February 2009
Global Viewpoint
Now, Flaunt Your Flaws
Following the great utility tradition, we learned to hide our flaws at an early age. It is time we quite hiding what makes us unique....
Features
Cobb EMC Improves Response
A true enterprise geospatial system is pivotal for enabling rapid outage restoration, as well as streamlining operations and improving customer service....
Iceland Seeks Stability
Wide area monitoring system addresses long lines and weak interconnections....
Aussie Widget Measures Wood Pole Strength
Accurate MPT field test enables Georgia Power to safely extend life of pole fleet....
Wholesale Markets Meet Demand Response
PJM demonstrates how demand-response programs enhance reliability, reduce price volatility and increase market efficiency....
Oil-Free Recloser Enhances Reliability
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative reaps the benefits of a new single-phase vacuum recloser installation, while reducing environmental impact....
SF6: No Leak Too Small
Working with alliance partners, ITCTransmission replaces legacy GIS equipment, which results in higher reliability and lower maintenance costs....
Business Developments
GridWise Alliance Lauds Promise of Spending
In January, U.S. House Democrats released details of an economic stimulus package worth more than US$800 billion that includes many energy-sector provisions....
AREVA Completes Acquisitions for Service Business Unit
AREVA's Transmission & Distribution division announces the first two acquisitions for its Service Business Unit....
Louisiana Utilities Strive to Improve Electric Service Through Joint Transmission Project
As the Independent Coordinator of Transmission for Entergy Services Inc., Southwest Power Pool Inc. facilitated an agreement to expand and upgrade the electric transmission infrastructure in south central Louisiana....
Basin Electric Orders AMSC Turnkey D-VAR Solution
Basin Electric Power Cooperative has placed an order for the turnkey D-VAR (STATCOM) reactive compensation solution from American Superconductor Corp....
3M, Southwire to Manufacture ACCR
3M and Southwire have entered into a joint agreement to produce 3M aluminum conductor composite reinforced (3M ACCR) high-voltage overhead conductor....
Technology Updates
Siemens Builds Gas-Insulated High-Voltage Line for Hydropower Plant in China
Siemens Energy is constructing a gas-insulated high-voltage line with a total tube length of 3.2 km (2 miles) for the Chinese hydropower plant Jinping I....
Entergy, EPRI Validate Measurement-Based Voltage Stability Monitoring Method to Improve Grid Reliability
The Electric Power Research Institute and Entergy Corp. have validated a method developed by EPRI for continuously calculating the voltage stability margin on transmission networks using...
Aclara System Gives PSE Customers Control
Puget Sound Energy has implemented Aclara's Customer Moves Center, which allows utility customers to start, stop and transfer electric and natural gas service online....
ABB Tests UHV Transformer, Key for Power Superhighways
ABB has successfully tested a new type of transformer that is a key component of power superhighways, or power links that can deliver vast amounts of electricity over very long distances....
Quarterly Report
Deploying AMI in a Down Economy
Utilities are pulling back on investments in a scarce capital environment. Almost overnight companies have been forced to re-evaluate cash positions and take another look at their plans for advanced metering infrastructure deployments....
Characters with Character
High-Voltage Hero
Lloyd Morgan of Morpac Industries does not believe in retirement. While most people spend their careers planning and saving for the day they no longer have to work, the 90-year-old electrical engineer still treks to the office five days a week....
Products and Services
Products & Services
Digital Multimeters Online Videos | GPS Management Application | Automation Platform | Automatic Transfer Switches | Bird Deterrent | Symmetric Interrupting Switch...
Straight Talk
Wanted: Young Engineers
If you are a utility struggling with an aging workforce, I offer a few suggestions....
Electric Utility Operations
Linemen Curb Outages With EPRI-Developed Tool
Southern Company's line crews save time and increase efficiency by using a new tool to clean transmission conductors....
Field Talk: Linemen Prepare for Labor Shortage
Nearly half of the utility workforce plans to retire in the next 5 to 10 years, and too few apprentices are in the pipeline to replace the veteran linemen....
Lifeline: Tim Hunter
I have a lot of storm stories that seem to get funnier the more I tell them. We once pulled 36 hours straight, only to sit on a hill and watch another tornado come in and tear down what we just put up....
Apple Creek Takes Cable Locating Seriously
Kidron Electric uses new locate technology on AEP's underground circuit....
Skilled Linemen Volunteer for Service
Linemen travel overseas to help build power lines in other companies through Tech Serve....
Products & Services
Popup Shelter | Software | Toggle Latch | Underground Puller | Thermal and Video Zoom Pole Cameras | Insulator Tester...
