95 percent of Mississippi Power customers now on a self-healing network
Gulfport, Miss. – Mississippi Power recently announced that 95 percent of its customers are now served by a self-healing network, which reduces the frequency and duration of outages.
Specifically, the self-healing network allows field devices to isolate faults to the smallest segment of customers possible. The devices then automatically restore the customers who are not located in the segment directly affected by the fault.
The self-healing network project began in 2010 as part of the Department of Energy’s Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG). The project was designed to improve reliability and customer satisfaction by adding innovative technology to the power delivery system.
From the beginning of 2023 through May of 2024, the self-healing network has prevented nearly seven million outage minutes for customers.
“For more than a decade, our Power Delivery team has worked relentlessly to install this equipment, follow our proactive plan and focus on improving how we deliver value to our customers,” said Vice President of Power Delivery and Division Operations Melvin Roland. “I am very proud of the team for their focus on safety and their commitment to the customers and communities we serve.”
Since 2010, more than 1,000 reclosers have been installed across the company’s distribution grid. The last three feeders added pushed the company up to the 95 percent threshold of customers on the self-healing network, completing the goal that was set to be reached at the end of this year.
“I am proud to say that there is a self-healing network in almost every community we serve,” said Distribution General Manager Patrick Leathers. “The technology and infrastructure upgrades we’ve made to accompany the self-healing networks has allowed the strength and reliability of our grid to continuously grow.”
Now in its 99th year of operations, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for more than 192,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power was recognized by the Edison Electric Institute with an Emergency Response Award in 2023. The company was also a recent recipient of the Community Partner Impact Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development for its innovative and ongoing efforts to build a diverse workforce. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our websites at mississippipower.com and mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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