New Products From Hubbell Designed To Redefine Grid Moder…

Updating and maintaining grid infrastructure isn’t really about the conditions in a given area or the isolated capabilities of a new solution. What’s of far more importance is the ability for utilities to address localized demands in the context of broader needs. But what does it mean to adopt and utilize tools and systems that are more intelligent and adaptable?

Hubbell Power Systems has a variety of answers to this question, many of which were showcased at the 2026 IEEE PES T&D Conference & Exposition. Designed to advance critical infrastructure and drive grid modernization, Hubbell has positioned itself as an essential partner for utilities facing what are increasingly complex infrastructure challenges.

We took a closer look at three of the innovations that were specifically highlighted at the event, but conversations on the floor were about much more than the equipment specs. The fact highlights how their approach to efficiency and resilience can transform the way in which utilities keep the lights on as well as protect their communities.

Enhancing Reliability with the Line Defender

The Line Defender, Hubbell’s single-phase recloser, has evolved in a significant way since it was released at DTECH. The most significant update is the addition of a plug-and-play SCADA communications module, which has gotten a positive response from utilities that want better grid visibility and remote control.

Designed to eliminate the persistent pain points of traditional trip-rs, the Line Defender prioritizes lineworker safety as well as operational efficiencies. Its ground-level control design allows crews to reset the device using a hot stick, removing the need for manual climbs or bucket deployments. This physical safety is further reinforced by digital intelligence, as the new cellular module enables real-time data transmission and remote monitoring without the cost or complexity of external cabinets and secondary cabling.

“A single-phase recloser that you can reset from the ground simply didn’t exist before the Line Defender,” said Jithin Mundackal from the Hubbell team. “Combining that physical safety with scalable communication makes a massive difference in the field, especially when it comes to mitigating wildfire risks in remote or sensitive environments.”

The system’s bolt-on architecture represents a potentially future-proof option for utilities, allowing them to more easily upgrade existing units with communication capabilities as their budgets and needs further evolve.

Customizing the 765 kV Frontier

The transition with 765 kV transmission is already happening, as 765 kV lines are being introduced to Texas and in the Upper Midwest. While the high-level justifications for these lines are happening at the regulatory level, challenges around actually making this transition happen fall to manufacturers and engineers, which is something that will be taking place in a much bigger way across the country.

“Over the next three to five years, we anticipate a massive surge in infrastructure projects,” said Jeff Butler, Principal Engineer – Transmission at Hubbell. “We’re positioning ourselves to support that workload by providing the flexibility utilities need with our 765 kV transmission solutions. These kinds of options are critical because no two utilities will implement this technology in exactly the same way.”

Hubbell’s leadership in ultra-high voltage systems is defined by their commitment to customization. For 765 kV applications, the company has moved beyond mass-produced, one-size-fits-all components. Instead, Hubbell collaborates directly with customers on these products to engineer specific options tailored to their specific capacity requirements and environmental challenges. This partner-led approach ensures that as the grid expands, utilities will have the tools they need to manage ultra-high voltage lines that are set to become that much more prevalent.

Smart Automation with Motor-Operated AIS

Hubbell’s new Motor-Operated Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS) is a pad-mounted, medium-voltage solution designed to integrate seamlessly with SCADA systems. This advanced switchgear enables remote operation, automated switching, and enhanced fault visibility across underground distribution networks, which is intended to modernize how utilities manage power flow.

By offering a remote-ready solution for underground systems, the AIS-MO is designed to bridge the gap between traditional manual distribution and the modern smart grid. Its primary differentiator is its compatibility with SCADA systems and SEL RTUs, as this allows users to monitor voltage and current irregularities from a central control room rather than deploying field crews. This capability is essential for improving reliability metrics by enabling proactive maintenance and supporting restoration in a quicker manner.

Beyond connectivity, the system prioritizes operational safety and hardware longevity through onboard diagnostics. As one example of this, a specialized No-Go alarm prevents the switch from operating under low-power conditions, while remote alerts for battery health and charging status protect both the equipment and system. 

What’s Next?

The utility sector is facing a surge in demand that’s going to redefine infrastructure projects of all types over the next five years. By blending advanced automated intelligence with features manual overrides and lockout provisions, Hubbell is providing a future-ready toolkit that can reduce operational costs while also enhancing lineworker safety and grid visibility.

They’re the sorts of options that highlight the fact that utilities don’t have to choose between legacy stability and modern efficiency. Stay tuned for a deeper look at how these innovations are moving beyond the show floor to help solve reliability and affordability challenges that are defining the modern energy landscape.