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When the New York Power Authority needed to upgrade the Messina Dam’s electrical system without replacing it altogether, it looked to East Coast Power Systems for an answer. The result was a cost-saving retrofit project that preserved existing equipment and saved weeks of man-hours.
Contact UsMessina Dam required an upgrade of its system, but there was residual operating medium-voltage equipment on site that the customer wished to keep. A total removal and replacement would have required heavy rigging, widespread demolition, and lengthy installation periods—adding cost and downtime.
East Coast Power Systems was asked to determine a smarter solution to replace the electrical infrastructure without disrupting the existing system more than necessary.
The objective was straightforward: design a solution that tapped into some of the existing electrical equipment already in place and integrated new low-voltage switchboard sections. The objective was to save time on installation and avoid costly demolition, while maintaining operational standards for performance and safety.
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East Coast Power Systems engineered the retrofit solution that incorporated new and existing equipment in one continuous, trouble-free lineup. We maintained the original 5kV medium-voltage incoming switch and transformer, making it unnecessary to rig or replace heavy components.
Instead of starting over from scratch, the team set about adding onto what was already in place. Two new switchboard sections were custom constructed to fit within the existing electrical space and connected together with special bus ties. This allowed the upgrade to move forward quickly and effectively.
Contact UsEast Coast Power Systems’ engineering and control team worked with the New York Power Authority to receive system requirements and design specifications.
We used this feedback to develop special electrical components that could fit into the original design of the dam.
By developing equipment that was designed to occupy the space in which they were originally placed and plugged directly into existing systems, we avoided the necessity for elaborate installation or massive rewiring.
Thanks to the retrofit plan, what would have cost three weeks in labor, had been accomplished within three to four days. The reduced timeframe enabled the New York Power Authority to minimize operational downtime while saving significant amounts of labor dollars.
By not needing to dismantle the whole system, East Coast Power Systems delivered a future-proof electrical system while maintaining the original infrastructure’s integrity.
This retrofitting of the Messina Dam demonstrates how East Coast Power Systems helps customers upgrade electrical systems into the modern age without starting all over again from scratch. Our custom engineering flair and efficiency-minded approach make us an excellent partner for B2B companies who want to modernize without restarting everything.
Contact UsRetrofitting minimizes demolition and rigging work by allowing existing components to remain in place. For example, at the Messina Dam project, retrofitting reduced installation time from up to three weeks down to just a few days—saving on both labor costs and downtime.
Risks can include compatibility issues between new and old components or unexpected limitations with existing infrastructure. That’s why it’s important to partner with an experienced electrical equipment manufacturer like East Coast Power Systems that specializes in custom engineering and system integration.
Yes. East Coast Power Systems designs and manufactures custom low-voltage switchboards and electrical enclosures tailored to fit your project’s specific footprint and performance requirements. This is especially important in retrofit scenarios where space and existing infrastructure need to be considered.