It's Snow Problem: Teamwork Sparks Success in the North Country

Winters in New York’s North Country can be unforgiving. The sun sets early, and temperatures can drop way below zero. For the dedicated crews of NYPA, working in these conditions can be the ultimate test of endurance. The wind screams, the snow comes down sideways and the only thing you can rely on is the person next to you.

The team at NYPA’s Adirondack substation in Croghan experienced this kind of challenge when an older piece of equipment, an oil-filled breaker, suddenly shut off without being told to by the control system. Normally, these breakers only shut off when the system detects an issue and sends a signal. Since this one shut off on its own, it meant there could be a mechanical or electrical problem.

"We conducted a thorough troubleshooting process to identify the issue," said Matt, an electrical engineer at St. Lawrence. “We found that a linkage in the mechanism operating the breaker was damaged. Although we located the necessary parts, we encountered a challenge because the manufacturer no longer had experience with this type of repair due to the age of the asset.”

Realizing the complexity, the team decided that the best option was to replace the breaker. This decision set off a coordinated effort, but several factors needed consideration before starting work at the substation.

“This project was more than just replacing a breaker,” said Andy, senior vice president and regional manager at St. Lawrence. “It involved new conduits, pulling new cables, and relocating junction boxes. The new breaker had a different footprint, affecting how the high-voltage lines connected. We had to think through these details while keeping the switchyard live during the work.”

Fortunately, a project manager found a spare breaker on site, and there were two suitable options.

“I took pictures of their nameplates and sent them to White Plains Engineering for a quick review,” Matt said. “They confirmed that one would be suitable.”

With everything in place, the only remaining task was to replace the breaker. However, winter had set in, which complicated the outdoor work.

“We’re talking outdoor work in the middle of snowstorms in the Adirondacks,” Andy said. “We got creative, building huts to keep the wind and snow off as we pulled in wires and performed checkouts.”

One of NYPA’s core values is the belief that we work as one team, putting our trust and confidence in each other. In the teeth of a North Country winter, NYPA’s workers lived that value out loud, relying on each other to get the job done. It’s this kind of collaboration and problem-solving that enables NYPA to pave the way toward a clean energy future for New York State every day.

“From the beginning, it was always a group effort, and everyone was incredibly open and supportive,” Matt said. “When the project began, I didn't know 95% of these people. Yet, here I was, coordinating a project that spanned multiple departments. The level of help, openness, and communication from everyone was truly inspiring. It was profoundly reassuring to witness such a strong sense of community and teamwork.”

To learn more about NYPA’s transmission operations, click here.