It’s January, which means it is the time of year for annual predictions. Everyone is doing it because we need predictions to set goals. ECP Utility is now in the prediction business. In a nutshell, 2012 will bring more Smart and less Government.

How does more Smart and less Government effect the power industry? Let’s take a look at what Smart Power and Less Governmental Support means. Keeping the concept to our own power industry, what will be on the horizon in 2012?

First: More Smart Grid. Much more, as a matter of fact. The Smart Grid ball is rolling down the hill, and stopping it will take a tremendous road block. At this time in the Electric Power Industry, there is no downhill force greater than the smart grid momentum. Its growth will be slower now that the government cash flow has been cut down. Everything about power is going to get smarter, and there is no stopping this momentum.

This leads to a second prediction: Everything’s going to get smarter, but consumers are still going to fight the change. In the end, humans don’t like change. It’s one of those things we hate most in life. Change is scary, what will be the unforeseen results of the change? Smart Meters---which will continue to be a tough sell for many in 2012. Customer communication and education will help, but only time will make things more accepted, and become the new norm. Average consumers cannot be expected to understand or grasp the whole concept. Over time it will become the new normal, and as such Smart Meters will become the standard and anything less will not be accepted. So, Electric Utilities will have to practice a little patience.

The third prediction: Electric Utilities will also have to be open to change just as they ask consumers to be. Utilities have always had a tendency to do things as they have always done them, they resist change like all of us.  An example is the ECP Smart Anchor Monitor (SAM). This technology is designed to monitor and record the installation of guy wire anchors. From Power Installed Anchors, Transmission Line Guy Anchors to Transmission Tower Anchors, the ECP SAM give up to the second data on anchor torque, speed of installation, anchor angle and depth and then records this information so engineers have verification that their guidelines were met or exceeded.

The ECP Smart Anchor Monitor also gives the Linemen immediate information during the installation which will allow them to make adjustments and decisions without guesswork. This helps keep projects on-time and on budget be eliminating guesswork and human error. Much like Smart Meters the Smart Anchor Monitors information is best used immediately, not after it’s too late to make changes.

Contrary to many other predictions the fourth prediction: Electric vehicles (EVs) will be put on a backburner. EV’s are not selling, the initial momentum has been lost and Hybrid Vehicles have taken over the momentum for the near future. Just ask Chevrolet how sales on the Volt are doing. They missed their projections by over 30%. These numbers will not excite Chevrolet or other manufacturers to jump in and invest the necessary marketing to create a demand for required infrastructure that is necessary for EV’s.

This leads to the final prediction for 2012, which Governmental Support: The government is going to take a step back in research, support and funding for non-traditional energy efforts. The Fed’s are a bit gun shy after the Solyndra and Fisker Automotive debacles. All actions will be gone over with a fine-tooth comb. During an election year with an economy that is struggling, misspending is amplified and cannot be risked. This will make the feds a bit cautious in any approach to shore up new and unproven forms of energy from solar to EVs. 2012 will be a time of investment contraction, which doesn’t bode well for the renewables side of the power equation since they truly need the support. But, they’re new, and not a sure thing.

To summarize: The Smart Grid has momentum, Smart Meters will happen in a big way, Utilities will implement Smart Technology in their own daily processes – like the ECP Smart Anchor Monitor and the Federal Government will be tighter with our money. All of these things have the momentum and will become the new normal in 2012.

Southern Company invited ECP Utility to help with their testing efforts on tranmission line guy anchors at their Alabama Power, Calera, AL facility. In their never ending quest for constant improvement Southern Company has asked ECP Utility division to witness anchor installations and help design testing criteria for guy anchors.

ECP Utility openly obliged the request and  spent the day reviewing installation practices along with meeting with representatives from NEETRAC, Alabama Power and Georgia Power. ECP Utility also introduced their Smart Anchor Monitor (ECP SAM) during the field installation. The ECP SAM has the ability to monitor and record torque, depth, speed of installation and angle of installation on any anchor installation equipment. This unique device has proven very reliable and invaluable to linemen and design engineers alike. 

At one point during the field installation demostration, when the linemen thought they had a broken anchor, the ECP SAM showed that they had actually only hit a soft spot int he soil. When encouraged to keep the installation going the linemen quickly realized that the anchor found a new, tougher soil layer to reach torque requirement in. Upon reviewing the recorded data it was clearly noted that the guy anchor penetrated a 4-5 foot layer of soft soil embeded between two stiff layers of clay. The installing linemen agreed that the ECP SAM would be a valuable timesaving addition to their toolbox.

ECP Utility looks forward to working with everyone at Southern Company and NEETRAC on all future testing and design criteria for transmission line anchors.

Earth Contact Products has always been a leader in the industry when it comes to user friendly designs. This is readily apparent when it comes to our cutting edge technology on helix anchors. Designed and Engineered to Perform is our philosophy and it is the strategy that ECP uses throughout our Concept, Design, Manufacturing and Installation procedures. The ECP cutting edge is just one of the reasons the electric utility industry relies on Earth Contact Products.

 You can count on all ECP guy anchors to incorporate our cutting edge technology. ECP places a cutting edge on each helix that helps each anchor to slice through the soil much easier than the competitors’ blunt edge. This becomes especially important during hot and dry summer months when the soil has consolidated and becomes very hard. Our cutting edge will still slice its way through these hard soils and pull the anchor down to its designed depth. The ECP cutting edge works very similar to a knife like edge without adversely affecting the anchors performance.

The ECP cutting edge technology is also employed in our “sea-shell” style helix plates. Sea-shell anchors are designed to help anchors advance through cobbled and hard soil layers. When combined with the cutting edge technology the sea-shell helix plates can be advanced into some weather limestone layers. The combination of the helix shape and the cutting edge allows ECP anchors to supply large holding capacities in soils that anchors normally could not penetrate. Once again we have proven to the electric utility industry that the products manufactured by ECP are Designed and Engineered to Perform.

This day and age we hear a lot about “smart” technology and how it will change the electric utility industry for generations to come. To get our aging electrical grid into the 21^st century,  we need smart meters, smart switches and information systems. Some of this technology is commercially available and some is years away. But linemen have smart grid technology available to them right now in the form of a wireless smart monitor for the installation of guy anchors.

The ECP Smart Anchor Monitor (SAM) is the latest technology in guy anchor installation. This easy to use rugged device allows linemen to monitor and record installation torque, angle, speed and location via wireless strain gauge technology. Using this device, linemen will have the technology to meet engineering specifications with the added benefit of having a permanent record of their accurate installation.

Installation becomes faster and more accurate using the ECP SAM. No longer will it be necessary to stop the installation process to fill out forms to record necessary data. Crews can now install more anchors per hour and accomplish it more accurately. With an accurate measure of torque, anchors will be installed at the correct depth with fewer reversals due to applying too much torque without a means to anticipate depths.

By monitoring installation angle linemen will have fewer broken anchors and extensions due to misalignment along with creating a stronger anchor due to correct installation angle. Inaccurate installation angle can create loose guy wires and anchor creep. The ECP SAM monitors and records the angle of installation giving linemen immediate feedback allowing for minor adjustments in during installation.

The ECP SAM also monitors and records installation speed or RPM. This ability will give linemen accurate feedback which will allow them to install anchors at the correct speed (20-25 RPM) for more consistent anchor holding capability. Installing distribution and transmission anchors too quickly or too slowly can churn the soil causing anchor creep.

Proper installation torque, angle and speed are the three most critical criteria for guy anchor holding strength. The ECP SAM monitors these variables to allow for precise installation without slowing installation procedures or creating extra work for linemen. This smart anchor technology is the first step to developing a reliable and consistent smart grid.

Just last month the Obama Administration unveiled their plans for the 21^st century smart grid. We all know that our electric system needs updating. With fears of cyber attacks and rolling blackouts we say we desire to lead the world through the 21^st century. To do this we have to put our old worn out grid to bed and update it so the United Sates can lead the way with technology and security. So the Obama plan - $250 million in loans for smart-grid technology deployment.

This is approximately 80 cents per person living in the United States. Wow! "America cannot build a 21st century economy with a 20th century electricity system. By working with states, industry leaders and the private sector, we can build a clean, smart, national electricity system that will create jobs, reduce energy use and expand renewable energy production," said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu at this smart grid plan unveiling.

The electric utility grid is the heart of the US economy. Without a reliable and efficient grid Americans cannot expect the economy to rebound. We cannot expect the private sector to dump money into an economy that does not have the infrastructure to support it. As FDR proved many years ago, if you build the infrastructure private business and the economy will flourish.

The administration speaks a lot about “public-private partnerships”, which is code for someone else needs to pay for this. The private sector is already providing $5.5 billion to modernize America’s aging energy infrastructure and provide cleaner and more reliable power. Instead of real money to boost our economy the administration wants paperwork and meetings.

First, there’s the mention of the Gridwise Alliance’s new spin-off, Grid 21, which is all about getting the consumer into the talks about smart grid---helping quell fears, educating them about tools and savings. Second, the president promises that the Department of Energy promises to look at how to get those consumers better data and info. We do not need information, we need good, clean reliable energy.

 Another, rather scary aspect of this plan is the formation of the Renewable Energy Rapid Response Team. This new group is designed to be the go-between for three governmental agencies, "to improve Federal coordination and ensure timely review of the proposed renewable energy projects and transmission lines, to ensure energy can power cities and towns across America...". A US Government agency that will speed things along? It sounds more likely to be another bureaucratic level getting in the way of progress.

I guess our best chance for a real plan would be for the banks and investment houses to request the money. They seem to have a direct line to the White House and access to the checkbook, at least then we would stand a fighting chance to lead the world again.

In an industry that is known as stodgy, old, immobile and other not-so-pleasant descriptions there is one company that is breaking the mold and becoming progressive. Ironically enough the company’s name is Progress Energy, and they have introduced a open online energy community in the form of a blog.

According to Progress Energy “the goal for this new online energy community is to be a place where everyone from government policy experts to soccer moms can come together to learn about technology, discuss our shared experiences and help chart the path forward to a new energy future”.

On this Energy Forum you will find:

·         A new blog to be a springboard for discussing innovative ideas and tough energy challenges;

·         An open discussion forum where you can ask and respond to questions; and

·         Informational pages on various energy sources and topics that will grow and expand with time.

The Raleigh-based Progress Energy is providing and maintaining the Energy Forum that is open to discussing hot-button energy issues in an uncensored manner.

The sign-up process is simple and can be accessed by clicking on Energy Forum

 
What you can expect:

·         Timely, honest responses to your questions and comments;

·         Genuine effort to have a two-way conversation and not just a billboard to post our achievements;

·         Engagement of outside voices – and not always people we agree with; and

·         Variety of topics and issues but a special emphasis on renewable energy resources.

What we ask of you:

·         Follow the community guidelines and respect each other’s views;

·         Provide thoughtful and engaging insights and questions; and

·         Promote the Energy Forum to your friends and colleagues – the more the merrier.

The Energy Forum provides a progressive way for a large electric utility company to provide information and an open dialog about issues that affect each and everyone of us. No longer can we say that our local utility is not listening or concerned about your views. Progress Energy is leading the way towards a new generation of concerned businesses in rapidly evolving times. As a vendor to Progress Energy, ECP Utility is proud to be associated with such a forward thinking company.

About Earth Contact Products

ECP is a leading specialized manufacturing company, providing products for the civil construction, electric power, natural gas and pipeline and telecommunication industries. The company's comprehensive product offering include guy wire anchors, light pole and tower foundations, foundation repair and pipeline support anchors nationwide. Additionally, ECP provides preliminary engineering and design support for customers and engineers of record. Based in Olathe, KS ECP provides distribution throughout North America. ECP has the manpower, resources and expertise to provide products to projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope.  For more information, please go to http://www.earthcontactproducts.com/ or www.ECPUtility.com

High winds caused a dark Memorial Day across parts of Kansas. Scattered power outages in Wichita and Salina were reported as very strong south winds continued to blow across the state.

The National Weather Service reported a gust of 49 mph in Wichita on Monday afternoon and 52 mph gusts earlier in the day in Salina and Russell. Whle all across the state dealt with very strong sustained winds as tempatures continued to rise.

Dispatchers say there had been isolated reports of power lines down, but none had triggered any grass fires. Power was quickly restored by line crews. The small outages did not seem to hamper most that were enjoying their holiday weekend.

 The Weather Service says the high winds were created by a tight pressure gradient across Kansas driven by a surface low forming in Colorado.

History will note the spring of 2011 being riddled with tornados. Not just the big spring storms the race through Kansas and Oklahoma every spring, but huge man killing tornados all across the South. Tornados that create so much havoc and destruction that, reporters liken the damage to a war zone. These tornados attack cities and homes without conscience or bias.

April 22^nd, 2011 – St. Louis Lambert Field is devastated by tornados. Tornadoes were reported in several counties in the St. Louis area, and at one point utility company Ameren Missouri reported more than 47,000 power outages, with another 7,000 reported in Illinois.

Ameren Services of Missouri had restored power to essentially all customers impacted by outages resulting from this severe storm by April 26^th. The company has deactivated its Emergency Operations Center as power restoration efforts and cleanup work continue in its final stages.

April 27^th, 2011 – Storms and tornadoes have left more than 10,000 Alabama Power customers with so much damage to their homes that they are unable to receive power from the company. In hundreds of cases, the homes that Alabama Power served no longer exist. In all, 412,000 customers were without power at the peak of the storms. The historic tornadoes and severe weather damaged or destroyed more than 5,200 poles and more than 400 transmission system structures. In addition, more than 300 substations lost power and six substations were either destroyed or suffered significant damage. In many places, the electrical system has to be completely rebuilt.

The unsung heros are the linemen who work tirelessly to restore our power. Crews from Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin and the Carolinas joined Alabama Power crews and support staff in the effort to restore power to all customers. At the peak of the restoration operation, about 10,000 personnel were working across Alabama Power territory to restore power.

May 23, 2011 - Empire's electrical system has sustained severe damage due to the devastating tornado that tore through Joplin. As Empire Electric continues to make assessments to their system, but both Empire crews and contractor crews are making repairs. Reports of nearly 100 deaths and hundreds of injuries continue to pour in from this killer storm. Approximately 20,000 Empire customers have reported a loss of power as crews feverishly work to restore power to critical infrastructure.

The product demands of these storms are felt across the nation by those who supply products to our electrical infrastructure. Many manufactures, like ECP Utility, gear up to keep the supply of guy anchors and pole line hardware available to the Utility Companies. Jeff Wilkinson, ECP Utility spokesman, said “our production lines are constantly churning our product to keep up with the demand”. Wilkinson went on to say “while these storms put a strain on the raw material supply, we are working with steel mills to make sure that we can supply everyone’s needs in a timely manner”.

While history will likely remember 2011 as the year of the killer tornados, those close to the electric utility industry will remember this year as a year full of challenges for the unsung heroes within the industry. From suppliers to engineers and linemen, many will spend sleepless nights working to help homeowners and cities regain power so that recovery can start.