Consumers Energy Announces Plan to Invest $100 Million in Power Grid
With power outages happening more frequently as a result of inclement weather, Consumers Energy has vowed to invest $100 million in upgrades to improve reliability for customers. The High Voltage Distribution (HVD) system, nicknamed the “Backbone of the Power Grid,” will receive significant upgrades thanks to the 2022 investment. The HVD enhancements will impact roughly… Read more
Power Transformers 101
Power transformers are conduits of electricity that increase or decrease voltage efficiently. These machines are used for transferring power from one circuit to another without changing the frequency. When electricity comes into the transformer from the power source, it is called primary voltage. Any voltage leaving the transformer is called secondary voltage. Two examples of… Read more
Bus Plugs 101
Bus plugs are electrical instruments used to allocate power throughout large electrical areas. Flat copper conductor plates are enclosed in a metal casing, which creates a compact design. Bus plugs are typically beneficial in areas where cables cannot be wired in large industrial factories. The plugs are connected to busways or bus bars to provide… Read more
Freedom Convoy That Protests Against Pandemic Restrictions Affects Consumer Pricing in U.S. & Canada
The number of COVID-19 cases is regularly decreasing, but some government officials are still trying to use the pandemic as a means of control. Recently, the Freedom Convoy took a stand against new vaccine requirements for the truckers who transport goods into Canada. These truckers created blockades as a way to show their disdain for… Read more
Bus Duct 101
Bus duct is a familiar sight to electricians, but what about the terms “busbar” or “busway?” Keep reading to learn about this vital aspect of electrical distribution. The automotive industry first introduced busways in 1932; since then, it has expanded to serve many other industries. Busway is just another word for bus duct, which provides… Read more
Positive Outlook on the Horizon for Contractors
Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was passed in November 2021, contractors country-wide are optimistic about their 2022 prospects. However, according to a survey report released by the Associated General Contractors of America, significant challenges still remain. Over 1,000 American contractors were surveyed, and many were positive about the available bidding projects… Read more
Developing Electrical Code
Most standardized procedures aren’t developed overnight. Rather, they can take years to form with help from stakeholders, owners, employees, and more. With the invention of the Internet, advanced technology can simplify and complicate standards that might have already been in place. Developing codes is an intricate process with much to take into consideration. First, there… Read more
Utilities See Shift in Winter Electrical Demand
According to a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), wintertime energy demand is set to rise due to the growing shift toward electrically-powered heating devices. Traditionally, summer months have shown a higher peak in demand because of air conditioners. But now, the report predicts that a growing number of utilities nationwide… Read more
Utility Transformers Strained by EV Growth
Electric Vehicle (EV) sales are growing. As an increasing number of people implement charging stations in their homes or businesses, nearby transformers are becoming affected. Overloads to the power supply, premature aging, and potential failures are all culprits for transformer damage. Thankfully, an alternative exists: BESS, or Battery Energy Storage Systems. These devices can be… Read more
Billions of Dollars Set for Energy Projects via Infrastructure Bill
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) will fund a number of projects for electrical contractors thanks to an infrastructure bill signed into law on November 15, 2021. Numerous infrastructure projects will reap the benefits from a pot of more than $62 billion. Some of the highlights include: Investing over $7 billion in the supply… Read more