Have you ever gone river rafting? If no, good; you’ve likely avoided a lot of wet socks and head injuries. If yes, I have another question: What happens if the people in the back stick their paddles in the water and hold them still while the people in the front keep paddling? If you guessed that the raft goes in a circle, you’re right. 

This issue focuses on projects with disjointed pieces—and how to get everything back in sync. Like a raft that cannot move forward with a troublemaker in the back, you can’t achieve momentum on a project if one element is lagging behind the others. One such troublesome element is permitting. Go to page 2 to read about salvaging your work timeline despite delays in “Tackling Transmission Line Times” by Susan DeGrane. 

Similarly, grid component manufacturers are struggling to keep up with growing energy resilience efforts. Katie Kuehner Hebert writes about how reshoring can prevent bottlenecks in “Counting on Components” on page 6. Chuck Ross also has valuable insights into the grid backlog in his Utilities column on page 5. 

Training the next generation of lineworkers presents a complex challenge. What is the best way to teach electrical theory, tool and equipment safety and how to cope with weeks away from home? In the opinion of some experts, a holistic approach to each apprentice may be necessary. Read “Electric Reality and Me” on page 10. 

Chuck Kelly gets back to the basics on page 12 with a refresher on PPE. Did you know that PPE for line work can fall under the construction standard (OSHA 1926), the general industry standard (OSHA 1910) or both? 

The breakneck pace of grid expansion and innovation is dizzying. On the days when you feel like you’re going in circles, LINE CONTRACTOR is waiting for you on the riverbank with dry socks and a cold beverage. Don’t forget to pack your helmet.