Just about everyone is saying we need more power for a modern life. We need more power for data centers, artificial intelligence and home electrification efforts. But how are line contractors to navigate all this demand?
Well, our writers did some digging and came up with some answers. Starting us off, Susan DeGrane talks to two contractors about their steady work opportunities amid all this desire for more power. How do ArchKey Solutions’ and New River Electrical’s experiences stand up to yours? “Steady as She Goes” is on page 4.
Then, on page 8, Susan Bloom takes a look at how early fault detection technology can help utilities reduce outages. There are challenges to keeping the grid running strong as the need for more power grows. The team at Infrasource gave Susan an inside look at their recent successful project using a new type of sensor. Read more in “Enhancing System Integrity.”
As wildfires continue to be in the news, Tom O’Connor reminds lineworkers how to stay safe when the work site is running hot. “Before the Smoke Has Cleared” is on page 7.
On page 11, Katie Kuehner-Hebert talks to Cheryl Richardson for her Behind the Scenes column. Richardson is CEO of H. Richardson & Sons, and she shares her thoughts on how lineworkers can stay safe on the job.
We don’t have to tell you that disaster preparedness can be a big part of lineworkers’ jobs. In a special column on page 12, Susan DeGrane talks to experts who were on the ground right after Hurricane Helene hit in 2024. Safety professionals from OSHA, IBEW and line contractors are developing a guide based on shared best practices. See what’s inside and how contractors worked together in the wake of the hurricane in “Before Disaster Strikes.”
Chuck Ross takes a look at turbine motor manufacturing in his Utilities column on page 13. Those making this specialized equipment must perform a balancing act in meeting the market.
Finally, Chuck Kelly closes this issue out with “Cooperation Station” on page 14, exploring OSHA’s Safety Champions Program. Read on to learn more about it.
Lineworkers are a crucial part of meeting the power demand. And we have your back the whole way. If you have a topic you want to see in these pages, email us as [email protected].
