1.7.10 had the ability to disconnect energy conduits when Redstone was applied,

Can this be re-added to 1.10.2 and later?

All versions should have this feature. Have you turned on redstone sensitivity mode with the configurator? (right clicking the energy transmitter with it in the middle)

I can't find that in the config, I am using defaults for both client and server.

It's not in the config, there's an ingame item called configurator which allowes you to configure transmitters and mekanism machines.

ah, thanks =)