Global energy tech company Schneider Electric this week announced a collaboration with Southern California Edison to deploy SF₆-free, gas-insulated switchgear used in electric substations. The technology uses pure air and vacuum instead of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), a commonly used greenhouse gas in electric utility equipment, and is expected to help double capacity within the existing substation footprint.

To help expand grid capacity faster, reduce emissions, and support growing electricity demand, SCE will use compact, modular technology to deploy SF6-free, gas-insulated switchgear at existing substations in California.

The deployments will support SCE’s efforts to connect new customers more quickly and maintain reliable, affordable service across its territory. Schneider Electric will deliver SF₆-free, medium-voltage switchgear integrated into compact, pre-assembled and enclosed substation systems that the company said can be installed more quickly.

The first two projects will take place at two existing facilities on SCE’s grid: the Great Lakes substation in the Antelope Valley region of northern Los Angeles County and the Running Springs substation in the San Bernardino Mountains, east of Los Angeles. The installation  is scheduled to begin in 2027, and is expected to support SCE’s broader plans to scale similar substation modernization approaches over time.

“Our customers and communities are becoming increasingly dependent on electricity,” said Shinjini Menon, senior vice president of system planning & engineering for SCE. “Demand continues to grow at an unprecedented pace across our service area, and we are committed to updating our grid architecture so that we can energize customers faster and keep electric bills affordable. Compact switchgear has a smaller footprint, can be installed quicker, and is safe and reliable by design. It is also digital-ready and environmentally friendly, making it a key component of our grid buildout going forward.”

The project reflects a broader shift toward standardized, modular substation designs that can be deployed more efficiently to meet rising electricity demand.

Ruben Llanes, CEO, digital grid, and president, North America Power & Grid, at Schneider Electric, added that “Utilities shouldn’t have to choose between speed, cost, and clean energy. This enables SCE to bring new capacity online faster, manage project costs and reduce emissions at the same time.”

Schneider Electric’s GMAirSeT™ switchgear will be deployed by SCE, which replaces SF₆ gas with clean air and vacuum technology to help reduce emissions while maintaining reliable electric service, the company said.

It has a compact, modular design that aims to allow SCE to modernize substations without full rebuilds and complete upgrades more quickly. The goal is to help bring new capacity online faster, make better use of existing space and keep disruptions to surrounding communities to a minimum, and simplify ongoing maintenance.

There has been widespread adoption of SF₆-free medium-voltage technology in Europe and parts of Asia, but its use in U.S. utility substations has been more limited, Schneider Electric said.

In California, where utilities are working to expand capacity, integrate new loads and meet evolving environmental requirements, the hope is that systems like these can help accelerate infrastructure upgrades while reducing emissions associated with legacy technologies.

In addition to California, New York has enacted SF₆ phase‑out regulations. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) projects significant load growth, with electricity demand expected to increase by roughly 1,600 to more than 4,000 megawatts by 2030.

“California and New York are advancing electrification and grid modernization, and meeting this moment requires deep collaboration between utilities and technology partners,” said Michele Hix, vice president, strategic customers & segments, North America operations, at Schneider Electric. “Innovations like these not only expand capacity and strengthen infrastructure, but also lay the foundation for a more resilient, digital and decarbonized energy future across the U.S.”