Unique cable injection project helping to preserve electrical system

LPEA using silicone injection to ward off outages while saving money

 

            DURANGO, Colo. – In an effort to preserve and extend the life of the electrical system, plus save members’ money, LPEA will soon complete the latest phase of a cable injection project in Durango’s Hillcrest and Bayfield’s Yucca Estates subdivisions.

            Instead of digging up the old, buried lines – many of which run under mature landscaping or sidewalks – LPEA is literally injecting the space between the wires and rubber insulation with a revolutionary silicone solution.

“It fills the voids in the insulation, and the trees where the insulation is starting to break down,” said Ben Cordova, manager of lines and services, referencing the fissures that take on the appearance of trees as they crack through the rubber. “That’s what will preserve the cable for another 20 years.”

More than 30 years ago, LPEA began direct-buried installation of its electricity cables in appropriate subdivisions throughout the service territory. In recent years, LPEA determined that the increasing level of fault activity on these underground lines would require some form of remedial action to ensure continuity of reliable service as the cable reached the end of its effective life.

“We’re capitalizing on technology,” said Steve Gregg, manager of operations. “We didn’t think the original cable would last more than 20 to 25 years, but we’ve gotten 30-plus years from most of these original installations. If we can get 20 or 30 more years by using the silicone injection, who knows what technology might be developed by then, and we won’t have to dig up those lines.”

In addition to not requiring major excavation and homeowner disturbance, using the silicone injection has saved LPEA and its members considerable dollars. If LPEA had been required to dig up and replace the cables, the price would have run $125 per foot, per cable. The injection effort is costing only about $8 per foot, per cable.

LPEA will continue to identify the older underground lines that may be candidates for future silicone injection. Last year the lines at James Ranch, along North College Drive and in the Animosa subdivision were injected.

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, provides to its more than 30,000 members with in excess of 43,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit www.lpea.coop.