The first utility poles were made of wood from cedar, fir and pine trees. However, utilities around the country are increasingly updating their poles to steel, concrete or a combination of materials. On page 2, Katie Kuehner-Hebert talks to representatives from utilities around the country to determine how they’re tackling pole-replacement projects. Check out why the utilities are thinking about the application and environment in their material decisions in “In Pole Position.”
Jeff Gavin takes a look at energy parks and how they can be a new power solution. They’re not a big microgrid, so what are they? And how can they help grid modernizations move a little faster? “Feeding Hungry Energy” is on page 6.
We then take you to the Pacific Northwest to hear about Wilson Construction Co.’s work on the “Energize Eastside” grid update on page 10. In “On the Front Line,” Susan Bloom discusses how the team had to work through rural and urban environments that sometimes went through neighborhoods.
On page 5, Chuck Kelly talk about job briefing requirements. Do you know when a highly detailed briefing is required? Turn to page 5 and read “Let’s Talk” to find out.
Katie Kuehner-Hebert talks to Charles Molina, director of safety operations for the Western region of MYR Group, on page 9. Molina tells Katie about 5S, a methodology designed to create a clean, organized and efficient working environment, and the benefits of being part of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program.
The U.S. Department of Energy released a National Transmission Needs Study in July, and Chuck Ross breaks down how political priorities and the electric utility market have shifted since 2023. “Easing the Traffic Jams” is on page 13.
We don’t have to tell you that working at heights is a big part of your job. Tom O’Connor talks OSHA requirements and what to know to stay safe on the job in “The High Ground“ on page 14.
No matter the advancement in the industry, we’re here for you. Email us at [email protected] if there is something you want to read about in these pages.
