When talking about the grid, “resiliency” is often brought up. How do we continue to modernize and ensure fewer failures although there are greater power demands? Can we do both at the same time?
Here at LINE CONTRACTOR, writers and editors have been thinking about this conundrum as spring turns into summer and the weather heats up. Chuck Ross takes a look at how utilities and the Trump administration plan to deal with coal mines. It’s a question of cost, power shortages and more. Check out “Burning Low” on page 4.
Susan Bloom takes us to Essex County, N.J., to look at SM Electric’s work on the new Orange Heights Substation. Resiliency was a big reason why local utility PSE&G wanted a new, more efficient and higher-capacity substation. Find out how the team dealt with crowding on and off the job site and the lessons they learned in “The Heights of Success,” page 12.
On page 10, Chuck writes about why, and how much, artificial intelligence is driving growth. Data centers and advanced manufacturing are also responsible for pushing anticipated growth up to 3% per year, according to one estimate. “A.I. Inside” looks at all of these and smart meters as growth drivers, particularly as this will be driving growth for the power generation and line construction industries.
Of course this wouldn’t be LINE CONTRACTOR without some great safety stories. Katie Kuehner-Hebert talks about the importance of having workers’ input when completing a safety walkaround. Safety is everyone’s responsibility on the job site, and Katie talks with an expert at OSHA and a contractor working in Virginia to get their two cents. “Get the Full Picture” is on page 6.
When thumbing through the issue, don’t forget to read our columns. Tom O’Connor talks wood pole safety on page 11 and Susan DeGrane’s training column looks at the importance of safe digging practices on page 9.
While you’re reading this magazine and working on the grid, we’re already thinking about what’s coming in September’s issue. Have something you want us to cover? Email [email protected]. We love hearing from you.
