotiations, the project was terminated and
closed-out.
In 2017, materials procured in previous years for the project construction remained in storage, being re-
purposed for other project needs when the opportunity presents itself.
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TITLE Demonstration of remote breaker racking systems
CSN 92736 POET 20707502 TASK 0001
OBJECTIVE
Central Operations' Breaker Peer Team, the SSO Training Effectiveness Committee, and the SSO Safety
Committee have been working together with various vendors to develop a system that would eliminate arc
flash hazard during breaker racking operation. The CBS ArcSafe remote racking systems allow service
personal to be outside the arc flash protection boundary, increasing safety from arc flash hazards and thus
reducing the need for a full-body arc flash hazard suit.
BENEFITS
Expected benefit is increased employee safety due to elimination of possibility of injuries caused by arc flashes
during manual racking of breakers in and out of switchgear cubicles. Remote racking will keep employees away
from arc flash protection boundary defined by OSHA and NFPA-70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace). After evaluation of devices' operation in various select substations, if it is deemed useful and
practical, recommendation will be made for implementation of this new technology Company-wide.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Arc flash hazard has been always recognized by industry and OSHA as one of the most serious dangers to
employees working with electrical equipment, because consequences of arc flash may lead to serious injuries
and even death. Protection for employees operating electrical equipment is being provided by personal
protective equipment (PPE), equipment design, establishing safe operating procedures and other means. One
of the possibilities of employees' exposure to arc flash arises when performing breaker racking operation,
due to either operating errors or equipment failure. There have been instances when employees wearing
prescribed PPE were still injured, and using PPE of the higher level of protection, such as full-body suit, is
usually associated with loss of mobility and reducing visibility, which is interfering with employees ability to
perform the task at hand.
In 2014 - 2016, 3 various systems were designed, procured and demonstrated by the project team. Successful
demonstration led to Company-wide adoption of the equipment by Substation Operations and Generating
plants. Equipment procured by the project was recognized by user organizations as useful and being used,
and was capitalized. Decision was made to proceed with the next phase of the project, to develop remotely
controlled robotic breaker racking device, capable of removing and inserting breakers into switchgear
cubicles. In 2017, Phase 2 of the project commenced after selecting vendor through bidding process. Design
in progress.
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TITLE Demonstration of 138 kV MGC Bus System at Elmsford Substation
CSN 99786 POET 21991536 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD David Korovin
OBJECTIVE
Project objective is to resolve bus tripout issue by alternative means, providing bus system reliability by
technically feasible means. Existing open-air aluminum pipe type bus will be replaced by DURESCA busbar -
fully insulated busbar system, type RIP - resin impregnated paper, manufactured by MGC Moser-Glaser AG of
Switzerland. System will be designed, manufactured, installed, tested and commissioned by MGC, under Con
Edison Engineering and Substation Operations oversight.
BENEFITS
The project will increase reliable operation of Elmsford substation and 4 other adjacent substations,
interconnected via feeder 38W34.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Elmsford s/s, the bus run from the A phase pothead on feeder 38W34 runs adjacent to highway 287. The
highway retaining wall is approx. 25 feet from the bus run and approx 25 feet high. This bus run to sect 1E is
approx 15 feet high. We have had 2 tripouts on this section, caused by snow and salt being plowed on
highway 287 and going over the retaining wall. The snow and salt tracks down the porcelain insulators,
causing tripouts. This causes a major feeder outage, affecting 4 stations (reference - Engineering Service
Request #2418). Construction of the protective wall between the bus and highway was found non-feasible,
since its installation within property line may reduce NESC-mandated clearances. Substation Engineering has
suggested an alternative solution - installation of insulated busbar system.
In 2017, insulated bus section design was finalized, equipment procured and installed.
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TITLE Development of Line Groups System for Bulk Electric System Fault Analysis
CSN 99928 POET 21444529 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Don Burkart
OBJECTIVE
As Con Edison continues to install Disturbance Monitoring Equipment (DME), such as digital fault (DFR) and
sequence event (SER) recorders, these devices continue to produce substantial amounts of data.
Furthermore, with recent regulatory requirements more and more DMEs are being installed. The problem
today is that these devices do not organize and provide data based on installed equipment (lines, feeders,
breakers, transformers, capacitor banks).To address the problem, Softstuf developed a new software
technology to fully automate the process of preparing data for fault analysis. Softstuf further integrated the
new technology into the Wavewin software which provides the added benefit of reducing analysis time by
allowing experts to use advanced components to calculate and confirm fault location information. The new
technology is called Line Groups. Softstuf will provide support services to help Con Edison implement Line
Groups for their DME installations using the Wavewin Software. Con Edison has already procured a corporate
license for the Wavewin software so no licensing fees are required. The provided support services include
programming, configuration, testing, and training services.
BENEFITS
Line Groups are invaluable for automation and the organizational benefits for analysis are extraordinary.
Time for calculating, confirming and trending fault location will be reduced from hours to minutes. Also, Line
Groups enable automatic calculation of fault location using both single and double ended methods. Time for
calculating and confirming fault location is further reduced. The collective benefits will provide measurable
enhancements in CAIDI and SAIFI metrics as well as provide compliance with NERC DME data management
and reporting requirements.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2015 vendor submitted three milestone deliverables:
 Detailed specifications and requirements for the system,
 Line groups development – on-demand process,
 Reports development – on-demand process.
In 2017 vendor submitted two more milestone deliverables:

 Line groups development – automatic process,
 Reports development – automatic process.
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TITLE Demonstration of Battery Monitoring System
CSN 99801 POET 21923635 TASK 0001
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to install a remote battery monitoring system at a pilot location at E. 13th
Street Substation. This pilot installation will be used to test the success of the system before future
installations are made at other Con Edison substations and power plants. The accepted monitoring system
will be reliable, cost effective, and have low maintenance requirements and will integrate with any type of
battery system. Con Edison uses both Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) and Vented Lead-Acid (VLA) battery
systems, so the monitoring equipment shall have the capability of being installed on both of these types and
shall have the capability of being installed with new batteries or retrofitted to existing ones.
BENEFITS
The implementation of the remote battery monitoring system will reduce the number of hours by operating
personnel for taking manual readings. This system will also decrease the amount of time that engineering
and support groups will take to create reports which will be submitted to NERC to ensure compliance.
TECHNICAL STATUS
There are many battery systems throughout the Con Edison system, specifically in Substations. Batteries are
maintenance intensive assets which requires work for operating personnel as well as engineering and
mangement oversight for review of inspection data. A large number of batteries fall under NERC PRC-005
requirements. To meet these requirements, Con Edison personnel must either discharge test every 5 years
or be able to effectively assess battery condition using impedance readings. Discharge testing is expensive
and can shorten the life span of the battery. Another option to discharge testing is to install a monitoring
system which meets all of the requirements to ensure NERC complicance. The monitoring system will
remove the necessity for field personnel to take manual readings at the batteries for routine maintenance
which can be time consuming and ergonomically difficult depending on the battery room configuration. Also,
the system will alert the station of any potential issues so that it can be resolved in a timely manner. The
system will also provide a means to create reports which must be submitted to NERC.
In 2017, Central Engineering and R&D developed detailed requirements and specifications for battery
monitoring systems and issued RFP. Monitoring system was designed in collaboration with selected vendor
and procured. Installation is planned in Q1 of 2018.
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TITLE Transmission Modernization Demonstration
CSN 99841 POET 21805596 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Matthew Walther
OBJECTIVE
Con Ed is utilizing the 13th Street Substation as a pilot site to demonstrate the concept of a “Smart
Substation” where the data integration and communications infrastructure will be installed to collect, store
and analyze data from multiple monitoring technologies. This effort will focus on the development and
implementation of algorithms, alerts and alarms that will utilize the collected data to improve reliability and
reduce maintenance costs. In a substation there are transformers, breakers, switches, arresters, bushings,
bus bars, relays, control panels, current and voltage transformers, battery systems, etc. A visual inspection
may not point to the internal problems developing inside these assets. Hence, the need for continuous or
frequent monitoring of key parameters and analysis of the monitored data to identify evolving problems
before the situation gets out of control. Equipment failures can lead to outages on the network, thereby,
impacting reliability and affecting customers directly or indirectly. Hence, it will be of immense value to
monitor, and gauge the health of the assets and assess impending problems. If implemented correctly
problem may be fixed at their infancy, downtimes can be reduced and reliability will be enhanced.
BENEFITS
Benefits provided by this project may be described as improved quality of information and situational
awareness by allowing field forces and Engineering to see information analyzed by various algorythms, hence
better quality of decision along with improved timing, which will lead to higher productivity and safety, as
well as lower O&M costs.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2017 following tasks were completed by VENDOR in collaboration with Con Edison’s Engineers:
Task 1 - Asset Health Diagnostic Algorithms
Task 2 - Protection and control technology transfer
Task 3 - Insulator Contamination Monitoring – Upgraded leakage current sensors at E 13. Street Substation
72
TITLE Substation Operations Simulator
CSN 99909 POET 21546317 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Mark SanAntonio
OBJECTIVE
With the high level of turnover and increased retirement of experienced personnel, it is becoming more
challenging than ever to retain and transfer their knowledge and skills. With a training simulator at TLC,
nearly every department in Central Operations will benefit from being able to see and operate real field
equipment in a controlled environment. Currently, training is being done using text books, table top exercises
and field visits.
BENEFITS
Substation Operators and Mechanics, as well as other Central Operations personnel will benefit from the
training that replicates real field experience, in a safe and controlled environment. The simulator will
facilitate knowledge transfer, and also will serve as a testbed for development and implementation of new
ideas in substations design, operations and maintenance.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2015, design of the training simulator was completed.It is based on a typical 138kv string of circuit breaker
with disconnect switches on both sides, connecting transformer to pothead or buswork. Disconnect switches
and pothead support structure have been installed and circuit breaker was sent to ABB for refurbishment. In
2016, the circuit breaker was refurbished by ABB, delivered to TLC and installed on the pad.
In 2017, installation of conduits for electrical wiring and civil work, which included constructing of the
retaining walls and filling the space between two concrete pads, as well as other minor work for personnel
safety (signs, railings and steps) were completed.
73
TITLE Public Safety Equipment Failure Prediction and Prevention Enhancement
CSN 90389 POET 22885948 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electrical - Distribution
PROJECT LEAD Colleen Murach,

Alexander Dornhelm
OBJECTIVE
Engage contract infrastructure inspectors to perform targeted detail inspections and data capture for 200
underground structures and approximately 100 building services (overhead). After success of the infrared
inspection enhancement program, we seek continued ways to extract added value from infrastructure
inspections. Through new technology and improved analytic processes and troubleshooting, we will collect
information on proactive detection of cable failure. This project will gather information on the types and
conditions of structure covers, audit the types of facilities we have on our system such as cover type, collect
current and voltage measurements for detection of dangerous open neutral conditions, install missing
fairleaders where feasible, and collect and analyze high speed Eulerian video to reveal temporal variations in
videos that are difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye and display them in an indicative manner.
BENEFITS
Low voltage distribution equipment failure continues to be an identified Enterprise Risk, public safety risk,
and risk to Con Edison employees. Con Edison actions have driven reduction in explosions, reduction in CO
events, and reduction in ENEs since 2007 over ten years; but more is needed - smoking manholes and fires
have increased, and ENEs are not where they need to be. This project will determine if new technology and
improved analytic processes and troubleshooting can cost effectively predict and prevent equipment failures.
Data is not yet available to scope the work or predict the cost of mobilization and this project will provide
that data.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress - Field work is substantially complete. Collected data is being compiled and analyzed by subject
matter experts too discover what causes and effects can be inferred from the raw data leading to
recommendations for per-mobilization field trials.
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TITLE Manhole Control and Containment for Public Safety
CSN 90404 POET 21085053 TASK 0001
DURATION 9/2/2014 to 9/2019 ENGINEER Serena Lee
PROJECT LEAD Rongzhi Li
OBJECTIVE
Full-element limiters are installed throughout our underground networks for the purpose of fault isolation to
underground mains when they fail. In some cases, the faulted cables may clear slowly or not at all depending
on the fault current. This protracted clearing can lead and/or contribute to underground secondary events
such as burnouts, manhole fires, manhole exposions, CO evacuations and energized equipment. A pilot
program is being initiated that will install half-element limiters to approximately 100 engineering selected
mid-block structures in order to evaluate their effectiveness at manhole event risk reduction.
BENEFITS
The program primary objective is to reduce the number of MHEs and ENEs by employing new techniques
and/or practices. These proactive approaches will find defects before they become expensive problems and
lessen the severity of MHEs thus allowing for scheduled repairs. As a result, the Company should realize
significant cost avoidance due to fewer wipeouts, property damages and injuries.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2017, we created a bulletin, B-304 for pilot installation of half-element limiters and published in
Distribution Engineering procedure website. A total of 60 half element limiters were purchased. The project
was presented to underground crews. In 2017, a total of 6 structures were completed with ½ limiters
installed.
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TITLE Manhole Event Prevention System - Trial
CSN 90498 POET 22117753 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Tomasz Faryna
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to pilot the Manhole Event Prevention Systems with data logging equipment
in two adjusted underground structures (manholes) located on Con Edison Van Nest property. The system
consist of a flexible sleeve equipped with electrical powered air fan rated 65 CFM. The fan exchanges air
movement inside the structure and air exchange from outside. Data monitoring system will record and
transmit data regarding concentration of selected gases in the structure. A trace gas such as CO2 and N2 will
be injected into the structure’s ducts to monitor effectiveness of structure ventilation. The system can be
easy retrofitted to existing company UG structures. It is waterproof and also easily removable for accessing a
structure.
BENEFITS
The program primary objective is to reduce the number of MHEs by ventilating the combustible gases that
may be generated when an electric arc burns. We anticipate this will result in a decrease in the number of
incidents of manhole fires and explosions by reducing the combustible gases concentration within the
manhole structure. The Company should realize significant cost avoidance due to fewer wipeouts, property
damages and injuries.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The data loggers with gas sensors (O2, CO2, CO, CH4) were installed in 3 manholes located in Cable and Splice
Center. Manholes are connected with underground concrete 5” duct system (9 ducts per structure). The
active vent system was used for test performance in central and left manhole only. The trace gas CO2 was
injected in left structure. The gas was injected at pressure of 40PSI for 5 min (approx. 25 CFM). The data
collected by loggers were compared; the natural ventilation to the active ventilation system installed in the
central or the right structure.
The data comparison indicates trace gas concentration 5 times lower for the same ventilation period with
active ventilation when compared to natural process for all three structures.
Also the speed of ventilation with active system is almost 20 time faster compare to natural ventilation.
Based on the numbers the active ventilation brings significant improvement of air exchange in the structures
and it reduces accumulation of toxic or combustible gasses. A more detailed report will be delivered in 2018.
76
TITLE 15kV 40kA Submersible Vacuum Fault Interrupter with Grounding Position
CSN 90595 POET 22285331 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Leeman Hong
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to procure and install two SCADA enabled vacuum fault interrupters with 3
position switches, SCADA control boxes, and hand held control pendants. These will be used as a field test for
viability for future use. These interrupters with integrated switches can only be installed on 15kV and below,
and will be installed in Westchester/Bronx as that area does not exceed that criteria. Additionally, all
operations of the interrupter, opening the visible switch, and grounding can be done electrically remotely,
which allows for crews from various regions to perform operations as no special equipment is needed. These
interrupters will be used to ground the feeder, leaving a portion of it alive, and allow for gloved work (instead
of hot stick only). Once installed, various metrics will be evaluated to determine future use.
BENEFITS
The use of the interrupter with 3 position switch will reduce feeder processing time, allow for the a portion of
the feeder to remain in service, and improve NRI. Additionally, this product does fault interruption without
SF6 as an insulation medium.
TECHNICAL STATUS
We finalized the design criteria in the 4Q of 2017. The switch is currently being built. We have engaged a
vendor into prototyping a dual bushing for processing. Currently we are finalizing the requisition. Because
this technology introduce auto-isolation on a feeder, we are working with the rule book committee, system
operations and the local control center to come up with demarcations of authority. The next steps will be,
creation of the applicable alarms and screens for the control centers.
77
TITLE Underground Splicing Machine Development - Phase 2
CSN 90646 POET 22157931 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Maggie Chow
OBJECTIVE
A predecessor project demonstrated proof-of-concept. This follow-on project will enable a step change in
process, i.e. develop machine to live end cap feeder in a manhole; bypassing positive feeder identification
and placement and removal of additional protective grounds required for workers since a splicing machine
would not be subject to worker safety rules.
Construct and demonstrate a field prototype:

o Task 1: Establish Requirements and Conceptual Design
o Task 2: Create Detailed Design and Select Components
o Task 3: Fabricate Prototype
o Task 4: Test, Optimize and Demonstrate at Cable and Splice Center of Excellence
o Task 5: Field Test in Street Manhole and Report Results
BENEFITS
Envisioned benefits are improved reliability resulting from reduced supply system stress and reduced feeder
outage duration as a result of bypassing positive identification and placement and removal of otherwise-
required additional grounds around the work location.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress – Detailed design was completed for the field trial version, a smaller, field-durable machine that
delivers increased precision and speed. Follow-on work continues towards fabrication of the field
demonstration unit.
78
TITLE Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Storm Response
CSN 90845 POET 22958714 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Erica LeCount
OBJECTIVE
This research project seeks to identify the value and limitations of using UAS for storm damage assessment
on the electric distribution system and evaluate new methods, technologies, and approaches that will
advance feasibility of using UAS for storm damage assessment. We will engage other collaborating utilities
via an EPRI supplemental project to gather and share knowledge and experiences and work:
1. Capture the current best practices and lessons learned
2. Establish a test procedure and environment.
3. Evaluate local or line-of-sight restricted techniques, processes, and methods.
4. Evaluate long distance or Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS)
5. Evaluate different UAS technology and payloads.
6. Data review and reporting.
BENEFITS
It is clear that Unmanned Aircraft Systems offer potential benefits for inspecting and monitoring utility
facilities and infrastructure from an aerial vantage point. Uses such as major structure inspection (cooling
towers, boilers, nuclear domes etc.); and asset management of transmission structures, wires and vegetation
are emerging as effective use cases. However, too little data is available yet and there is too much
uncertainty about the costs or effectiveness of using UAS for distribution storm damage assessment to be
able to quantify or monetize envisioned benefits. This project seeks to collaboratively investigate the
challenge, examine needs and gaps, and develop new knowledge to guide further research and cost benefit
analyses.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In progress - Utility SME team being mobilized and major milestonesbeing laid out.
79
TITLE Assess Super Capacitor Energy Storage and PV Integration Technology EPRI/NYSERDA
CSN 99748 POET 22595615 TASK 0001
DURATION 5/16/2017 to 5/2018 ENGINEER Constantine Spanos
PROJECT LEAD James C. Skillman
OBJECTIVE
"The leading motivation for energy storage at Con Edison is the need for generation time shifting and load
peak shaving. Also valued is uninterruptable power supply applications at substations. There is great interest
in testing a super capacitor technology that has the potential to support high power and long duration
applications. Test and demonstration of smart inverter grid support functionality in network distribution
systems are important to fill the knowledge gap.
As part of this proposed engineering study project, EPRI and Con Edison will independently evaluate the
vendor’s super capacitor energy storage and inverter control technology while simultaneously conducting
site preparation and analysis for an onsite demonstration project at Con Edison’s headquarters in Manhattan.
Technology evaluation will include test plan development, system commissioning, and conducting tests in the
laboratory environment with ability to create different solar and grid conditions to evaluate the performance
limit of the unit. Demonstration site preparation will include detailed engineering drawing, economic
assessment, and interconnection permitting.
BENEFITS
Some of the benefits that this specific energy storage technology solution can potentially offer are:
 High efficiency reduces energy required during charge/discharge cycle, and lowers operating cost of
storage
 Negligible heat generation during battery operation eliminates the need for installing energy
intensive cooling systems, therefore delivering energy savings
 High cycle life and efficiency allows peak shaving from rapid peaking load profiles – reducing peak
demand on the grid and increasing network capacity utilization
 Provides duck curve ramping support because capacity or cycle life not affected by rate of
charge/discharge.
 Can be offered as a non-wires alternative in addition to demand response
 Supplies renewable based power to remote locations and end-of-grid locations where the standard
wires based solution is more expensive or time consuming.
80
TECHNICAL STATUS
The vendor’s energy storage system was delivered to EPRI in February of 2018 and grid simulated testing is
set to commence. A final report will be prepared by EPRI and released to the public by the end of 2018
summarizing the system’s evaluation and including an economic analysis investigating potential cost savings
for using the device at Con Edison’s HQ. Con Edison has issued an RFP and hired an EPC contractor in October
of 2017 to work on site plan drawings and permitting application preparation for the potential installation of
the supercapacitor at company headquarters at the adjacent solar PV system at the HQ.
81
TITLE IMPACT STUDY AND MODELING OF KINETIC ENERGY RELEASE FROM MANHOLE COVER EJECTIONS
CSN 99820 POET 21852773 TASK 0001
DURATION 1/21/2016 to 1/31/2018 ENGINEER Josephine Aromando
PROJECT LEAD Mark Riddle
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this R&D effort is to gain subject matter expertise and analysis in the design and safety
performance of vented manhole covers. The subject matter expertise and analysis will be developed through
a partnership with the City University of New York Mechanical Engineering Department. This project will
utilize CUNY to develop and analyze models, review and analyze experimental data, and provide an analysis
of the likely health influences, on humans and canines within the zones of the blast.
This exercise will create models for two typical Con Edison manholes and for at least four cover designs. The
modelling will address various parameters, such as gas type and concentration, cover displacement, and
forces horizontally and vertically surounding the structure. Understanding the energy release that will result
from each restraint system will help Distribution Engineering to specify which restraint system will be the
most effective in protecting the public against potential manhole cover incidents. The results of the impact
study may potentially lead to follow-on R&D work to evaluate the restraint system in a small-scale pilot study
with a small sample of trial manhole covers to be used in the field.
BENEFITS
A restraint system for manhole covers may significantly contain the energy resulting from a sudden cover
ejection during a manhole event. Minimizing the impact of the cover ejection helps to reduce the potential
risks involved, such as damage to property, roadways, and possible injury to the public and employees. By
understanding the effects of an event and containing this impact, safety to the public and protection of the
environment could be achieved and associated costs could be greatly reduced.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Electric subsurface structures contain secondary network equipment and electric feeders. Because of an
aging infrastructure there are potential safety hazards related to cable insulation breakdown, salt intrusion
from above ground, or other factors that cause an explosion to occur inside the structure. Flammable gases
enter a structure when cable degradation occurs, and from third party sources, which over time may
accumulate and increase in concentration if not adequately vented to the atmosphere. When the
concentration reaches explosive limits, and there is an introduction of an ignition source from arcing cables,
the build-up of these gases inside the structure could result in an explosion. This explosion causes the
manhole cover to violently eject from its frame, become airborne which has the potential for causing
physical damage to the surrounding property, roadway, and injury to the public and our employees.
82
A final report has been issued and approved by Distribution Engineering in January 2018. The report
detailed the environmental impact study based on actual blast tests performed on multiple designs of vented
latched covers at a third-party independent lab. The modeling results were consistent with the blast results
performed in laboratory settings as detailed in CSN 99904 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FOR VENTED
RESTRAINED MANHOLE COVERS. Conclusions from the modeling indicates that humans and pets that are
shorter in height or close to the ground would experience the environmental impacts of a cover ejection
more adversely. Additionally, maximum sound levels at 158 dB were found during the peak of a blast event
for short durations lasting 30 seconds and over an area with a 6-meter radius surrounding the manhole
structure. Humans and pets within this critical zone would experience the highest negative impact from a
manhole event.
83
TITLE Assessing Augmented Reality for Utility Industry
CSN 99849 POET 21783981 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD John Caputo
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to bring AR technology developers and electric utilities together to assess the
application of augmented reality solutions for the electricity sector. This project will: Hold a series of
workshops that will bring electric utilities and AR technology providers together with the objective for
utilities to understand the possibilities of the technologies and the AR technology companies to understand
the working environment of electric utilities; Identify activities in utilities that would benefit from AR then
collaboratively develop use cases around priority activities; Develop a performance assessment protocol that
can be applied to assess workplace performance with and without applying augmented reality technologies;
Measure performance characteristics of select activities without the application of AR in order to establish a
base line; Engage AR technology providers to adapt their technology for the identified activities and
demonstrate the applications at host utility sites; Advance the standards associated with AR to promote
interoperability and data integration – participate in efforts underway within the IEEE and IEC to accelerate
the development of AR standards; Measure performance characteristics of select activities after AR
application and compare to established benchmarks.
BENEFITS
Four different cases suggested by Electric and Central Operations, will provide various benefits for each case,
and they may be described as improved situational awareness by allowing field forces to see information not
readily available, hence - better quality of decision along with improved timing, which will lead to higher
productivity and safety, as well as lower O&M costs.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Augmented reality (AR) technology overlays information in real-time onto a person’s view of the world
through the use of mobile computing devices and graphics. AR goes beyond mobile computing and GIS
technologies being used by utilities today. AR is developing rapidly and has the potential to improve the
productivity and safety of electric utility crews.
VENDOR conducted number of workshops showcasing various use cases developed by number of vendors
and utilities, with Con Edison personnel attending them. Development of detailed requirements for switching
safety and reliability, as well as for use of AR for storm damage assessment are in progress.
84
TITLE Demonstration of Novel Electric Distribution Tools and Equipment
CSN 99891 POET 21667232 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Kevin Oehlmann
OBJECTIVE
We seek to facilitate and accelerate the adoption of new tools and equipment by providing funding for their
demonstration and field testing, thus enabling review and qualification for use on the system. In accordance
with CI-290-5, Distribution Engineering will determine when field trial usage is required for new tools and
equipment; verify that applicable environmental and safety considerations have been assessed and resolved;
determine test procedure and duration; provide any needed drawings and specifications; gather feedback on
trial usage; and in collaboration with Regional Engineering, Regional Electric Construction, The Learning
Center, and applicable Standards Committee prepare a summary report of the trial and recommendation for
deployment.
BENEFITS
Emerging new technology offers opportunities for improved system performance and employee safety and
effectiveness with novel electric distribution tools and equipment, but the benefits cannot be quantified at
this time. This project will engage Engineering and Operations people to identify opportunities for
improvement and review novel tools and equipment in field trials to quantify the benefits and identify any
potential hazards or risks from deployment. The field trials will thus be the foundation for application of the
new equipment and will also inform plans for their deployment. Among the potential benefits are elimination
of sole-source suppliers resulting in reduced equipment prices and improved quality due to competition.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress – This standing project allowed for rapid trial of new tools and equipment; greatly reducing cycle
time for demonstration and feedback. Demonstrations will continue in 2018.
85
TITLE Random Network Protector Auto-Exercise to mitigate Alive on Backfeeds
CSN 99910 POET 21546251 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Joseph Cultrera, Deepak

Khubani & Taimur Gull
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to provide field forces with the ability to identify NWPs (Network Protectors)
that would either failed to trip or failed to close when system conditions require it. By devising a scheme to
automatically exercise the NWPs periodically, we can potentially identify the problemed NWPs pre-emptively
and proactively make repairs. To accomplish this, we plan to upgrade the firmware on the existing non-
communicating microprocessor relays at individual street feed locations. At multibank locations, we will
install communicating relays, flashed with the auto-exercising algorithm, and associated cables. This
algorithm will trip and auto-close the network protector which will be tracked on NetRMS with the use of the
“B” and “M” flags indicating a NWP operation. The project will be performed in stages.
1. Develop the algorithm and obtain one set of the required hardware for laboratory bench testing.
2. Purchase the necessary equipment/firmware and install it at eighty-one (81) locations for the pilot
project.
3. Monitor NetRMS and work with field forces to identify and repair failed NWPs.
If this project is deemed as a useful tool, R&D will seek to capitalize the cost of installation for system
deployment.
BENEFITS
1. Increase reliability by reducing the possibility of failures by:
 Proactively identifying NWPs that fail to trip prior to feeder outages
 Reduction in ABF occurrences and help achieve a reduction in feeder restoration times
 Reduce additional faults on the feeder due to overvoltages
2. Proactively identify NWP’s that fail to close allowing us to reduce overload conditions during the peak
loads
3. Reduction in O&M expenses by:
 Minimizing chased ABF locations and allowing us to utilize our field forces on scheduled work
 Eliminating CINDE testbox inspections for network protectors that successfully confirm auto
operation and shift to condition based inspections/repairs.
86
TECHNICAL STATUS
This project is complete. The goal of this project is to determine if the auto-exercise logic will be helpful in
reducing the ABF rate and ensuring NWPs are closed to support the distribution network by identifying NWPs
that fail to close or trip. In the last 18 months we identified and repaired 8 defective NWPs, thus proving the
effectiveness of auto-exercise logic. The NWP auto exercise program population has been expanded by the
Grid Modernization project and further deployment shall be in accordance with EO-5411 and Distribution
Engineering - Equipment Group will continue to audit the NetRMS data to identify defective NWPs.
87
TITLE Underground Structure Sand Fill Development to Mitigate Manhole Events
CSN 99911 POET 21546250 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Michael Donohue
OBJECTIVE
This project will evaluate and measure consequences of filling subsurface electrical structures with sand or
other material; effectiveness of the fill to decrease the number and severity of manhole events; and patent
and latent costs associated with the placement of the fill and its effect on routine operations and
maintenance. Procedures and processes will be developed for selecting, filling and emptying candidate
structures, approximately 100 secondary boxes will be chosen and filled; and performance of these
structures will be tracked over time. Several structures will be emptied and re-filled on a planned and
unplanned basis to learn what changes can be expected for response to burnouts and for make-ready for
new work.
BENEFITS
Envisioned benefits are to reduce risk and impact of manhole events and to avoid potential harm to the
public and Company employees. Quantification is not practical at this point. If this project is successful, data
developed will be used to help substantiate such predictions and quantify mainstream costs and benefits as a
basis for deployment.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In progress – 26 secondary boxes filled in Brooklyn-Queens Region. As a result of feedback from field forces
regarding EH&S concerns and practicality and cost-effectiveness of procedure, tests were performed in the
field and at Lennox Lab. Tests indicated perlite was the most effective fill material and additional secondary
boxes will be filled in 2018 and monitored for performance.
88
TITLE Underground Splicing Machine Development
CSN 99920 POET 21501320 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Maggie Chow
OBJECTIVE
Phase 1 - develop a machine that would live end cap the feeder in a manhole. The envisioned benefit results
from bypassing positive feeder identification, and placement and removal of additional protective grounds
around the worksite required for workers - since use of a splicing machine would not be subject to the same
safety rules as required for workers. Machine tasks include (1) cut three single-conductor 500mcm 27kV
extruded cables, (2) prepare source-side cable ends for live end cap per specifications, (3) install live end
caps, (4) prepare and short load-side cable ends. In parallel, this project will develop a corresponding new
pre-molded live end cap that better conforms to machine assembly and meets required performance
standards.
BENEFITS
Envisioned benefits are improved reliability resulting from reduced stress and reduced feeder outage
duration as a result of bypassing positive identification and placement and removal of additional protective
grounds around the worksite, otherwise required for workers. While work management efficiencies might
also be realized, quantification is not practical at this point. If this project is successful, data developed will
be used to help quantify such predictions prior to deployment.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Complete - Physical demonstration of table-top component modules accomplished. Follow-on work in
progress on successor project for Phase 2 under CSN 90646. To be closed.
89
TITLE Arcing Fault Detection in Network Protector Relays Field Demonstration
CSN 90227 POET 20956928 TASK 0001

OBJECTIVE
Secondary electrical manhole events can present a significant safety risk to the public and our workers. Many
of these events can be attributed to the ignition of combustible gases that are normally generated when an
electric arc causes secondary cable insulation to burn. These electric arcing faults normally draw insufficient
current to reliably operate conventional protection to isolate the failure. The faults can arc for long periods of
time, resulting in heat, smoke, and gasses accumulating and causing smoke, fire, or even explosions at
manholes. In previous R&D efforts, we have used real-time arcing fault data collected from Manhattan's
Cooper Square network to correlate observed manhole events. Using the data collected, algorithms to detect
and characterize arcing faults on the secondary network have been developed and integrated onto the
network protector relay. These algorithms were tested in the test lab and determined to be effective at
arcing fault detection. Prior to system wide deployment, a small scale field demonstration is needed to
complete the technical capability evaluation under field conditions, finalize use cases, obtain operational
experiences and develop installation and response procedures for the system.
In this project, we seek to complete the field demonstration in two ways. Because our data collection
efforts have been limited to Manhattan thus far, we plan to expand the effort to Brooklyn where there are
higher concentrations of high risk cable types such as Aluminum, 4/0 and lead cables. We seek to build and
install fifteen(15) new Arc Fault cabinets in a selected Brooklyn network. The cabinet will contain network
protector relays with the arcing fault detection enhancement and a data collection device to retrieve and
store data and oscillography for the purpose of algorithm evaluation and improvement. Additionally, a
number of existing in service network protector relays in Manhattan and Brooklyn will be flashed with new
firmware which will include arcing fault recognition as well as the normal relay functions. These relays will
bring up an alarm flag if an arcing fault is recognized.
BENEFITS
An underground structure event on average costs the company $20,000 and we normally have 150 of them
per year. To avert even a small portion of these events would result in a substantial dollar savings for the
Company as well as a decrease in risk and exposure.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The Arc Fault Project seeks to detect low voltage cable failures through the use of network protector relays. The
current plan is to complete one network and make a determination as to value to the entire system. The
reprograming of all network protector relays within a network is expected to be completed by the winter of 2019.
90
TITLE Innovation Brainstorm Workshop for Staten Island
CSN 90271 POET 22933174 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Michele O'Connell
OBJECTIVE
Facilitate a one-day brainstorming workshop to identify technology and research needs to aid Staten Island
Electric Operations achieve its goals in cost reduction, improvement operational efficiency, and the
identification of potential new business opportunities. Focus in these areas will help the organization achieve
its mission of creating and sustaining a zero harm environment, maintaining an efficient, reliable, and
incident-free system, and providing every customer a +1 experience.
BENEFITS
The suggestion of one employee for a better tool or technical procedure may be adopted as the standard for
Staten Island and Electric Services, or for overall Electric Operations.
Research into technologies which later are proven successful improves work efficiency for everyone and
makes Con Edison Staten Island and Electric Services more competitive and sustainable in the energy
business and in technical, environmental and customer-facing areas.
Successful research projects potentially bring higher returns on investment by lowering operating costs.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress - Brainstorming workshop was held. Session notes are being translated into actionable items to
further guide management decisions and strategies for high-value opportunities.
91
TITLE Obstruction clearance using robotic technology for electric conduits/ducts
CSN 92014 POET 10046626 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Patricia Dominicus
OBJECTIVE
Approximately thirty percent of cable repairs caused by increased load, defective cable or a burnout
condition result in a duct obstruction. Generally, Company forces or a contractor are utilized to determine
the point of obstruction and then excavate the street in order to clear it. Obstructions found include cable
slag, cable insulation, broken pieces of cable, dirt/silt and dropped ducts. The excavation process associated
with clearing these obstructions is costly, time consuming and the determination of the actual point of
obstruction is not an exact science. These problems coupled with permitting and restoration costs creates a
great deal of difficulty for the Company.
BENEFITS
This project supports our mission to provide energy services to our customers safely, reliably and efficiently.
Excavation costs to dig two 4 by 3 foot holes presently exceed two thousand dollars in man hours and
equipment costs. Receiving a NOV for steel plate installations (noise or poor ramping) is now $1,800 per
location. Restoration times on feeders and secondary obstructions would be reduced. The need for vendor
services such as debris pick up or street restoration costs would be reduced significantly.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2016, the project team developed a tool that can clear obstructions such as a fused cable in an electric
conduit from a cable burnout without excavation. The potential benefits of the device are excavation cost
avoidance in cable replacements, reduction in restoration time and reduce impact to the public from
excavation thereby improving customer service. The team has developed a stand and floor mount assembly
that could deploy the tool head to clear obstruction from an end line box in a customer basement. The team
conducted a field trial of the device and delivered a report on the field trial. The report identified additional
improvements needed for the tool. In 2017, improvements for the tool are complete. We are looking for
opportunity for another field trial.
92
TITLE URD vacuum switch demonstration
CSN 92025 POET 10046626 TASK 0004
PROJECT LEAD Francesco Cipollone
OBJECTIVE
Demonstrate a compact URD vacuum switch in a development that has experienced outages due to cable
failures. This installation will allow fact-based measurement of the costs of installation and identify possible
concerns and deployment constraints towards adopting it as a standard.
BENEFITS
Demonstration of a suitable switch will allow field use and reduce crew hours to switch and restore. As well
as reduction of outage durations for affected customers.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress – Civil construction issues and equipment quality / durability issues were overcome, and the
switches are in service. Switch performance is being monitored. Recent charges under review.
93
TITLE Infrared Secondary Inspection ("ISI")
CSN 92215 POET 10046626 TASK 0032
PROJECT LEAD Colleen Murach/

Stan Lewis
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this program is to evaluate whether thermal images of secondary structures, cables, and
connection taken as part of an existing manhole inspection program, can be used to predict, prevent, and
prioritize system repair and emergency response. It is believed that secondary infrastructure with a
substantial differential temperature, to the ambient and surrounding equipment temperatures, is more likely
to result in a smoking manhole, fire and/or explosion. If the test base proves successful in identifying these
problems, the next step would be to migrate the use of thermal imaging to the entire inspection program.
BENEFITS
The average cost of a manhole event is $25,000; we have 2200 manhole events annually. The Infrared
Secondary Inspection has the potential to locate and mitigate some of these events which will reduce the
average costs and decrease number customer outages.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Infrared inspections have been shown to have great results in defect detection, not only during contractor
inspections, but also routine work. Summer 2017 was the mark of one year that Con Edison field crews have
been given access to the technology during their routine work. The tool has been shown to detect hot spot
conditions on cable, blown limiters or open mains, as well as contact voltage conditions. In 2017, we have
continued to look for opportunities to incorporate the tool seamlessly. Con Edison’s Learning Center has
finished completing its hot spot replication training facility to be incorporated into the splicing school
curriculum. Along with incorporation into splicer training, we have continued to develop the tools necessary
to streamline the use of the camera with the supervisors. IT has completed its development of packaging the
appropriate software in order for supervisors to upload and analyze thermal imaging photos from the
camera. To date, 400 cameras have been distributed among a variety of different field crews in all boroughs.
We are expanding research into the use of the camera for different applications such as overhead, meter,
and transformer and network protector inspection.
94
TITLE Remote control of network protector relay
CSN 92319 POET 20607929 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Karen Bruce
OBJECTIVE
This project will provide two-way communication between the underground transformer network protector
and the Manhattan Control Center. It will provide data collection and control of the network protector using
a cyber-secure communication system. The data collection will be performed via a communicating
microprocessor network protector relay as well as sensors located within the network protector and the
transformer.
BENEFITS
This project will provide the ability to control a network protector which will aid in quickly resolving system
contingency overloads at the distribution transformer. Additionally, what is leamed in this project could
potentially be applied to create sub-networks, increasing operational flexibility during extreme weather
conditions in networks like Brighton Beach where partial flooding currently limits operation of the entire
network. Finally, this project will demonstrate functionality of a two-way communication infrastructure in a
dense urban area (Manhattan) for future devices that are added to the system.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The controller has been installed in the vault, connected to the protector, and certified at the control center.
This project is completed.
95
TITLE Compact submersible 25kA primary fault interrupting switch & control cabinet
CSN 92426 POET 20642361 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Peter Day
OBJECTIVE
Existing isolation switches require an additional structure, must be locally operated, rely on accessories for
grounding, and do not interrupt fault current. The purpose of those switches is to provide a means to isolate
faulted portions of feeders so that unfaulted portions can be restored. The more quickly this can be done and
the more assets are kept in service, the less stress is exerted on other system components. A three position,
remotely operable switch provides a quicker means of processing the faulted portion of the feeder, while
adhering to associated operational procedures with the addition of cam-ops. By having a fault interrupting
switch, the unfaulted portion of the feeder will not be affected by a feeder event, keeping as many company
assets in service as possible when an event occurs.
Additionally, as part of the proposed initiative to require new 120V/460V customers to own, operate and
install their internal distribution equipment, including network protectors and transformers, a method is
needed to isolate and ground the customers from the grid for feeder work. The purpose of the second switch
installation is to test a new method of isolating customer equipment making it possible to adopt the new
initiative for customers to own and operate their own electrical equipment. A three-position submersible
medium voltage switch and control cabinet installation is required in a company owned manhole outside the
customer premises that allows for isolation from the customers equipment. For this proposed test pilot, the
switch will be installed outside a customer location that has been identified with difficult access issues.
BENEFITS
An enhanced compact, submersible, primary (fault-interrupting or non-fault-interrupting) switch will improve
network design resiliency and enhance restoration efficiency, helping to reduce feeder processing time and
bottom-line costs.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The switch has been placed at Eastview workout facility for training. We are currently in the process of
finalizing the installation spec for the 25kA switch. Once this is done we will install it on the feeder. We are
anticipating the installation of the 25kA switch in 2018.
96
TITLE PI Enhancement for Condition Based Maintenance Pilot - Phase I
CSN 99792 POET 21956405 TASK 0001
DURATION 3/18/2016 to 12/2017 ENGINEER Andrew Reid
PROJECT LEAD Aris Kouyoumdjian
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this project is to integrate additional data into our PI AF system to improve our asset
management of Unit Substation transformers, and additionally incorporate DGOA and other oil test results
into AF to help respond to incidents and pilot a CBM Program. This will be done by upgrading the PI Client
and Servers, development of new PI interfaces to Astoria Chemical Lab databases as well as software licenses
for PI Manual Logger. Lastly, the team will be trained on software utilization, best practices and exploration
of utilizing the tools for connection to new source data throughout Con Edison. Having this link would allow
us to quickly access DGOA and oil sample results and store/display this data in PI, allowing very agile
response, automatic/proactive notifications, and new engineering calculations. The will enlist the services of
OSIsoft seminar and on-site training will also help us gauge best practices for this program so that it can be
developed into a Condition Based Maintenance Pilot (CBM) and guide us in accessing and configuring new
data sources in the future.
BENEFITS
Having oil test results easily available will allow engineering to track performance of assets in the field, and
also make informed decisions for corrective maintenance and prioritized equipment replacement. If this
pilot is successful, a similar strategy could be deployed to our distribution transformers. This will help our
Subject Matter Experts quickly and easily gather and analyze data, and also make better decisions. This pilot
will also help our PI engineers learn best practices and improve on any lessons learned to implement large
scale CBM and asset management via PI AF System. If realized this could have cost avoidance for O&M labor
of field maintenance crews. This would also provide cost avoidance and better allocation of funds to the
equipment in most need.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Distribution Engineering SCADA has upgraded the PI system to the latest version for our 1.5 million tags. This
adds functionality to the heavily used Coresight application as well as the manual logger capabilities for 5
individual users (including mobile licensing). The next step will be to test the manual logger inputs so items
such as DGOA data can be inputted directly into PI.
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TITLE Early Summer Load Forecasting Tool
CSN 99896 POET 21644111 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Sho Ohata
OBJECTIVE
This project will focus on the exploration of various datasets that will improve upon the current network area
forecasting process. The overall goal is to identify datasets that will allow for upcoming summer load
forecasting without the current summer load as well as determining datasets that provide indications of a
growing network in the coming years. These data inputs may also potentially improve the accuracy of the in-
house model when used in conjunction with current summer data. Con Edison will work with a NYC research
university to identify the data sources that best capture the predicted load in various networks. The research
university specializes in working with large and disparate data sources to glean insights into urban
environments and its occupants. The university will build a machine learning model to apply to widely
varying urban data sets (sales of certain products, subway turnstile activity, or taxi activity) to identify the
data sets that best correlate with the load changes in a given network.
BENEFITS
The primary benefit from this project is to allow for better planning of distribution system work well in
advance of an upcoming summer. This will allow for cost savings, as well as ensuring that system issues in
critical networks which may be stressed in an upcoming summer will be addressed.
TECHNICAL STATUS
This project was launched in mid 2016. To date many different datasets have been explored to determine
their completeness and timely availability as well as their power to predict future load changes (Longitudinal
Household Employment data, Taxi and Limousine Commission data, real estate price and occupancy, yearly
updated building floor area, number of permits, etc). The predictive model has been built and research
findings are detailed in the Final Load Forecasting Report issued in summer of 2017. The most promising
datasets identified included NYC Department of Buildings permitting data.
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TITLE Underground Conduit Development to Mitigate Manhole Events
CSN 90467 POET 22104253 TASK 0001
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to install the flame shield conduit between two structures. The plan is to have
a contractor install 4" conduit for a relay project or two in between two structures in Manhattan under the
direction of Construction Management.
BENEFITS
Manhole events, electric shocks, and carbon monoxide accumulations in buildings continue to be a public
safety risk as well as a risk to Con Edison's reputation. By protecting our cable better, keeping carbon
monoxide gas out of the ground, and using non-conductive conduit we will be limiting our risk. The conduits
sealed joints may also make it attractive to house electric cables passing through hazardous environments
such as ground gas areas. Flame shield phenolic conduit can potentially achieve these goals. This project will
determine if the conduit is technically and operationally feasible.
TECHNICAL STATUS
This project sought to explore the use of new duct types for the low voltage electric distribution
system. Early tests of fiberglass ducts went very well in terms of their ability to withstand high temperatures
for protracted periods. However, these ducts ability to withstand puncture, from a backhoe or other street
tool, was not satisfactory. The team has returned to reviewing current market solutions and more
customized options.
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TITLE Underground Structure Events Mitigation Testing - EPRI
CSN 90669 POET 22364745 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Stanley Lewis
OBJECTIVE
Engage collaboration to test effectiveness of mitigation designs on service boxes and manholes. Free space
in a service box will be partially filled with alternate removable materials to evaluate relative effectiveness.
The manhole will be outfitted with covers and frames from alternate vendors and tested for temperature and
pressure response and post-event structural integrity.
BENEFITS
Manhole events continue to be a public safety risk as well as a risk to Con Edison's reputation. Present
methods of dealing with underground manhole events are largely reactive, and proactive methods are
needed to reduce risk and help assure public and employee safety. This project will fund work to develop
new knowledge for mitigation of underground events. This project will determine if such improvements are
technically and operationally (cost, impact on day-to-day work) feasible and inform plans for deployment.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress - Controlled demonstration testing is substantially complete. Perlite found to be the best filler
method and material to contain access / handling challenges during ordinary operations while limiting energy
release during a manhole event.
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TITLE Rapid Attack Detection, Isolation and Charaterization Systems (RADICS)
CSN 90470 POET 22111659 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Steve Kim
AUTHORIZED Funded By DARPA EXP. THROUGH 2017 ($53,976)
OBJECTIVE
IN 2014, Con Edison initiated a project on “Integrating Cyber Security Monitoring in a legacy power grid and
emerging grid” where we have developed technologies that could potentially be implemented on existing ICS
(Industrial Control Systems) devices, examples such as relays and recloser controllers to be alerted of cyber-
attacks. This project seeks to develop technologies for various aspects of cyber detection, confirmation,
characterization, location and removal/remediation aids. Con Edison’s role will include serving as advisor to
the project to ensure a practical solution for utilities.
BENEFITS
Sensing, monitoring and control systems are critical infrastructure in an electric power grid. Research in the area
of cyber-security for the smart grid is highly relevant, immediate and is a significant engineering task. A device
attack can compromise a device such as a sensor or the microcontroller that processes the information sent by
the sensors and uses the compromised device to launch further attacks such as data attacks and network
availability attacks. These attacks can decrease the availability of systems. This project will investigate
techniques for detecting, alerting, forensic triage and analysis and response process for these attacks.
TECHNICAL STATUS
This project has been funded by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) for research on “Rapid
Attack Detection, Isolation and Characterization Systems” (RADICS). The research is focused on developing
technologies for detecting and recovering from cyber-attacks on US critical infrastructure. DARPA is
interested specifically in early attack detection, network isolation and threat characterization in response to a
widespread and persistent cyber-attack on the power grid and its dependent systems. Proposed research
should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems.
Con Edison is participating as a subcontractor on this innovative research funded by DARPA.
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TITLE NYSERDA Optical Sensors Development for Distribution Systems ($200K from NYSERDA)
CSN 90785 POET 22708585 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electrical – Distribution
PROJECT LEAD Paul Stergiou
AUTHORIZED Funded By NYSERDA EXP. THROUGH 2017 $2,521
OBJECTIVE
In this NYSERDA funded project, Con Edison will partner with a vendor to qualify, pilot and deploy a next
generation optics based medium voltage (MV) and medium current (MC) network grid sensor. The following
scope of work is planned.
1. Program management, reports and meetings

2. Develop Test Criteria, Site Location Plan
3. Conduct 3rd Party Laboratory Demonstration of Sensors for Deployment
4. Order Equipment, Manufacture Sensors and Grid Deployment
5. Deploy a Monitoring Platform on the Distribution Network Grid following Site Location Plan
6. Collect Data for 365 Days
7. Conduct Analysis of Data & Issue Final Report.
BENEFITS
Reliable and highly accurate voltage and current sensors are needed to reliably monitor and troubleshoot the
distribution system.
Having accurate sensors will facilitate rapid and accurate detection of faults on the distribution system.
Currently, capaciformer failures occurs at least once or twice per year. The cost of an outage, labor and parts
is approximately $30K per occurrence. In addition, there is a potential for environmental and property
impact. The optical sensors under the current development project could potentially mitigate these failures.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The vendor is currently developing a voltage and current sensing solution for the capaciformer application.
Per Con Ed’s underground applications, the vendor has developed a dead break elbow voltage sensor. This is
currently being tested for water ingression by Con Ed’s team. The vendor is also developing a “voltage
present” solution to replace the current “Neon” products in the Switchgear feeder compartments.
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TITLE Development of TRANSENSOR for Distribution Transformers
CSN 90898 POET 22830019 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Jane Shin
AUTHORIZED Funded By DOE EXP. THROUGH 2017 $4,374
OBJECTIVE
Con Edison is partnering with researchers on the TRANSENSOR (Transformer Real-time Assessment
INtelligent System with Embedded Network of Sensors and Optical Readout) project partially funded by the
DOE. The project will seek to combine embedded fiber optic sensors to monitor key internal parameters
such as internal hotspots, dissolved gases, core strain and vibration levels, and partial discharge events on
our underground distribution transformers. Con Edison will develop the specification of the TRANSENSOR
which includes monitoring parameters of interest and monitoring thresholds/resolutions. Con Edison will
also be responsible for field testing the underground distribution transformer integrated with the
TRANSENSOR on the electric distribution system. A summary report will be developed to describe the field
demonstration, data collected, details of the testing and summary of the test results.
BENEFITS
On-line monitoring sensors can provide advanced warning of impending transformer failures. This can
potentially mitigate any catastrophic events that can impact the safety of our employees and the public. This
project if successful is expected to address the ERM risk for underground transformer failure.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The project had a kickoff meeting in November 2017. Sensor requirements were reviewed and provided.
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TITLE Conservation Voltage Reduction & Optimization Development
CSN 99783 POET 22002151 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Jin Jin Huang
OBJECTIVE
We will take a phased approach to the development of a CVO platform. The project has 3 work streams.
During the first work stream, Con Edison internal and external stakeholders will discuss and draft a
requirements specification containing wider requirements on the solution, potential future interaction with
automated metering infrastructure, smart inverters and other intelligent electrical devices. The second work
stream involves creating a function design specification for the platform. This involves selecting DER
Technologies in scope and agree upon control parameters. The third work stream includes building an
algorithm that will incorporate all of the requirements and functional design input and output in workstream
1 and 2. The third workstream will validate the algorithm in a model. A simple prototype representing the
4KV system will be developed to test and verify the algorithm.
BENEFITS
Delivering voltages at the optimal levels reduces consumption, improves service quality and extends the life
of equipment. If power is delivered at higher than necessary voltages, energy is wasted. Higher than
necessary voltage also shortens the useful life of many types of equipment, since the excess energy is
dissipated as heat. An example of the range of benefits of CVO is outlined below. Utilizing 2015 hourly
demand data of Richmond Hill 4kV network and applying hourly voltage optimization using assumed
schedule, total energy savings was calculated to be 2% in 2015. This translated to approximately 2000 tons of
CO2 avoided. Utilizing the System Weighted Total Marginal Costs of avoided Transmission and Distribution
from the 2013 rate case, an average 2% voltage reduction had a 10-year Net Present Value (NPV) of
approximately $2.3M avoided. Utilizing Avoided Generation Costs based on Summer Strip Auction, an
average 2% voltage reduction had a 10-year NPV of approximately $720k avoided. Other benefits that could
be considered include potential transformer and cable line losses.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Conservation voltage optimization (CVO) is a noninvasive approach to demand response (DR) and energy
efficiency. CVO optimizes the voltage levels on the feeder lines that run from substations into the electric
distribution system to reduce energy consumption and demand during peaks, peaks that can cause capacity
constraints. Distributed generation, for example solar photovoltaics (PV), can contribute to mitigating
capacity constraints at a substation but can results in voltage challenges on the distribution system.
Additionally, new technologies like Smart Inverters have embedded functionality to ameliorate voltage
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problems on the distribution and fully realize demand response and energy efficiency goals & objectives.
Today, Con Edison does not have a scalable platform by which to build out conservation voltage optimization
capabilities. This effort will look to develop a platform that can enable dynamic CVO. This project is
completed and all deliverables/tasks completed. The objective of the project was to demonstrate, in
simulation, the ability to control the voltage profile on one of Con Edison’s 4 kV Grid circuits; the
demonstration circuit being used in this study is known internally as the Richmond Hill 4 kV Grid. The
potential to lower the circuit voltage to achieve an EOL low voltage of 114 V during peak load and min load
use cases. The common voltage reference at the USS’s was decreased from 124.9 V to 121.4 V (a 3.5V
reduction) in the peak load scenario and from 124.9 V to 117.4 V (a 7.5 V reduction) in the minimum load
case. This is a substantial decrease indicating high potential yield from CVO implementation on the Richmond
Hill 4 kV Grid. These design cases are meant to inform the extreme operating boundaries expected to be
experienced by the CVO system during operation on this network.
As a follow-up, a second application of the design framework of an advanced conservation voltage

optimization (CVO) system created in the above scope of work. This framework was constructed in a manner
meant to be scalable across Con Edison’s system. Deployment of CVO would translate into significant value in
terms of improved efficiency, energy conservation and supporting peak load management. To help support
this initiative an Excel tool was constructed to automate the results of simulation testing using PVL of the
algorithm developed in the above scope of work. In this study it was applied to the Fox Hills 4 kV Grid on
Staten Island. The project is completed and all deliverables have been met.
105
TITLE SERVICE LINK™ APPLICATION FOR METER EXCHANGES
CSN 99803 POET 21900931 TASK 0001
DURATION 2/22/2016 to 6/2017 ENGINEER Josephine Aromando
PROJECT LEAD Julie Yong, Tom Chen,

William Gonzalez,
Michael Zhang
OBJECTIVE
The Service-Link™ software has been proven to work with our existing CIS in both the Field Operations and
Customer Operations groups for an estimated ten years. The plan is to use the existing Service-Link™
technology with MAG to streamline the process and automate the meter exchange paperwork in order to
save time in data entry and processing and to focus the Company’s efforts towards enhancing the customer
experience. Thereafter, the Company can work with Service-Link™ vendor to provide more forms for
entering test data, subsequently updating both CIS and ADAMS database without error. This approach
would focus on purchasing five Service-Link™ hardware units to test in the field. If proven successful after
two weeks of field testing, plans to expand this pilot to additional units would then be implemented.
BENEFITS
The use of Service-Link™ has qualitative benefits for the Company. The software application can be used to
scan and upload information to various departments without the handling of paper. The software may allow
field crews to send the necessary information directly to CIS. MAG can then focus their efforts to answer
customer queries with up-to-date, accurate information. This potentially adds to the 10% increase in
productivity by M&T and subsequently MAG. The software application can add to productivity by notifying
field crews in the vicinity that there is a new meter set, exchange or removal in the queue, which will be
listed as emergent work. The software will enhance the customer experience by reducing delays for
emergent work by facilitating planning and crew response more effectively by communicating information
more quickly and efficiently. Service-Link™ could potentially streamline Con Edison’s meter exchange paper
work processing and could mitigate the costs for record keeping at Iron Mountain and the costs for forms,
paper, and ink.
The Meter Shop can also show initial positive results in Service-Link™‘s performance by using the pseudo-
network set-up for meter exchanges; the next step would be to institute a small-scale pilot study where the
software and different hardware mediums are evaluated while remediating older meters at customer
locations. Once this second half of the study is complete, the results will be more helpful in establishing
potential concrete dollar savings.
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TECHNICAL STATUS
A temporary server has been set up to review work orders from another utility and have been used to build
upon the workflow for Meter & Test. Customer operations has agreed to the use of their test server to
review new workflows built based on the immediate feedback.
The iPhones purchased were able to download a working version of the Service Link application and tested
with preset work orders from another utility. Once finalized, the meter work orders can be configured to
reflect real work scenarios in the service territory.
After the startup of the project, it was announced by the AMI department there were duplicate efforts in
using ProField, another software application able to yield the same results this project had sought to do.
Initially, it was thought to be advantagous in pursuing this project since the company could leverage the long
standing working relationship with Service Link, in addition to the real time removal of meter information
from Customer Operations CIS to reflect more accurate billing. Ultimately, the decision was made to
terminate the project on account of having M&T personnel using ProField instead of the Service Link pilot
program to move forward with AMI implementation.
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TITLE Monitoring of Backfeed Conditions using Communicating Microprocessor Relays
CSN 99862 POET 21736172 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Retta Selameselassie
OBJECTIVE
The proposed project will employ communicating MPRs (Microprocessor Relays). The communicating MPRs
are capable of two-way wireless communication via an external modem. This additional communication
capability will allow for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) which will provide control centers
the ability to remotely monitor and operate the network protectors from XA-21. Control centers will be able
to quickly identify culprit NWPs (Network Protectors) during an ABF condition. SCADA control of NWPs also
allows for the proactive identification of defective NWPs, thus preventing potential ABFs (Alive on
Backfeeds).
BENEFITS
This project will seek to identify and repair defective network protectors (NWP) before they can cause an
alive-on-backfeed (ABF) condition. The cost benefit associated with this project will be money saved, in the
form of labor hours, by field forces to locate the culprit NWP during an ABF condition.
This project seeks to increase the accuracy of detecting second faults. Accurately detecting second faults or
confirming there is only one fault during an outage will allow control center personnel to make more
informed decisions when processing a feeder. Locating a second fault will allow field forces to repair this
additional damage during the initial feeder outage. This would eliminate FOT events due to a second fault.
This project will examine additional capabilities and flexibilities that may be gained on managing our network
system by having two way communication with our MPRs. The Reforming Energy Vision (REV) is leading to
additional distributed resources being installed on our secondary networks. In the traditional utility model,
power flows in one direction; from the utility to the customer. The addition of distributed resources on the
customer side will generate and deliver power from the customer to the utility. This project will keep Con
Edison in-step with the REV initiative by allowing us to examine ways we can accept this two way power flow
while maintaining the high level of reliability customers have come to expect.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2017 we have purchased all required equipment for the project which includes what is required for
assembling the SCADA box and retrofitting the Network Protectors to make them compatible for SCADA
installation. All 31 SCADA boxes associated with this project have been assembled and associated equipment
for the installation is purchased. This new technology required testing before being implemented in
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operations, in 2017 we conducted testing using five (5) test stations which were constructed in a test lab.
These test stations were used to simulate a Network Protector (NWP) installation and we successfully tested
the controlling of NWP via wireless modems in the lab. The wireless modem was used to gather NWP analog
and status reading and remote operability using modem. In 2017 field inspection was conducted at all 31
locations to ensure the field condition meets the suitable criteria for installing SCADA communication boxes.
Through this field inspection, it was identified that NWPs need additional equipment in order to
accommodate the SCADA installation. Field personnel are in preparation for the installation of these
communication SCADA boxes at these 31 locations.
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TITLE Materials Analysis and Testing for Manhole Safety
CSN 99769 POET 22068107 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Stan Lewis
OBJECTIVE
Explore materials to a) restore some of a cable's insulation and seal it from immediate failure; and another to
b) contain an inert non-reactive material and conform to the free space within a structure to mitigate and/or
reduce manhole events by reducing the volume of free air. Another application may include the use of the
coating as a duct packing material. Plan includes a literature search of potential materials, explore modifying
those materials to meet requirements, and test performance of prospective products. This project will
engage subject matter experts in chemistry and chemical engineering to investigate coating and container
materials, potentially alter them to better meet requirements, test and rank their performance.
BENEFITS
Development of a cable coating process and a flexible container would improve safety and reliability. Each
cable that is restored prolongs the life of the cable and connection by temporarily sealing insulation
abnormalities, deferring capital investment and allowing better management of the replacement schedule.
Applying a coating to cables and potentially ducts, may also help mitigate carbon monoxide migration into
customer premises. A container would reduce the volume of combustible gasses that could accumulate and
thus reduce the chance of an explosion and the energy of any such event. During this project, the vendor will
evaluate various commercial products to meet requirements. By engaging this research, valuable knowledge
will be developed, and intellectual resources will be developed to better sustain our company and its power
delivery systems.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress - Research begun by examining characteristics of promising materials and products to learn how
they can mitigate the energy of an explosion. Small scale blast testing was completed to analyze how
explosive pressure changed when these materials filled structure voids. Gas generation modeling was
conducted to examine the changes in temperature, pressure, and gas concentration in a structure while a
cable is burning. We are developing a plan to continue research by fabricating an isolated gas chamber to
allow small-scale explosion testing to replicate real-world underground infrastructure environments.
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TITLE JSSE Mobile Application
CSN 99777 POET 22049818 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Regina Ferrer
OBJECTIVE
This project proposes to create a mobile JSSE application that address the problems/challenges by allowing
for the following: data entry from a Mobile app that will be integrated and populated to the EH&S
SharePoint server, JSSE formats can be loaded according to the individual disciplines of work function to
insure relevancy of the JSSE, ease of data entry, and provide for future analysis.
BENEFITS
The benefit for this project is qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative benefit is the new mobile App. that
will improve the data captured on a JSSE by capturing it once at the time it occurred. The time lapse between
receiving feedback and then arriving in the office to complete the form on the SharePoint may lessen the
accuracy and impact of the coaching session. The quantitative benefit is the mobile App will eliminate about
50% of the effort required to complete a JSSE by eliminating the recording of the event on paper for later
input into the SharePoint site.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Electric Operations document safety discussions with crews on forms titled Job Site Safety Exchange (JSSE)
that are housed on an intranet Sharepoint site. Employees that complete the Job Site Safety Exchange (JSSE)
handwrite notes and a synopsis of the communication while in the field and completes the form once back in
the office. The lapse in time between the actual JSSE and the time the form on the SharePoint site is
completed can lessen the accuracy and impact of any coaching session that took place as well as the loss of
valuable feedback from the actual exchange. The process also requires performing the same task twice, once
in the field and again in the office. Finally, the JSSE SharePoint site is not user friendly and currently displays
data entry fields in dense single displays which makes it difficult to analyze and to react to information
entered. Also, the forms cannot be optimized by function/department to ensure relevancy. The program
was expanded to include Mobile Job Briefings app.
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TITLE Public Safety Program Cost Benefit Analysis
CSN 99802 POET 21912371 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Zhou Zheng/Stan Lewis
OBJECTIVE
Con Edison in partnership with a university seeks to analyze a) each Public Safety Programs cost to an
effective net benefit, b) each Public Safety Programs cost to individual benefits; and c) optimizations of the
greater program portfolio to specific benefits.
The cost vs benefit curves for five of Con Edison’s established public safety programs will be studied as Task 1
and emerging public safety programs as Task 2.
Program benefits will be measured around safety and reliability. For purposes of public safety, the benefits
will include the risk to the public of experiencing an injury or property damage event from the failure of Con
Edison equipment. Some of the risk parameters for safety may include fires, explosions, carbon monoxide
evacuations, and electric shocks. For purposes of reliability, the benefits will include equipment damage and
loss of service. Some of the risk parameters for reliability may include open mains, no lights, side offs, shunts
and bridges.
BENEFITS
Public Safety programs exceed twenty million a year, optimizing cash flows among programs is expected to
yield cost savings and/or safety performance enhancements.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Task 1 has been completed. The vendor provided Con Edison with their findings of the cost vs. benefits for
our established public safety programs (vented cover replacement, mobile & manual contact voltage
scanning, SIP inspection and quality assurance). A final report did not identify any new strong program
performance trends or correlations. We are planning to do additional Analaysis in the future.
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TITLE Structure Monitoring System
CSN 99821 POET 21852771 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Zhou Zheng

Capitalized in 2017
OBJECTIVE
The goal is to develop a cost effective manhole monitoring system that will report back the presence of
elevated temperature, combustible gases and abnormally high e-field in targeted structures. The project will
be executed in two phases. The Phase 0 will begin with manufacturing of 5 prototype test systems with all
possible sensors and developing a software system to incorporate all sensors readings to make a
determination on the condition of the structure being monitored. Con Edison shall test the system and
confirm that it has met our requirements. Phase 1 would be a field deployment of the devices after meeting
Con Edison specifications. As part of the agreement we shall receive 100 units and continual maintenance
and support from the vendor during the field trial period.
BENEFITS
The program primary objective is to reduce the number of MHEs and ENEs through the use of an early
warning gas and stray voltage detection system. If successfully developed and implemented, the system will
result in the detection certain gases and voltage conditions that are associated with manhole events and
stray voltage. This will allow for early intervention before the situation evoloved into an expensive problem
and thus resulting in a decrease in the number of incidents of manhole fires, explosions and stray voltage
conditions. The Company should realize significant cost avoidance due to fewer wipeouts, property damages
and injuries.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2017 approximately 1,000 Structure Observation System (SOS) units were installed in critical MTA
structures. Currently we have collected around 700,000 data points from these structures. We have also
collected many non-communicating units and analyzed their mode of failure to make further improvement to
the SOS design to withstand the harsh underground environment. A new vented cover design was created to
have the ability to accept a reduced/modified version of the SOS unit. The prototype covers were tested for
fit testing and general ease of use. A new SOS Generation 1.5 design was finalized. This would include more
sensors for better detection of conditions in our underground. The major additions are the longer battery
capacity, FLIR IR camera module, power harvesting input, improved gas intake design, and 3 external sensor
inputs (salinity, ground temperature and stray voltage). The project equipment has been capitalized.
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TITLE Analytics and Statistics of Secondary Program Data
CSN 99870 POET 21726046 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Colleen Murach/Joe

Rizzo/Stan Lewis
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to quantify performance gains, identify structures for inspection, and develop
automated tools to support this work. The plan is to have subject matter experts in analytics, including
imaging, to review and develop studies and tools for use in 2016 for targetting inspections. As the data grows
and our analytics improve, we will focus on new learnings from the data such as any other defects that can
be discovered, as well as ways to automate our review process.
BENEFITS
Independent review adds to the merits of any proposed program or program change and ability to attain buy
in. Every defect removed from the system improves safety and reliability. A single secondary defect has the
potential to damage the immediate equipment as well as the surrounding equipment from the events
energy.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Machine Learning has become a large topic in data analytics. With over 60,000 thermal imaging inspections
complete, we sought out to receive consultation from academia concerning other learnings through this
data. The vendor has assisted in creating a software tool to allow for automation of incoming thermal
imaging data. The tool has allowed us to streamline the analysis of different hot spot conditions, such as
differential temperature analysis and object detection. This software has resulted in an unbiased review of
images to be almost fully automated.
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TITLE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FOR VENTED RESTRAINED MANHOLE COVERS
CSN 99904 POET 21633455 TASK 0001
DURATION 8/21/2015 to 12/31/2017 ENGINEER Josephine Aromando
PROJECT LEAD Mark Riddle

Capitalized in 2017
OBJECTIVE
Our aging infrastructure presents potential safety hazards related to cable insulation breakdown, salt
intrusion from above ground, or other factors that cause an explosion to occur inside the structure.
Flammable gases enter a structure when cable degradation occurs, and from third party sources, which
over time may accumulate and increase in concentration if not adequately vented to the atmosphere.
When the concentration reaches critical explosive limits, the introduction of an ignition source from arcing
cables andthe build-up of these gases inside the structure could potentially result in a massive explosion
and release of energy. This results in the manhole cover violently ejecting from its frame, becoming
airborne and having the potential for causing physical damage to the surrounding property, roadway, and
injury to the public and company employees. The test will determine if the restraining system will
significantly reduce the displacement of the cover. In addition will determine if the pavement (EO-10321-B)
around the cover frame presents enough compressive force to keep the frame of the cover in place to make
the method of restraint effective.
This effort will evaluate restraint mechanisms designed on samples of test covers by testing their ability to
safely dissipate the potential energy resulting from a simulated underground secondary event (UGSE) in a
controlled enviroment. Also under investigation is the ability of the cover frame and the pavement to
present adequate compressive force during an emerging or ongoing secondary burnout or other manhole
event. The EPRI test laborotary in Lenox, Massechusetts will simulate the field conditions necessary to
evaluate the restraining system’s ability to reduce the damage that could potentially result from a violent
cover ejection , and Distribution Engineering will economically compare known restraint or locking
technologies that are commercially available.
BENEFITS
A restraint system for manhole covers has the potential to contain the kinetic energy resulting from a sudden
cover ejection during a manhole event. Minimizing the impact of the cover ejection helps to reduce the
potential risks involved, such as injury to the public and to company employees, damage to property and
disruption of traffic. By conducting blast tests on covers with restraint systems, the behavior of the covers
can be observed and approximated in a field enviroment for improved planning and deployment throughout
the distribution system.
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TECHNICAL STATUS
Calibration tests began in January 2016 at the third party laboratory located in Lenox, Massachusetts and
subsequently followed by a number of simulated explosions of varying gas concentrations. Results of each
simulation have been documented and recorded. In 2017, additional rounds of tests were performed on
filled covers and new latched design iterations to study the extent of the roadway forces that result from
simulated events. A final report was released to Distribution Engineering by end of 4Q17. Since the
completion of the project, Distribution Engineering instituted a multi-year capital program to install
additional latched covers throughout the electric distribution system. The project equipment has been
capitalized.
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TITLE Energy Storage Safety and Project Permitting Support
CSN 99927 POET 21452375 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Jin Jin Huang
OBJECTIVE
This project will focus on two activities: 1) Lab testing of various battery materials (at the cell level and
possibly the battery level) to measure heat generated and gases released, observe if the combustion is
explosive, and determine the temperature at which combustion occurs. 2) Computer modeling to
understand the behavior of battery fires in a rack of batteries, or between battery racks, as well as answer
other questions that cannot be tested in the lab. Additonally, testing of different suppression systems will be
conducted. The results of these tests will be used to provide information for the FDNY Critical Infrastructure
Data System (CIDS) and the FDNY All Unit Circular (AUC). The CIDS provides site specific information (eg.
Number of batteries and chemistry of an installation) and the AUC contains the recommended procedure for
addressing a specific battery fire. Support for FDNY training materials will also be provided. The Department
of Buildings has expressed interest in using the results to inform building code revisions.
BENEFITS
The key expected benefit is streamlining of the process to approve battery energy storage system
installations in buildings and parking garages in Con Edison territory for the company and its customers.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The contractor completed lab testing and computer modeling during 2016. Battery samples were obtained
and the lab completed all testing and modeling activities. In December 2016, a draft final report was
delivered to the FDNY and NYC Department of Buildings with the testing and modeling results as well as
operational and permitting guidelines. The final public report issued in January 2017, summarized test
results, the performance of water compared to other suppressants, provided recommendations on
ventilation and water flow, and considerations for permitting, siting, and responding to a battery fire.
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TITLE Mobile contact voltage detection development and demonstration
CSN 92681 POET 20705476 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Alexander Dornhelm,

Rongzhi Li
OBJECTIVE
Engage vendor to develop, build and demonstrate an alternate scanning device. Deliverables include a
demonstration prototype for feasibility analysis and a field-deployable system for field trial.
BENEFITS
Development and deployment of a competitive alternative mobile contact voltage detection system will
eliminate dependency on a sole source provider to comply with regulatory requirements, and resulting
competitive rivalry will drive down costs and provide incentive for improved quality of performance. Once
effectiveness is demonstrated, the system will be qualified for mobile contact voltage detection and
additional providers will be sought when the annual survey is put out to bids. Availability of two systems will
allow better benchmarking and quality control. Improved detection of energized objects will reduce the risk
of shock to the public.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress – Equipment was purchased, and effectiveness and sensitivity tests were performed for various
arrangements and E-field sources. Work was suspended while patent challenges and litigation were
resolved. Work has re-started on enhancements to sensor device and software.
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TITLE SUBMERSIBLE FAST SWITCH FOR LOAD & CAPACITY TRANSFERS-Randalls Island Automation
CSN 92457 POET 10064342 TASK 0325
PROGRAM AREA Electrical - 3G System of the Future
PROJECT LEAD Baeth Fanek
AUTHORIZED $2,250,0000 EXP. THROUGH 2017 $950,167
OBJECTIVE
The need for a fast switch was identified as part of the System of the Future efforts, and because of the
potential size of effort was segregated and issued as a separate RADPAR.
The capability to switch loads between networks and transfer spare capacity between substations is essential
to improving the existing asset utilization on the Con Edison system. A compact submersible switch would
allow the transfer device to be installed within a vault under city streets, which would allow existing adjacent
feeders and ducts to be used to create these transfer capabilities without physically extending both feeders
involved in the transfer scheme back to a common location within a substation. A fast transfer capability
could support a transfer scheme that would not require "break-before-make" momentary customer
interruptions, and thereby would preserve our very high customer perceived reliability.
BENEFITS
By following this type of partnered design process we assure that this new type of transfer capability will be
available to us as soon as possible for use in our already committed substation construction program. This
new functionality could also be used to support short term load transfers that could selectively defer
otherwise required station uprates and re-enforcements. Financial risk will be limited by close participation
and monitoring of the design and development process by Con Edison personnel and pre-determined
technical milestones, specification and test requirements.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2015, design of a Canada Power multi-way switch on Randall’s Island that was installed earlier, was
improved by adding handheld controller, supplemental power supply and a pressure and temperature
sensor. In 2016, two “Elastimold” switches were certified by installing new control boxes. The certification
process ensured local control functionality and remote communication and control from the Control Center.
The control cabinet for the multi-way switch was upgraded from the IGIN switch to Verizon modem.
Firmware was updated.
In 2017, two new 25 kA fast switches were purchased and delivered to the learning facilities for personnel
training prior to their installation. Distribution Engineering and Innovation Group are finalizing operating and
installation specifications.
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TITLE High Impedance Fault Detection on Distribution Overhead Feeders
CSN 90500 POET 22129397 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD George Hoxworth
OBJECTIVE
EPRI is currently conducting a project on High Impedance Fault Detection at their test lab in Lenox,
Massachusetts where they are staging high impedance faults and evaluating the performance of the relays
with algorithm to detect these faults. We plan to leverage the work that EPRI is doing by providing them with
waveforms of our normal load patterns seen on our overhead distribution system. EPRI will use these
records and inject them into the relays to see if they would false trip the relays. Using these waveforms as
starting point, they will also overlay varying levels of load with signatures of downed conductors measured at
Lenox. With this approach, we can test the performance of the relay algorithms prior to installing these
devices on our distribution system. In addition, we will reprogram our existing reclosers to enable the high
impedance fault detection and correlate any detection alerts to the waveform captures for verification of the
event.
BENEFITS
High impendence faults can have varying levels of financial impact. During high impedance fault conditions,
the fault current is not high enough to trip protective devices which can cause unnecessary damage to the
distribution system and other infrastructure (such as roads, vehicles, gas mains etc.) delaying restoration
time. Estimated cost savings for reducing the restoration time and further damage to the distribution system
and infrastructure is approximately $40,000 per occurrence.
In specific occasions, a high impedance fault could lead to a significant risk event. Should a high impedance
fault occur, the down conductor will remain energized which could cause ignition for items in the vicinity of
the wire or cause bodily harm. Though low probability, the estimated liability of a single occurrence of this
nature is upwards of $400,000.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The project will involve installing ten (10) Power Quality (PQ) monitors by the feeder reclosers of five auto-
loops. The monitors will be housed in stainless steel NEMA boxes, and they will have wireless
communication.
 The PQ monitors and wireless modems were purchased and delivered

 A prototype was built, from a recloser NEMA box, to house the PQ installations
 Ten (10) NEMA stainless steel boxes were ordered.
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 The NEMA boxes were delivered to a laboratory/work shop to build the 10 PQ boxes
 All required components to build 10 boxes have been received
 4 boxes have been assembled with the intent to field test and verify design before completing the
remaining 6 boxes
 Installation of boxes on overhead loops is scheduled to begin in 2018.
121
TITLE Technoeconomic Analysis of Electric Rail Regenerative Braking Benefit to Electric Power System
CSN 90464 POET 22097097 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Steven Malena
OBJECTIVE
In this project, a research university will perform detailed transient analysis on the New York City Transit
(NYCT) DC distribution network. The purpose of this study is to understand/estimate the behavior of the
NYCT distribution system when wayside energy storage is deployed for improved utilization of regenerative
braking energy. Using transient models and validated simulations, the research university will assess the
various technology alternatives, which are available for wayside energy storage including Lithium-ion battery,
flywheels and ultra-capacitors. The impacts of the different storage technologies on the system, e.g. the
quantity of the harvested energy and the impact on the third rail voltage, will be explored.The project will be
completed through the following seven tasks; Task 1. Project Coordination, Task 2. Data Acquisition and
Literature Study, Task 3. Modeling Layout and Assumptions, Task 4. Small Passenger Station, Task 5.
Large/Multiple Passenger Station/s, Task 6. Economic Aspects and Task 7. Final Report & Documentation
BENEFITS
There is potential for huge economic payoffs if the regenerated energy is better harvested and reused in the
MTA system, for the following reasons: 1) The regenerated energy is significant, e.g. a 10-car MTA electric
train is estimated to produce up to 12 kWh every time it decelerates from its nominal speed to a complete
stop. Compared to the approximate 23kWhr said train requires to accelerate to nominal speed, this equates
to up to 52% in energy savings. 2) High number of passenger stations, and frequent train stops are
characteristics of the MTA NYCT system - and urban transportation generally. 3) With better coordination,
there is potential for significant reduction in demand with dispatched wayside energy storage.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) consumes approximately 2150 GWh per year for
traction power, while the MTA NYCT alone consumes about 80 % of the total annual MTA energy
consumption (Dayton T. Brown, 2013). Even though electric transportation systems already provide relatively
low energy consumption per passenger, there is potential for significant energy efficiency enhancement, as
well as energy consumption and carbon footprint reduction, in the MTA system through regenerative
braking. Today, existing MTA systems do not make good use of the regenerative braking capability of their
trains. Currently, the regenerated energy by MTA trains contributes to supplying the train auxiliary loads and
equipment, e.g. the onboard air-conditioning system, whenever a train stop, which does not result in
considerable energy savings (LTK, 2007). The rest of the regenerated energy is sent back to the third rail.
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Unless train time-synchronization is achieved, i.e. a train happens to be consuming energy (i.e. accelerating
or driving uphill) within the same section of the decelerating (i.e. braking or driving downhill) train, the
energy has to be dumped through resistors because the regenerated energy injected to the third rail would
cause the supplied power to exceed the load demand leading to a transient over-voltage (i.e. the third rail
voltage exceeds the maximum allowable voltage to supply the train) that may cause tripping of protection
device. There is potential for huge economic payoffs for MTA, Con Edison's Electric System and society as a
whole if the regenerated energy is better harvested and reused in the MTA system.
To date, all tasks have been completed for this project and a final report was prepared and issued by the
research university. The models and data used are being summarized into a whitepaper for sharing within
Con Edison, NYSERDA, and for outside parties in 2018. A subsequent project funded by NYSERDA will
investigate the optimal recuperation of rail regenerative braking energy, commencing in 2018.
123
TITLE Pilot Test of Meter Collar for DER Interconnect and Metering
CSN 90592 POET 22292187 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Jim Skillman
OBJECTIVE
In this project the vendor will be evaluated at the meter shop, Con Edison employees will be trained to install
the device, local DER installers will be educated about the device so they can choose to have it installed in
their project, and 30 or more devices will be installed as part of a residential customer DER installation.
Additionally, the vendor customer DER production data will be downloaded by Distribution Planning for
analysis of customer DER production and consumption data. Other Con Edison departments may also wish to
download the data for analysis such as load forecasting or solar production forecasting.Con Edison will
purchase the full vendor device for the pilot, however if future rollout occurs we would investigate DER
installers' willingness to share the cost of the device as it may reduce their interconnect costs.
BENEFITS
This project may provide benefits both to customers and to the Distribution Planning department. The
vendor may provide a reduction in customer cost for DER interconnection, including possible avoidance of
service upgrades to the customer’s main service panel. The DER production data provided by the vendor will
enable new opportunities for customer engagement such as shadow billing, other energy insights, and
support for bill dispute resolution. On the distribution planning side, the revenue grade metering of
customer DERs' production and/or consumption will provide a unique window into customer DERs to support
distribution planning activities. Additionally, this data could support other activities in the company such as
load forecasting or design of customer programs.
TECHNICAL STATUS
As of 2/13/18, all 30 units have been installed along with AMI Meters in Staten Island. There are 18 units
actively reporting solar PV system data – including active and reactive power production as well as local
voltage, frequency and power quality data - to the vendor cloud data repository. There are 7 units currently
not reporting (causes are under investigation), and 5 units installed but pending the DER system to be tied in
and made operational. Installer interest in expansion of the pilot to all boroughs is high, and the REV
Demonstration Project Group is working with consulting firm to determine how to best move forward with
the vendor, whether that be as a standard product offering, a co-branded product, or other business
arrangement.
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TITLE Transportable Energy Storage System (TESS)
CSN 92053 POET 10046626 TASK 0008
PROJECT LEAD Manuel Fernandez/

Daniel Sammon
AUTHORIZED $1,930,600 EXP. THROUGH 2017 $438,625
OBJECTIVE
In this project, we seek to maintain the reliability and safety for our electric distribution system while
demonstrating alternative technologies to defer infrastructure upgrades. We seek to develop a transportable
grid support energy storage system that is easy to connect and disconnect on our secondary grid system with
the goal of streamlining the connection process in using these systems. The energy storage system we seek
to demonstrate is expected to have zero environmental impact and minimal running and maintenance cost.
This has the added benefit of improving the Company's carbon footprint.
BENEFITS
Once proven to be technically and economically viable, it is expected that TESS can be used to defer
infrastructure upgrades while improving customer's reliability and power quality. It will further Con Edison's
commitment to green our way of doing business, shrink our carbon footprint in our operations and going
above and beyond in our compliance with environmental laws and regulations, ultimately leading the way to
more sustainable future. We also expect the technology will provide us with operational efficiencies that
cannot be realized using current technologies. Upon project completion, it will provide us with operational
efficiencies that cannot be realized using current technologies. Upon project completion, we will provide
recommendation whether to pursue further deployments.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Technical Specification has been finalized. Additional requirements were incorporated resulting from FDNY
study of battery safety. Construction of the TESS is expected to begin in 2018.
125
TITLE Network Relay Programming Development to Accommodate Distributed Resources
CSN 99779 POET 22048558 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Christopher G. Jones
OBJECTIVE
This project seeks to develop enhanced firmware for microprocessor network relays. We will engage ETI to
design and implement adaptive settings which take advantage of the fact that a microprocessor relay can tell
the difference between a switching move (where the power swing/change occurs sub-cycle) and that of
changes in PV output which moves at the speed of clouds (still fast, but not power switching fast).
BENEFITS
While envisioning a new 'transactive' multi-directional smart electric grid is possible, there is as yet little data
from which to predict the financial costs or value of such a grid as it could be implemented by an enhanced
network protector relay. Nevertheless, significant benefits are envisioned, including:
1. Lowering the cost of larger size PV and other DER on the network systems
2. Improving power quality for customers in the vicinity of large scale PV on the distributed network.
3. Keeping more protectors closed helps with reliability (fuse/fuse and fuse/limiter coordination)
4. Minimise the number of NWP operations (e.g. avoid pumping)
5. Enhancing performance of certain isolated network installations even in the absence of PV and other
DER to reduce field visits to manually operate NWP's at some installations during scheduled feeder
work.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In Progress – After iterative development of enhanced relay software and firmware, enhanced relays were
installed at field sites to demonstrate real-world performance. Monitoring will continue in 2018
126
TITLE Distributed Generation Quick Connect Plug
CSN 99994 POET 21101143 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Kirrill Zolotov
OBJECTIVE
The current method of connecting generators to the secondary grid during a network cascading event
involves cutting existing secondary in a structure and splicing in quick connects which are compatible with
our generators. After the event, the generator quick connects are removed and the cable is re-spliced. This
connection method is timely, costly, inefficient, and is limited to certain structures where there are spare
crab legs or enough splicing room. The driver of this project is to seek a more efficient method of connecting
generators to the secondary grid in order to pick up customers without power.
The objective of this project is to develop a device that will enhance the method of connecting generators to
the secondary grid during a cascading event. By developing and installing the DG Plug at pre-determined
locations, the crews will be able to connect generators without splicing in a shorter timeframe which will help
with customer restoration efforts and be more cost effective by reducing the amount of cable splicing
performed by the crews. The project plan is to install the DG plug at a pre-determined location in the
Flatbush network.
BENEFITS
The DG plug will enhance ConEdison's response to customer outages by enabling a faster connection of
generators to the secondary grid during a cascading event. The DG plug will also increase safety of our field
forces by reducing the time they spend in underground structures during heat events. Finally, the DG plug
will help with current storm hardening efforts for substations by providing quic connection points for
generators during an extreme weather event.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The DG Plug design is complete has been constructed and tested. Some of the DG Plugs are installed in the
trial demonstration location in Flatbush. All construction association with the installation of the plugs has
been completed. The team has also filed for a patent on the DG Plug technology.
127
TITLE ICS Data Acquisition using Forensic Techniques
CSN 99876 POET 21702861 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electrical – Customers
PROJECT LEAD Selena Ley
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this project is to research and develop techniques that follow forensic best practices that can
be used as part of a cyber investigation involving proprietary critical assets. The research would involve the
O&R Energy Control Center and CECONY Substation identifying the BES Cyber Assets within their respective
facilities. Given this list of BES Cyber Assets, the Cyber Action Team will procure these sample test devices
and then develop best practices to address at a minimum the following:
 Determine the compatible tools needed to perform a data collection

 If it is possible to perform a collection without restarting or shutting down the asset.
 If a live collection is possible, then determine what is the impact of the acquisition on the asset
 If it is possible to perform a logical data collection without physically tampering with the asset
 If it is possible to perform a collection of volatile data
 What tools can be used to analyze the collected information
Of the various BES Cyber Assets to be identified by both groups, the Cyber Action Team proposes to use a
phased approach and concentrate on a subset of the BES Cyber Assets. The first phase will concentrate on a
subset of BES Cyber Assets that are available in both O&R and CECONY substation environments.
Additionally, this first phase will be limited to a few select BES Cyber Assets in order limit costs and to have a
manageable asset count.
BENEFITS
The result of this project will be a guideline for incident handling and response to specific critical BES Cyber
Assets within the O&R ECC and CECONY substations. If there is a cyber-investigation involving cyber assets
that are in scope of phase 1 of this project, the result of this project will provide a direct guide with tested
and repeatable procedures on how to perform a data collection of the device.
TECHNICAL STATUS
In 2017, we expanded the asset inventory for the project. Each device was inspected and analyzed to
determine the storage type, operating system or firmware type, file system, and acquisition methods could
be used for conducting a physical, logical, or volatile forensic acquisition. It allows first responders and
incident response personnel to quickly ascertain what type of preservation and subsequent analysis could be
performed. Both open source and commercial tools were identified that used for forensic acquisition and
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subsequent analysis. Where possible, vulnerability scans were performed to determine the security of the
device as it was shipped from the vendor. Scan results were then reviewed to determine for device security
purposes and if it could be used to gather additional information as part of incident response to the device.
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TITLE EPRI Telecommunications Initiative
CSN 99778 POET 22048670 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electrical - Customers
DURATION 5/6/2016 to 4/2018 ENGINEER Steven Go
PROJECT LEAD Wendell Little & Aris H.

Kouyoumdjian
OBJECTIVE
The Telecommunications Initiative addresses these challenges to help reduce complexity in planning,
designing, deploying, and managing networks to support grid operations. Utilities realize that many diverse
telecommunications technologies and solutions must be deployed to support grid operational requirements.
In addition, the rapid evolution of telecommunication technologies reduces their lifecycle timelines. As
existing networks are pressured by obsolescence and new data traffic, there are no simple answers to cost‐
effective replacements that avoid stranding. Evolution of grid operations into the future introduce new IT and
OT applications with undefined needs for increased bandwidth and remote coverage.
BENEFITS
Con Edison will benefit from participation in forums of industry telecom experts to discuss issues, tactics and
strategies, and lessons learned, receiving use cases on telecommunications scenarios, receiving lab and field
testing results of various telecom technologies for public and private spectrum.These qualitative benefits will
support Con Edison with technology evaluations and migration approaches that will aid in developing
strategies for future communications infrastructure.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Telecommunications are essential to the operation of today’s electricity system and will play an even more
critical role in the highly integrated, connected, and interactive power system of tomorrow. The electric
sector is facing several challenges with respect to telecommunication. These include:
• Transition from isolated, application specific networks to integrated, unified networks;

• Retirement of analog and TDM leased line services from carriers;
• Transition of applications to packet based systems (typically Internet Protocol or IP);
• Rapidly increasing bandwidth and geographic coverage requirements for intelligent field devices;
• Impending obsolescence and/or insecurity of legacy wireless systems;
• Lack of private spectrum for critical operational links;
• Increasingly crowded unlicensed spectrum, and resulting impacts on reliability;
• Requirements for higher reliability and resiliency; and
• Increased focus on cyber‐security and changing NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards
requirements.
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The Telecom Initiative launched in early 2016 and continues through 2017 into early 2018. In 2018 it will
transform into a new Project Set within the Information and Communication Technologies program (161G).
The initial utilities that helped shape the scope, deliverables, and timelines of the project helped us winnow
down 20 challenges to the top 6 in terms of urgency and strategic value. These are:
• Serial to packet migration
• Wireless networks – private and public
• Strategic Fiber
• Connectivity Beyond the Meter
• Network Management, Reliability Metrics and assessing emerging technologies like SDN
• Network planning and co-simulation
To date, 20 utilities are committed to the project: American Electric Power, Alliant Energy, Arkansas Electric
Cooperative Corp, Ameren, CenterPoint, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Consolidated Edison, Duke Energy,
FirstEnergy, Great Plains Energy (KCP&L), Hawaiian Electric Company, New York Power Authority, Pacific Gas
& Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Salt River Project, Seattle City Light, Southern California Edison,
Tennessee Valley Authority, WEC Energies, XCEL Energy.
Track Type Title Date
Serial To Packet Workshop Protection over MPLS Workshop, Test Plan, May-2017
Results
Serial To Packet Report Serial/TDM replacement Aug-2017
Serial To Packet 1-page Leased circuit requirements for protection May-2017
Private Wireless Report Wireless Taxonomy and Architecture May-2017
Private Wireless Report Unlicensed Noise Floor Study MAR 2018
Private Wireless Platform/Demo RF Mesh FAN – OFDM / Wi-SUN Apr 2018
Private Wireless Report Private LTE – options and opportunities Dec-2017
Private Wireless Update IEEE 802.16S Overview(white paper) Apri-2017
Public Wireless Report Testing QoS on Commercial Cellular Jul-2017
Public Wireless Report Low Power WAN Technologies Apr-2018
Public Wireless Report Public Networking and Shared Aug-2017

Networks – Architecture & Operation
Strategic Fiber Report Strategic Fiber Handbook Phase 1 Mar-2017
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Strategic Fiber Report Update Strategic Fiber Handbook Phase 2: Dec-2017

Innovative Business Models Case Studies
Grid Edge Update Persistent Secure Wi-Fi Connectivity at Dec-2017

Connectivity Grid Edge (WiFIoT): Overview and Operation
Grid Edge Platform/Demo MPR4 Platform with “WiFIoT” capabilities Feb-2017

Connectivity
Grid Edge Open Source Persistent Wi-Fi Web-based Prototype Apr-2018

Connectivity provisioning, server software, router firmware
Grid Edge Report Testing Results, next phase continuation and Apr-2018
Connectivity collaboration plan
Network Report Manager of Manager Survey Results May-2017

Management
& Metrics
Network Report Software defined networking(SDN) Aug-2017

Management
& Metrics
Network Report Linking Telecom Metrics and Cyber/Physical Dec-2017

Management threats
& Metrics
Roadmap and Platform Telecom / Grid Co-simulation Apr-2018

Framework for
Telecom planning
Roadmap and Report Roadmap and Framework for Telecom Apr-2018

Framework for planning
Telecom planning
132
TITLE Advanced Steam Heating Controls Pilot
CSN 90621 POET 22241096 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electrical - Customers
PROJECT LEAD Katelyn Tsukada
OBJECTIVE
A project integrator with a portfolio of projects in gas and efficiency, will install and commission a boiler
monitoring and control system, as well as thermostatically controlled radiator valve (TRV) actuators on each
tenant apartment radiator, in addition to a smart boiler controller to more efficiently schedule boiler cycling
at the 29-07 31st Ave and 30-95 29th St buildings in Astoria, Queens. The project will be conducted for the
purposes of measurement and verification of fuel savings for 2-pipe building heating systems during the
2016-17 winter, as compared to fuel consumption from data collected prior to system installation. Individual
apartment temperature setpoints will influence optimal boiler operations through a networked system. A
centralized thermostatic control system will conduct automated temperature monitoring and diagnostics.
BENEFITS
This project holds the promise of improving our understanding of building heating inefficiencies for firm gas
in 2-pipe apartment buildings, and to facilitate measures to isolate and address them. The project is expected
to yield the following benefits: a better estimate of natural gas savings realizable through smarter boiler
controls influenced by tenant input, insight into levels of customer satisfaction, insight into difficulties
encountered with installation and the risks of system failures, and a better understanding of potential cost-
sharing with building owners. Such information will help with designing and marketing networked building
heating system incentives to incorporate potential cost-sharing.
TECHNICAL STATUS
The contractor completed the installation of the radiator and boiler solution in a multifamily rental building in
Long Island City, Queens in January of 2017. Subsequent measurement and verification performed to assess
energy savings as compared to pre-installation (baseline data from late 2016) demonstrated an 18% fuel
savings using data through the end of the spring 2017 heating season. Tenant survey results (~30 tenants
responded) indicated that energy savings were achieved without adversely affecting tenant comfort. The
results of the project will allow possible incentives in the Multi-family program
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TITLE New Ergonomic Technologies for Safer Working
CSN 99900 POET 21636626 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Energy & Environmental - Environmental
PROJECT LEAD Lawrence Clark / Sam Ng
OBJECTIVE
The project goal is to test the use of a new lifting exoskelaton for possible adoption by departments with
employees that engage in heavy work in their daily activities. Two novel exoskelaton devices have been
identified: one which provides feedback to encourage proper lifting technique and spine posture by engaging
the torso and shoulders, and another which provides this feedback along with a load transfer mechanism that
shifts the load from the arms and back to the shoulders and hips. We will purchase a small but significant
number of units for workers to test in various locations including stores, the transformer shop, gas
operations, and facilities. Additionally, we will pilot test the use of a wearable analytics device currently
under development. The wearable analytics device collects data that provides an assessment of the level of
risk of injury in each lift or worker activity. The device can provide real-time feedback to the worker as well
as post-activity analytics that can be used during a work shift, for worker training, to characterize our working
conditions, and to provide possible insight before an injury or incident occurs.
BENEFITS
If the passive and load shifting exoskelatons perform as expected, workers will report less pain and
discomfort caused by the stresses of their daily work activities. The benefits will be a healthier work force
which will result in higherjob satisfaction, better productivity while on the job, and fewer lost days of work
due to injury. A financial benefit is also outlined in the Cost Benefit Calculation sheet.
The possible benefits from the wearable analytics device may include reduced injuries from use of the device
for training or risky lifting alerts, resutling in the benefits described above. Additional benefits may result
from quantifying the exposure of our workers to risk such as learning useful and ideally actionable insights
about our working conditions and the conditions that lead to injuries occurring. This may allow for refining
working procedures, or when not possible, break taking or other mitigative recommendations.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Pilot tests of both ergonomic devices are currently underway. We procured both types of exoskelatons and
have tested them at a wide array of locations at both CECONY and O&R sites. Based on feedback we received
from the first rollout in Q2 of 2016, we continue to introduce the devices at new locations. Similarly, we
completed an initial test of the electronic wearable device and will be testing at additional sites over the next
two years.
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TITLE Electric Vehicle Load Management Program Pilot
CSN 99793 POET 21954973 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electric Vehicles - Electric Vehicles
PROJECT LEAD Sherry Login
OBJECTIVE
This pilot will test a new electric vehicle (EV) load management program as an alternative to a rate-based
program to incentivize residential and commercial fleet customers to charge their electric vehicles during
network off-peak periods and further the penetration of electric vehicles in Con Edison service territory. It is
proposed that EV owners receive monetary and/ or nonmonetary benefits in exchange for enrollment in a
program. The program would incent customers for every kWh consumed during off-peak hours for EV
charging and for utility-controlled charging at the times that do not contribute to network or system peaks
and capacity constraints. Such a program design philosophy is analogous to air conditioning load
management programs already very common for utilities. The device for this program is plug-and-play and
does not require an electrician or technical know-how to install. The device can be installed by the vehicle
owner. Once installed, the technology is capable of communicating realtime and historic data regarding EV
charging events, while also supporting dynamic control of the charge events.
BENEFITS
An electric vehicle program can decrease rates for Con Edison customers by increasing the system volume
(kWh) through increasing the adoption of electric vehicles. It can also decrease global Greenhouse Gas
Emissions by shifting from conventional ICE vehicles to electric. This pilot will look to inform the future
electric vehicle programs by collecting charging and locational data as well as quantifying customer
willingness and incentive structure. It will also explore the potential for load shifting of electric vehicle
charging to mitigate impacts on the system capacity.
TECHNICAL STATUS
This pilot will tested a new electric vehicle (EV) load management program as an alternative to a rate-based
program to incentivize residential and commercial fleet customers to charge their electric vehicles during
network off-peak periods and further the penetration of electric vehicles in Con Edison service territory. It is
proposed that EV owners receive monetary and/ or nonmonetary benefits in exchange for enrollment in a
program. The program would incent customers for every kWh consumed during off-peak hours for EV
charging and for utility-controlled charging at the times that do not contribute to network or system peaks
and capacity constraints. Such a program design philosophy is analogous to air conditioning load
management programs already very common for utilities.
135
The project supported the hardware development that enables electric vehicle telematics. This hardware was
installed in 100 customer vehicles in the Onboard Diagnostic Port and provided cellular communications back
to a cloud-based server. This cloud-based server enabled Con Edison and customers to visualize their data.
The project also supported backend cloud platform development for customer and utility access.
The R&D EV Local Management Project did not continue into 2018 and 2019 but ended in 2017 and only
supported 100 devices through R&D.
The EV Load Management Program was replaced with the The Smart Charge New York program in Energy
Efficiency and Demand Management.
136
TITLE O&R Electric Distribution Volts & Amps Sensors Beta testing (Beta EDVAS Project)
POET 21458504 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Electric - Distribution
PROJECT LEAD John-Paul Laglenne
OBJECTIVE
From our investigations, we have identified three significantly different voltage and current sensing devices,
in the Beta stage of vendor R&D that potentially will meet ORU's need. A small sample size of sensors will be
bench tested at each vendor’s high voltage test lab for accuracy and repeatability at 60hz and harmonic
frequencies using a high accuracy signal generator. The signal generator will be set to output a specific set of
voltages and currents based on a test plan, and a hand held power quality meter will measure these for
comparison to the original signal. Finally the sensors will be wired to a power quality meter and all three
values will be compared. Following the successful bench test results, the three sensor systems will be
installed on the overhead line and used to measure the 100% exporting output of the Clarkstown Landfill
2MW Photovoltaic farm. A SCADA connected fourth measurement of voltage and current is already in
operational service, measuring exclusively the same PV farm output using the site’s switchgear PTs and CTs. A
comparison will be made of the measured real and reactive power, voltage and current, and known
harmonics at the site using 1 second interval demand recorders. This comparison will be performed over a
time period measured in weeks to ensure the accuracy of the outdoor installation over time. The various
overhead distribution operations department personnel will be brought to the site to see all the installations
and comment on any concerns they may have regarding installation and maintenance of these beta
devices/systems. A final report will be written and shared throughout the company.
BENEFITS
13.2kV line suspended (not pole or frame mounted), combined voltage and current sensors could potentially
provide for better accuracy over existing sensors. These sensors are also expected to be easier to install and
since they do not require frame space on a pole, additional infrastructure built is not required for the sensor
point. We also anticipate that these sensors can be used at large DG installation to provide accurate sensing
at the customer interconnection to operate isolation switches. This avoids the often costly modifications that
is needed for a customer to provide the voltage and current inputs from their own switchgear. These sensors
will also be able to provide the information needed for accurate load flow modeling.
TECHNICAL STATUS UPDATE

Orange and Rockland continues to monitor and evaluate the vendor sensor performance. The vendor
continues to make updates to the sensor signal processing software and firmware to improve the accuracy
and precision performance to support power quality and meter grade applications. Orange and Rockland has
designed, had built, and is testing a production power quality enclosure that uses the vendor sensing system.
137
TITLE O&R Relay Redundant Wireless Communications R&D Project
POET 21488531 TASK 0001
PROJECT LEAD Lou Colangelo
OBJECTIVE
In this project, we seek to demonstrate a redundant wireless communication path using the cell network to
provide high bandwith communication. The 4G connection is expected to grant us a data pipe up to 9000
times larger than the 9600 Baud radio network that we are currently using. By communicating over two
separate communication paths, we can leverage the larger data network for real time relay interaction. If
successful, this will open up the possibility of interacting with the relay as if we were directly connected to
the unit in the field.
In this project we will build upon the “Electric Distribution Volt & Amps Sensors Beta Testing (Beta EDVAS
Project) R&D Project”. The relay being used will have 2 communication ports. One serial connection will be
used for ORU existing wireless RTU radio network, which will connect the unit back to the distribution SCADA
system. The other path will be IP based, connecting the relay to a 4G modem which will bring its data back
over the cellular network to the company’s secured connection.
BENEFITS
ORU has many users and systems that would benefit from redundant communication and the availability of
large data such as system waveforms.
Planners, Power Quality Engineers, and the system model could each benefit from having power quality data,
pre & post fault data and Oscillography.
Success of the project opens up a few additional options for communication diversity. An option for
deployment is to keep SCADA switching devices on the communication network that ORU controls so the
operators can have a dependable network for situational awareness and control, and mitigates the risk of the
cell network being down during emergency events.
The increased impact of large DG penetration requires both large amounts of PQ data and control of
interconnection switches. With this application, a parallel communication path can be established.
Passive devices such as cap banks with 3 phase sensing and regulator clusters can be placed on the network.
The data they provide is important; however losing connection to these devices during a storm event should
not impact restoration efforts.

To get the DNP data from the remote RTAC RTUs we purchased and setup up in our lab environment the
RTAC HMI concentrator. This allowed us to take several remote RTAC RTUs and bring their DNP3 data back
to and to display HMI icons in the RTAC. This RTAC is limited to aggregating 256 RTUs into one HMI system.
138
TITLE O&R Electric Distribution VA Sensors Production Testing Phase II ver1
POET 22437737 TASK 0001
OBJECTIVE
The sensors tested in the phase 1 project have proven reliable, accurate and precise based on the bench
testing and field testing completed so far. In this project we are installing the sensors on a number of
distribution pole ready packages to install on select feeders. This testing will seek to benchmark model data
against real measurements.
BENEFITS
ORU has many overhead electric distribution applications that would benefit from 3 phase voltage and
current sensing that is accurate, repeatable, outdoor rated for 20 years or more, and can fit into the pole top
device. If the project is successful, the sensors can be applied on SCADA connected capacitor controls, the
head end of feeder circuits and any other SCADA connected devices compatible with the transducer signal for
accurate reporting of faults, power quality, feeder kW and KVar demands and operational awareness.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Orange and Rockland continues to monitor and evaluate the vendor sensor performance. The vendor
continues to make updates to the sensor signal processing software and firmware to improve the accuracy
and precision performance to support power quality and meter grade applications. Orange and Rockland has
designed, had built, and is testing a production power quality enclosure that uses the vendor sensing system.
139
TITLE O&R Driver Risk Management System for Vehicle Fleet Safety
POET 22493082 TASK 0001
PROGRAM AREA Common
PROJECT LEAD Stephen Prall
OBJECTIVE
Video based vehicle safety programs have been proven to change driver behavior and reduce collisions. The
ability to directly observe driver behavior by way of the event recorders allows leadership to verify that
operators are abiding by expectations, and it provides an effective feedback tool when operators deviate.
The system will also provide vehicle telemetric data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU), such as idling, high
revs, etc. The pilot will also ensure that a defined number of triggered videos are analyzed by trained
operators by the vendor prior to coach distribution and noting such behavior as speeding, no seatbelt,
distraction and etc. The system utilizes inward/outward facing cameras, GPS, Immediate video offload,
vehicle diagnostics, and vehicle customized triggering. The device installation will be in vehicles used by the
20 worse drivers and then proportionally by section based on the rate of miles per motor vehicle collision in
randomly selected vehicles. Sections having a low rate of miles per MVC will have a higher proportion of
devices installed. The objective is evaluation and effectiveness of the driver safety system as a vehicle safety
program.
BENEFITS
Implementation of the technology will provide a foundation for specific and actionable driver feedback.
Regular feedback and driver expectation of feedback is expected to facilitate improved driver behavior.
Reduction in the frequency/severity of risky behaviors is expected to precipitate reduction in collision
frequency, mitigating the liability exposure that accompanies fleet operations in O&R's diverse territory. The
project will also validate the expectations of fewer motor vehicle infractions and collisions or improved
driving habits.
TECHNICAL STATUS
Installation of the video based vehicle safety devices were performed in the month of July. 75 vehicles were
identified to be installed with the device. The evaluation and use feedback period will last about 6 months.
The program was started in the August timeframe. Various risky behaviors were identified and scored
depending on relevance to company safety concerns. The higher the score, the risky the behavior. That
scoring is used to generate a safety score based on hours of driving and to identify which drivers need
coaching. A high safety score relates to more risky driving behavior. The initial safety score for the company
was approximately 120 with the current safety score ranging between 40-50. The program so far has seen a
decrease in risky driving behavior based on the current safety score. The R&D program is slated to be
completed in March of 2018, followed by a feedback session.
140
TITLE O&R Emulation of Reclosers

POET 22606299 TASK 0001
OBJECTIVE
This project is to develop code that will mimic all of the necessary Reclosing, Loop Scheme, and Safety
functions that O&R's Reclosers currently have.
BENEFITS
Being able to use a device to control Reclosers on the O&R system provides the possibilities for different
types of Reclosers being integrated into the distribution system. The plan is to start the integration of this
code into the development of an Underground Recloser solution. The main purpose of the Underground
Recloser is to give O&R the ability to have protection located at DG sites in between the customer's load and
the DG site itself, which might not have any overhead exposure. A later plan is to incorporate this into a 34.5
kV Recloser, which allows for a full Recloser installation on one pole instead of the current installation which
requires three poles (one for the Recloser, one for the power, and one for the by-pass GOAB).

Orange and Rockland continues to work with the vendor to produce the Recloser that will emulate the
existing recloser. Code was produced and we began testing, but found we ran out of programming memory
and we had to re-evaluate our approach. We are now looking into using other devices to achieve this.
141

Coned 2018 Research and Development

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2018

Electric Research & Development

Report and Project Status Sheets

Matter Number 10-00779

Goals and Objectives........................................................................................................................ 1

Staffing and Departmental Organization .................................................................................. 3

Program Development and Management ................................................................................ 3

Project Selection and Management .......................................................................................... 4

Technology Transfer .................................................................................................................. 4

Research and Development Program .............................................................................................. 5

Collaborative R&D .................................................................................................................... 5

General R&D Support ............................................................................................................... 6

2017 R&D Successes .................................................................................................................. 6

Awards and Other Noteworthy Items ...................................................................................... 6

2018 Program ........................................................................................................................... 7

Con Edison Research and Development Project Status Reports ................................................... 25

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 We are open, fair, trusted and trusting, internally and externally:

 With a cost-conscious mindset, all employees act like business owners

Staffing and Departmental Organization

Program Development and Management

Project Selection and Management

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 Assess the impact of emerging technologies on business operations, competitiveness and

General R&D Support

2017 R&D Successes

Awards and Other Noteworthy Items

1. Total company expenditures for internal

Administration 2,144 2,111 2,153 2,209 2,266

2. Company contributions to industry

Sub-total Electric R&D Expenditures 10,471 10,580 10,584 10,616 10,597

1. Total company expenditures for internal

Administration 2,088 2,023 2,058 2,107 2,157

2. Company contributions to industry

Total Electric R&D Expenditures 9,833 9,817 9,803 9,849 9,823

Administration 56 88 95 102 109

2. Company contributions to industry

Total Electric R&D Expenditures 638 763 780 767 774

Administration (common distribution 77.60% to electric)

GENERAL COMMON Projects (common distribution 77.60% to electric)

TRANSMISSION MODERNIZATION DEMONSTRATION $1 $159 $121

Subtotal Transmission & Substation $2,446 $1,860 $1,820 $1,315 $1,315

COMPUTERIZE CALCULATIONS OF SYSTEM LOSSES STUDY $50

UNDERGROUND AUTOLOOP FOR NETWORK SYSTEM FEEDERS $20

Subtotal In-House Projects $4,197 $4,280 $4,232 $4,248 $4,173

Affiliate Billing R&D Electric NY $291 $323 $330 $337 $344

CSN 99791 POET 21957852 TASK 0001

PROGRAM AREA Administration/Industry Group - Administration

DURATION 3/14/2016 to 5/2021 ENGINEER Brenda Hill

PROJECT LEAD Brenda Hill

TITLE APPLICATIONS RESEARCH - NEETRAC

CSN 90356 POET 22954048 TASK 0001

PROGRAM AREA Industry Group

DURATION 12/19/2017 to 3/2021 ENGINEER Frank Doherty

PROJECT LEAD George Murray

AUTHORIZED $140,000 EXP. THROUGH 2017 $132,000

TITLE EPRI - ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION

CSN 99775 POET 2206144 TASK 0001

PROGRAM AREA Industry Group

DURATION On Going ENGINEER William Fairechio

PROJECT LEAD William Fairechio

TITLE EPRI FOR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION AND CUSTOMER R&D

CSN 99774 POET 22061441 TASK 0001

PROGRAM AREA Industry Group