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Conductors & Materials


Aging Cable Infrastructure

The 2014 Annual Energy Outlook Report compiled by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that total electricity demand will grow by 29 percent (0.9 percent per year) by 2040. While growth has slowed in every decade since the 1950s, due in part to efficiency gains in appliance...

Overhead Distribution


Q&A: Transmission Line Inspection Using Robotics

A: Hydro-Québec’s power transmission system, the most extensive in North America, covers close to 34,000 km. Similar to many power utilities, we need thorough infrastructure inspections to ensure system reliability, availability, and performance.Therefore, we have, developed robotic...

Wire and Cable


The Evolution / Revolution of Overhead Conductors… and why it matters

Brief Background: In the early 1900's Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) conductor was developed to replace copper wires, due to the war effort when copper was needed for munitions. In the 1970's growing demand for electricity inspired the development of higher capacity Aluminum Conductor...

Pole Line Hardware


Roping Electrical Equipment

How synthetic ropes show results for heavy lifts BY BILL PUTNAM, Yale Cordage Years ago in Oklahoma, an investigation ensued after a pole-mounted transformer dropped thirty feet off a wire winch line and onto the foot of a line worker during a routine maintenance operation. Initially thought to...

Disaster & Recovery


Louisiana Industries Push for Faster Renewable Energy Transition

Louisiana, known for its robust oil and gas industry, is experiencing a significant shift as some of its largest industries express frustration over delays in the state’s renewable energy transition. These major players are pushing for accelerated development and implementation of renewable...

Infrastructure & Technologies


Converting Power Lines to Smart Wires

Increasing the observability and control of the transmission network BY FRANK KREIKEBAUM, JERRY MELCHER, & JULIE COUILLARD, Smart Wire Grid, Inc. The North American power grid has evolved into a connected set of four major interconnections delivering low-cost and reliable energy. The U.S....

Overhead T&D

Vegetation Management Best Practices

Reduce common risks and maintain system reliability

BY SARA SANKOWICH, Unitil Corporation

Most North American electric utilities understand that vegetation management is a key factor in maintaining system reliability. While many utilities have designed and implemented vegetation management programs to mitigate risk on an ongoing basis, successful execution of these programs requires specialized staff with forestry expertise, as well as cross-team collaboration.

Utilities can help ensure a successful vegetation management program by being aware of...

Overhead T&D Articles