​MAYS LANDING, N.J. (November 10, 2020) – Atlantic City Electric has begun construction on a reliability project to modernize the local energy infrastructure connecting Atlantic City and Brigantine. The project includes replacing an existing substation and rebuilding two critical transmission lines, creating a stronger and more resilient energy grid to reduce the impacts of more powerful storms. Project construction is expected to be completed by May 2022. Great Egg Harbor Crossing Reliability Project.

"We continue to see the devastating impacts severe weather can have on our communities," said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO of Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. "Strengthening and modernizing our infrastructure is critical to helping our shore communities become more resilient to the threats posed by climate change. While we've made significant progress, there is more work to do. I'm thrilled to see this project also serve as an opportunity for young adults to launch careers in energy and learn about the work it takes to make the local energy grid more resilient."

To create jobs and support the local economy, Atlantic City Electric has partnered with Jingoli Power, the contract company working on this project, to hire 18 young adults residing in Atlantic City to assist with this reliability enhancement project. As part of its Competitive Edge program, Jingoli Power will orient and train the new hires for various positions to support this project including professional interns, administrative personnel, and craft apprentices supporting numerous areas of the project.

"We are pleased to introduce our Competitive Edge program to Atlantic City Electric to support the work associated with the Atlantic City/Brigantine Community Reliability Project," said Joseph Jingoli, CEO of Jingoli. "A group of young men and women from Atlantic City will participate in our 12-week, Train to Hire program where they will listen, learn and interact with various professionals and experts who will introduce them to potential career paths associated with this type of project." 

The Atlantic City/Brigantine Community Reliability Project includes replacing the existing substation on Bayshore Avenue in Brigantine with a new substation built at the same location. The new facility, which helps deliver energy to customers in the area, will be equipped with state-of-the-art energy equipment. To further prevent power outages caused by coastal flooding, the substation is designed to meet 100-year flood elevation standards and can be remotely operated if accessibility to the facility is hampered during a major storm.

Crews are also rebuilding 3.4 miles of transmission lines between Atlantic City and Brigantine with more modern equipment. This includes placing the transmission lines along Brigantine Boulevard in Brigantine underground and replacing wood poles along parts of Routes 30 and 187 with stronger steel poles, capable of withstanding winds up to 120 mph.

Atlantic City Electric is committed to minimizing impacts to the local community during the project's construction. The company will typically perform work on weekdays during normal business hours, generally 7 a.m. to sundown. To further minimize impacts to the local community, transmission line construction will only occur during the "off-season." The company will also restore all areas affected by construction. Staging for the work, where workers will park and construction materials will be stored, will be located just off Brigantine Island in a secure location that minimizes potential impacts to both the Atlantic City and Brigantine communities. 

The company held community open houses about the project in June 2019 and July 2019, where the project team provided details and answered questions regarding the project. Atlantic City Electric will continue to work closely with residents to address questions and keep the community informed about progress. For additional information, visit atlanticcityelectric.com/reliability or contact the company through the dedicated project phone number 609-625-8888 or email address ACBrigReliability@exeloncorp.com.

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