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The Fitzell Substation: Powering Baltimore’s Industrial Renaissance

Sparrows Point in Baltimore is in the midst of an industrial renaissance. This revitalization project is considered the largest of its kind in the nation. At Delta Utility Services, we are proud to be a part of this urban expansion.

Fitzell Substation

Bethlehem Steel

For 125 years, Sparrows Point was home to Bethlehem Steel. This American industrial powerhouse was once the world’s largest iron producer and steel making facility. At its peak, it provided 30,000 jobs, produced steel for iconic projects such as the Golden Gate Bridge, and fueled railroad expansion across the country.

Tradepoint Atlantic

In 2014, two years after Bethlehem Steel ceased operations, a fresh vision emerged—for new industries to stand on the shoulders of this former steel mill giant. Tradepoint Atlantic acquired over 3,000 acres and is transforming the site into one of the largest global logistics hubs in America. With direct access to highways, railroads, and the Atlantic Ocean, Baltimore will strategically connect the US and global markets.

The Fitzell Substation

This redevelopment is anticipated to create approximately 17,000 new jobs in Baltimore. The new tenants already include modern industrial giants like FedEx, Under Armour, and Amazon. In order to supply sufficient power to these businesses, Tradepoint Atlantic partnered with BGE to build a new substation. The Fitzell substation is essentially the backbone of the entire Tradepoint Atlantic project.

Working with BGE, Delta is powering this Baltimore renaissance. We are providing the infrastructure needed to distribute the immense amount of power required for this region’s economic expansion. We are building the substation to supply not only the current power demand, but also to have the capacity for future expansion, 10 to 30 years down the road.

Substation Security

Delta Substation Security

After you’ve constructed a power substation, how do you safeguard that investment?

Substations are commonly located in remote areas, making them even more susceptible to malicious activity and accidents. Safety and security breaches at a substation can be extremely costly—and even deadly.

Threats to Substations

Common threats to substations include:

  • Copper theft
    Thieves will go to great lengths to steal this valuable metal. Since copper is used in critical elements of a substation, copper theft can cause downtime and expensive repairs. Thieves also put themselves in great danger, accessing high-voltage areas with bolt cutters that could clip an active wire.
  • Malicious attacks
    Snipers and hackers have attacked substations with gunfire and cyber terrorism. These incidents have caused government agencies to emphasize the importance of protecting our nation’s infrastructure and power grid.
  • Wildlife
    Birds of prey such as eagles and osprey like to build their nests on tall structures. When these nests are built on substations, the birds are at risk of harming themselves and causing power outages. It requires the cooperation of wildlife officials and utility personnel to safely remove the nests, which can be up to 3 feet wide.

Layered Substation Security

Delta specializes in not only constructing substations, but also in safeguarding them. We recommend that substations have at least:

  • Outer perimeter security
  • Inner perimeter security
  • Cyber security

Relying on a chain link fence and padlock to secure your substation isn’t enough protection in today’s digital world. We use technology such as video analytics, outdoor motion sensors, and radar. Contact us to learn more about securing your substation.

Safety in the Trench and in the Bucket

Safety in the Trench and in the Bucket

At Delta, we specialize in distribution construction and maintenance services, both underground and overhead. Despite the risks of having technicians working down in the trenches and up in the bucket trucks, we’ve maintained a proven safety record.

Underground Distribution: Trench Safety Stand Down

According to OSHA (United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration), trench collapses pose the greatest risk to workers’ lives. For four consecutive years, OSHA has teamed up with other agencies such as the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to host an annual Trench Safety Stand Down Week.

The 2019 Trench Safety Stand Down Week, from June 17–21, focuses on protecting workers from trench and excavation hazards. This campaign provides an opportunity for companies to host safety talks and activities for employees who work in and around trenches. The goal is to continue reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries that occur annually in the utility industry.

Overhead Distribution: Positive Attachment Lanyard

Delta’s bucket trucks range from 30 feet to 60 feet in reach, and we emphasize the safety of our linemen when they are at these platform heights.

We’re excited about our industry’s new Positive Attachment Lanyard (PAL) system that was created by Terex Utilities. Sometimes field workers are so focused on the task at hand that they might forget to clip into the safety harness. This device provides audio and visual warnings to the operator when the controls are engaged but the safety harness lanyard has not been attached. So far, those who have piloted the PAL device have provided positive feedback because it’s simple and doesn’t impede the work. This system is expected to reduce the number of non-attachment events.

Safe with Us

If you’re looking for a reliable utility maintenance and construction company, then get in touch with us. We are a certified Women’s Business Enterprise that is committed to protecting our people and providing high-quality utility services.

$47 Million Funds Innovative Technology for Energy-Efficient Buildings

Delta Energy Optimized Buildings

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding opportunity of up to US$47 million for the development of innovative technologies that will improve energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings.

Energy Optimization for Buildings

Buildings have traditionally been passive consumers of energy. In the United States, buildings account for approximately 40% of the total energy demand and 75% of all electricity use. Now that electrical grids are facing more challenges due to increasing peak electricity demands and infrastructure limitations, it’s essential to create flexible technologies for buildings.

2019 DOE Funding Opportunity

The goal of the DOE’s funding opportunity is to increase energy productivity by supporting flexible and energy-efficient technologies for buildings. The technologies are focused on the following areas:

  1. Flexible Buildings Technologies
  2. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technologies
  3. Solid-state Lighting Technologies

A Resilient, Reliable Grid

From a national level to a regional level, Delta is proud to support innovative technology developments that improve energy affordability and optimize energy supply for building occupants.