Tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, unprecedented rainfalls and record-high 500-year flooding levels in 2011 have all together caused massive damage to the grid, homes, businesses and public infrastructure and billions in damage costs. In the wake of recent disasters, the response of utility workers and electrical contractors has been nothing short of heroic. READ MORE
Mike Breslin
Freelance Writer
Mike Breslin is a freelance writer based in New Jersey. He has 30-years experience writing for newspapers, magazines, multimedia and video production companies with concentration on business, energy, environmental and technical subjects. Mike is author of the sea adventure novels Found At Sea, Mystery of the Fjord Tide and Riddle of the Atlantis Moon. His short stories are posted on AmazonShorts.com.
Articles by Mike Breslin
October 2011
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In the first quarter of next year, SAE International plans to establish a standard, integrated coupler that would allow electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to be charged from either a conventional, 15-amp alternating current (AC) wall outlet or a direct current (DC) connector of up to 90 kilowatts. READ MORE
September 2011
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The expected growth in vehicle electrification poses a challenge: What will happen to the battery systems after they reach the end of useful life in a vehicle? READ MORE
September 2011
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Nuclear power lobbyists may have influence in Washington, D.C., but they seem to be getting knocked out at the state legislative level. So far in 2011, the nuclear power industry has a record of zero wins and six losses in Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina and Wisconsin. READ MORE
September 2011
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In mid-July, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) placed the last two transmission lines, both from Widows Creek Fossil Plant, back in service 74 days after sustaining unprecedented damage due to severe storms and tornadoes in April on its power transmission system. In addition to many TVA crews, a number of private electrical contractors, including Dillard Smith Construction Co. READ MORE
August 2011
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In June, the McGraw-Hill Cos. announced plans to build the largest privately owned solar project in the Western Hemisphere on the corporation’s East Windsor, N.J., campus. McGraw-Hill partnered with NJR Clean Energy Ventures, a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, to build the system. READ MORE
August 2011
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Editor's Note: for more pictures from Joplin, click here. On May 22, 2011, one of the deadliest tornadoes in our nation’s history ripped through the city of Joplin, Mo. Winds faster than 200 mph tore a path of devastation nearly a half-mile wide and 10 miles long. Approximately one-third of the city of 50,000 was either destroyed or severely damaged. At press time, the death toll stood at 159. READ MORE
August 2011
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Rising energy prices, government incentives and enhanced public image are driving energy efficiency in buildings to new heights as a growing number of building owners races to reduce energy consumption, according to the results of the fifth annual global Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey. READ MORE
July 2011
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Of the approximately 1 million transformers used by U.S. electric utilities, only about 2 percent are currently monitored. As the grid becomes smarter and the ability to access and monitor information from networks of distribution transformers and overhead lines develops, utilities will be able to realize savings, improve efficiency and reliability, and avoid large unnecessary capital costs. READ MORE