Electical Contractor

As the use of renewable power, electric vehicles (EVs) and the smart grid become more widespread and integrated, one challenge also becomes more apparent: storage. Thankfully, the experts are on it. This summer, the U.S.

For the electrical contractor (EC), finding a role in the smart grid shouldn’t be a matter of “wait and see.” Now is the time to prepare for this growing opportunity. If your work involves building automation and lighting controls, you are well on your way.

While complaints about inaccuracy and the invasion of privacy may be unfounded with smart meters, security worries may be more legitimate.

One of renewable energy sources’ biggest challenges is the intermittency of power generation. Finding a way to store power for later use helps make renewables more practical for tying into the grid where demand does not always coincide with the wind or the rising sun.

Two years ago, Verizon Communications’ 30,000 facilities worldwide consumed more than 9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Energy costs to operate and cool Verizon’s communications equipment accounted for a significant portion of its total corporate energy bill.

Despite recent reports of coal-fired power plants shutting down and states moving away from coal as a generation source, it seems the nation’s dominant source of fuel for generating electricity will be around for years to come.

Smart Grid pilot and demonstration programs are underway in 33 states, according to a new report, “Smart Grid Growing Pains” from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Internet protocol (IP) is increasingly described as a revolutionary force. This is a well-deserved description, as the world has adopted the Web and the underlying IP superstructure for communication, entertainment, news, shopping, gaming and, now, building automation systems (BAS).

Old habits die hard, as the saying goes, and for all the talk of saving energy and the planet, modifying people’s behavior may still prove to be the biggest challenge.