Scheduled for April 26-29, 1998 at Toronto's Metro Convention Centre, E'98 promises to be the largest industry event of the year. The focus, "Transforming Information Into Power," was chosen in response to sweeping changes that are re-shaping the electric industry in the U.S. and Canada. Few industries will ever undergo regulatory and businesses changes as quickly or completely as the electric industry. The next few years will be especially crucial to this process. An estimated $90 billion will be spent on North America's electricity infrastructure between 1998-2000. One of the goals of E'98 it to give attendees a chance to respond and adapt to these changes.
E'98 will also provide a forum for professionals to come together and discuss relevant issues. The CEA has a vast network of international electric utility connections. Experts from every sector of the industry will take advantage of E'98 to share their knowledge with colleagues. In between sessions, attendees can browse new products on the exhibition floor.
Members of the E'98 Organizing Committee are busy putting together discussion topics and contacting speakers. Among them is Derek Henriques, chairman of the CEA's end-use forum, which deals with energy efficiency and environmental concerns. Henriques says there is much to discuss at next year's show.
"There has been a lot of work by the various energy ministries across Canada in the last few months in prep for the Kyoto environmental conference" he said. "And it is anticipated that (the government) will be pushing a number of energy efficiency initiatives."
Many parts of Canada still rely on fossil fuel generation which contributes greenhouse gases to the environment.
"Another area we are looking at is lighting control technology for reducing office lighting consumption, and technologies which are coming along that could replace incandescent lighting."
Al Stanbury chairs the CEA's metering committee. Last year his colleagues looked at the open access issue, and the turnout at the sessions was impressive. "They were jammed," Stanbury confirmed.
This should also be a hot topic at Electricity '98. Currently, no standard for metering communications exists. Manufacturers and purchasers alike are hoping to change this. Stanbury hopes he can use E'98 to update his colleagues on the Standard Communication Protocol Ñ a standard communication for meters. Standardization is a big issue in the nineties, and if successful, would simplify metering across North America.
"Then the meter would say ÔI know who you are, and here's the information you need'," he said.
For more information on the show or exhibitor booth registration, contact the CEA at: Tel. (514) 937-6181, Fax: (514) 937-6498, E-mail: info@canelect.ca. You may also wish to visit their website.