Upgrade the Smart Way
(Business Connection Article - October 2009)
Are you adding a major piece of equipment at your company? If so, be sure to contact Wisconsin Public Service in advance. Taking time to make the call will help ensure WPS's facilities are adequate to serve your increased electric load. The transformer, the green cabinet mounted on a cement platform outside your facility, takes electricity transferred over high-voltage power lines and lowers the voltage appropriately so that power can be used in your business. Transformers are designed to meet the needs of your current electric load.
"If your load will change significantly because of new equipment, we need to know in advance so we can determine if your existing transformer and metering equipment is appropriate, or if we need to make changes and increase equipment capability," said Brian Teddy, Manager of Advanced Metering Infrastructure at WPS.
The types of equipment that can impact electric load include blower motors, conveyors, feeders, air compressors and most major manufacturing equipment. "Any additional electrical equipment that changes how your business operates will likely increase load and may require us to do some work upfront," Teddy said. "If you are unsure, it's definitely worth asking us."
What if a customer adds new equipment and operates it without informing WPS? This increased load could overload WPS equipment and cause an unexpected outage or require a planned outage to make repairs. The customer's equipment also could sustain damage. This creates a potentially dangerous and costly situation.
If you will be adding major equipment at your business, be sure to contact WPS at least four weeks before your new equipment arrives. This will allow time for scheduling a planned outage and maintenance, if needed.
Call the Business Solutions Center at 877-444-0888 for more information on safe and sensible equipment upgrades.