We recently subscribed to RTO Insider, which is a publication dedicated to being “your eyes and ears on the organized electric markets.”

We subscribed after coming across an article involving power grid projects, which included a document about the PECO electric grid between Whitpain Township and Plymouth Meeting (Plymouth Township). At least some parts of those lines are very old, almost a century old.

We found that this isn’t unusual.

According to the Smart Energy Power Alliance, a significant portion of the electric grid in the United States dates back 40 to 70 years, which means components are operating longer than what they were designed for. Over 70% of transmission lines and power transformers are a quarter-of-a-century old, with some systems dating back to the start of the 1900s. Much of the system came directly after World War II.

Exelon is now working towards updating the 5.12 mile line between Whitpain Township and Plymouth Meeting. The line is 95 years old and includes a ACSR (aluminum conductor steel reinforced) conductor that was constructed in 1930. The static conductor on the line is 65 years old. Tower bolts and paint coatings are 95 years old. All of these components are said to be nearing the end of their useful life and need to be replaced.

Exelon is planning to rebuild the line at a projected cost of $44 million. It is currently in the engineering phase and projected to be in-service on July 1, 2029.

Exelon is also working on a $54 million project that would update the 98-year-old Buxmont-Whitpain line. This project is also in the engineering phase and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

You can view the full document here.

Images within article – Exelon