Switched Source, a Chicago-based grid technology firm, recently deployed its Phase-EQ system on Georgia Power’s network in Macon. The pilot marks a shift from lab-based research to utility-scale testing, with backing from ARPA-E’s SCALEUP program.
Phase-EQ operates by automatically shifting power between phases on distribution circuits, helping correct imbalances that limit available capacity. The company claims this approach can unlock up to 20% more capacity on existing lines—potentially deferring new buildouts while improving service quality.
Georgia Power has taken an active role in the pilot, supplying site access, engineering support, and operational data to validate the technology’s performance under real-world conditions. Initial projections show a 50% reduction in load imbalance and over 30% improvement in voltage balancing—key factors in system reliability and efficiency.
Unlike substation upgrades or line replacements that often take years and require major capital investment, solutions like Phase-EQ are designed for faster deployment and lower upfront costs. For utilities facing localized bottlenecks or rapidly growing service areas, this type of modular, adaptive technology can help delay or reduce larger infrastructure investments.
The Macon deployment is also a case study in how R&D partnerships between utilities and technology developers can accelerate the path from prototype to operational use. Southern Company’s R&D arm collaborated with Switched Source throughout development, helping to refine the system prior to installation.
While early results are promising, stakeholders are closely watching how the system performs across seasonal variations and different loading scenarios. Georgia Power plans to use this data to assess broader deployment potential across its service area.
With grid stress increasing nationwide, particularly from electrification trends, utilities are increasingly looking for interim solutions that can bridge capacity gaps while longer-term upgrades are planned. The outcome of this pilot may influence how other utilities approach similar challenges in the near term.
