Guardians of the Grid: How Smart Sensors Improve Reliability and Safety
Duquesne Light Company first utility in Pennsylvania to pilot the cutting-edge technology
PITTSBURGH — Duquesne Light Company (DLC) has completed the installation of more than 1,700 new smart grid sensors across Allegheny and Beaver counties, marking a significant step forward in improving service reliability and safety for both customers and lineworkers. These state-of-the-art sensors mounted on distribution poles provide real-time visibility that helps quickly identify and locate faults.
Fully solar powered with battery backup, the sensors remain online even during power outages, allowing for continuous monitoring when it is most critical. DLC is the first electric utility in Pennsylvania to deploy this cutting-edge technology, and its successful pilot has already earned industry recognition for innovation.
“Being the first utility in Pennsylvania to deploy these smart grid sensors is a testament to DLC’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement,” said Josh Gould, DLC’s director of advanced grid solutions. “Not only does the technology help us pinpoint outages faster, but it gives our crews actionable information before they even arrive on-site. This level of insight improves safety for our crews, enhances reliability and affordability for our customers and ultimately helps DLC build a stronger, smarter grid for our region.”
How the Technology Improves Service
Developed by Gridware, the sensors monitor environmental, physical, electrical and structural conditions. They can detect problems, including equipment failures, vegetation contact and downed lines, even before they cause an outage.
By instantly identifying the precise pole where an issue occurs, the sensors enable DLC to:
- Dispatch crews directly to the source.
- Speed up repairs, reducing outage frequency and outage response times.
- Provide lineworkers with diagnostic information ahead of time.
- Improve situational awareness and overall safety.
The sensors also monitor the condition of grid assets over time, helping DLC track wear and tear for long-term maintenance planning.
DLC first tested the smart grid sensors in 2024, focusing on three of the worst-performing circuits that had been prone to equipment failures and fallen conductors. Based on promising results, the company moved to a full-scale deployment across its service territory in late 2025. DLC will continue refining the technology and integrate it more deeply to streamline data gathering.