The
MetEd Regional Operations Center is
an extraordinary 292,000 square foot critical operations
center located at Van Read and Bern Church Roads in
Reading, Pa. Few
facilities this large were ever constructed, and fewer
still have been available for acquisition. The overall
size also allows flexibility over the asset lifecycle,
allowing a user to potentially space bank for the future,
and deploy new operations / infrastructure without disrupting
active operations. The building has both the structural
capacity for data center equipment (150 Lbs/Sq FT) and
the floor-to-floor height already established for raised
floor construction.
FACILITY
STRENGTHS
Layout:
Given that each building was designed to operate
independently, the facility is uniquely configured
to provide 2N redundancy for critical operations.
Another unique benefit of the facility is that it
offers a significant amount of secure, below-grade
space that would be prohibitively expensive for
a user to duplicate.
Power:
The public utility electrical distribution system
in the vicinity of this facility can provide dual-source,
13.2kv capability from independent substation locations.
The electrical sources are from two different 69kv
x 13.2kv substations. Potential buyers may choose
to install an alternate source transfer scheme to
take advantage of the dual-source capability in
the vicinity of this facility. The utility has an
established alternate source rate for critical need
customers.
Additionally,
the primary high-voltage power transmission throughout
the Reading area is configured in a ring around
the region. The substations serving the facility
are located on this ring. Thus, even if there is
a fault on the high-voltage transmission network,
any potential service interruption is minimized.
The facility’s internal electrical distribution
system consists of two separate and independent
bunkered 13.2kv x 480v substations located on the
property. The total substation transformer capacity
is 10.5MVA. This consists of one substation with
three 2MVA transformers and a second substation
with three 1.5MVA transformers. The secondary (480v)
side of each substation may be networked together
for additional reliability.
Fiber:
Connectivity
to two Verizon COs, FirstEnergy’s proprietary network
and available conduit.
Location:
Reading is approximately 120 miles from New York
City, 150 miles from Washington DC, and 60 miles
from Philadelphia.
Availability:
Due
to the active nature of the current systems, the
existing systems could be used while replacement
options are designed and installed. A smaller deployment
with a higher electrical density could be accommodated
with minor adjustments to the current plant. This
option could provide schedule flexibility for a
phased project plan.
The
MetEd Regional Operations Center is
an extraordinary 292,000 square foot critical operations
center located at Van Read and Bern Church Roads in
Reading, Pa. Few
facilities this large were ever constructed, and fewer
still have been available for acquisition. The overall
size also allows flexibility over the asset lifecycle,
allowing a user to potentially space bank for the future,
and deploy new operations / infrastructure without disrupting
active operations. The building has both the structural
capacity for data center equipment (150 Lbs/Sq FT) and
the floor-to-floor height already established for raised
floor construction. 
Additionally,
the primary high-voltage power transmission throughout
the Reading area is configured in a ring around
the region. The substations serving the facility
are located on this ring. Thus, even if there is
a fault on the high-voltage transmission network,
any potential service interruption is minimized.
