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Electric Distribution Systems
originated in 1895 when the UNC Physics Department, directed by the
Board of Trustees, built a power generator to service the dorms for
student safety. Over time, the system was expanded to include all
campus buildings, as well as the cities of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. In
1976, that portion of the system providing service to Chapel Hill,
Carrboro and some nearby rural areas was sold to Duke Power, now Duke
Energy.
Today, Electric Distribution Systems
receives power from the both the local utility provider, Duke Energy,
and the UNC Cogeneration Facility. The electricity from both sources is
delivered to three substations, all three of which are currently being
expanded and upgraded. Upon completion of all upgrades by the end
of March 2009, the substations will have a total power capacity of 250
megawatts, or approximately enough power for 26,000 homes. See System Demand and
Capacity for more information. Each substation will be
connected using an entirely new technology in high voltage swtichgear,
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS). This will be the first of its
type on the Duke Energy system This special state-of-the-art
switchgear technology provides the means to completely enclose the
necessary high voltage conductors and switchgear inside housings that
are insulated with a special gas, sulphur hexaflouride. These
upgrades will provide signficant improvement in system reliability and
some redundancy in the event of any system problem or failure while
allowing for continual growth and expansion of the University power
system.
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