NES Initiatives

Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Emissions Reduction

Sulfur hexafluoride, or SF6 as it is commonly known, is a gas that electric utilities obtain primarily through the purchase of circuit breakers and switches. The gas is used in electrical equipment as an insulating media in the place of oil or vacuum.

SF6 is considered to be a potent greenhouse gas that some experts in the environmental community believe has a negative impact on the environment. For this reason, the EPA is interested in gathering data to study how the gas is used in industry and how to reduce the discharge of SF6 into the atmosphere. In an effort to accurately obtain this information, the EPA has asked utilities to step forward and partner with them.

NES is one of the utilities that have joined the initiative. As a participant in the partnership, NES has agreed to voluntarily monitor, inventory, and look for ways to reduce sources of SF6 discharges from its power system.