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YOUR POWER DELIVERY MEDIA SOURCE
T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F
Prepare for
Disasters More
Effciently
18 Tallahassees Single
Smart Grid Platform
26 Asset Management:
Data, Analysis and
Decisions
31 GIS Data From the
Cloud to the Field
1307PG_C1 1 7/8/13 12:52 PM
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1307PG_C2 2 7/8/13 12:53 PM
Nathan Bingham
Distribution Services Business Unit Director
POWER Engineers, Power Delivery
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1307PG_1 1 7/8/13 12:55 PM
PowerGrid International: ISSN 1547-6723,
is published 12 times per year (January,
February, March, April, May, June, July, August,
September, October, November and December)
by PennWell Corp., 1421 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa
OK 74112; phone 918.835.3161. Copyright
2013 by PennWell Corp. (Registered in U.S.
Patent Trademark Office). All rights reserved.
Authorization to photocopy items for internal
or personal use, or the internal or personal
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2 | July 2013
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14
18 Combining Utility Efforts
for a Single Smart Grid Platform
Brian Halcomb with Honeywell Smart Grid Solutions writes
on the benefits the city of Tallahassee, Fla., gained by integrating
multiple utilities in a single shared architecture. The utility increased
meter-reading efficiency, improved meter-reading reliability, enhanced
customer service, reduced fleet costs and lowered labor costs.
22 Benchmarking Results:
T&D Crew Size and Equipment Analysis
Tim Szybalski of First Quartile Consulting writes on why benchmarking
comparisons are worth exploring for an individual company, and the many
factors that go into determining the right size crew: safety requirements,
equipment, union rules, skill sets, use of apprentices, role of working
crew leaders, job mix and travel distances.
26 Asset Management
Data, Analysis and Decisions
Don Angell, Tony McGrail and Kenneth R. Elkinson, with Doble Engineering
Co., reveal the value of applying formal asset management principles in
the electric power industry. This approach enables the institutionalization of
asset management best practices and consistent outcomes in this era of aging
work force and ever-greater demands on the assets.
34 Products
35 Calendar/Ad Index
36 From the Pages of Electricity History
From the Editor 2
Notes 6
JULY 2013 VOLUME 18.07
31 Next in GIS
in the Field and in the Cloud
Jason Brewington of Schneider Electric describes a new
GIS system that can provide a map of all assets, along
with real-time updates on statuses and conditions. The
information it provides isnt useful, however, if it can
be accessed only by an office worker on a computer.
Brewington describes how to make information available
to field crews working on day-to-day network operations
or responding to outage events.
Utilities can Prepare for
Disasters More Efficiently
Ron Brown of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
describes the recent surges in severe weather
and the increased frequency of cyberattacks
that have clarified two points: electric utilities
no longer can afford a short-term approach to
business continuity and disaster recovery
and they should be better prepared for
unexpected disruptions.
240V kWh
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Engineering Services for the Intelligent Grid
SEL Engineering Services provides a wide range of engineering, procurement, and construction
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1307PG_3 3 7/8/13 12:55 PM
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Teresa Hansen
918.831.9504 teresah@pennwell.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Kristen Wright
918.831.9177 kristenw@pennwell.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jennifer Van Burkleo
918.832.9269 jvanburkleo@pennwell.com
ONLINE/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jeff Postelwait
918.831.9114 jeffp@pennwell.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Deanna Taylor
918.832.9378 deannat@pennwell.com
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Angie ODea
918.831.9431 angieo@pennwell.com
CIRCULATION MANAGER
June Griffin
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Richard Baker
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POWERGRID International is the
offcial publication of
4 | July 2013
www.power-grid.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
TERESA HANSEN
FROM THE EDITOR
Get Ready for
Industry Changes
The electric utility industry is changing quickly. President Barak Obama
made it clear in his speech on June 25 that if Congress doesnt regulate
carbon dioxide emissions from power plants through a federal energy
policy, he will continue to push the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to do so. The plan Obama laid out in his speech shouldnt be a
surprise to anyone who follows current energy policy, politics or both.
Since he took office, Obama has pushed to reduce the use of coal-fired
electricity generation and increase the use of green technologies,
including more renewable energy generation.
Although much of Obamas recent speech focused on electricity
generators, transmission and distribution companies are impacted by his
plan, too. The grid must be prepared to deal with the changing generation
mix. A report from Navigant Research described on page 6 indicates
Obamas vision of more renewable energy is accurate. Navigant predicts
the global generation mix will become more diversified and decentralized
in 2013.
Some states regulators, customers and lawmakers also want change in
the electric utility industry. They believe disruptive weather events are
more frequent and extreme and that utilities are ill-prepared to deal with
such events. Some utilities are pressured to improve communications with
customers and decrease outage duration during weather-related events.
In the feature beginning on page 14, Utilities can Prepare for Disasters
More Efficiently, Ron Brown of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP writes that
risk-based business continuity and disaster recovery can improve utilities
performance when disaster strikes.
Another story on page 6 reports that Newton-Evans Research Co.s
latest T&D investment study reveals that utilities are increasing their
2013 capital spending significantly on energy management systems,
SCADA and outage management systems; another indication that disaster
preparedness and efficient grid operations are priorities for T&D utilities.
Other articles in this issue describe a benchmark study on T&D crew
size, how effective asset monitoring helps ensure asset health, the city
of Tallahassees combined metering infrastructure and how moving GIS
technology to the cloud can improve field and IT operations. These are
important in meeting future political, regulatory and customer demands.
Another interesting short item in From the Pages of Electricity History
reveals that in 1999 the U.S. Court of Appeals - D.C. Circuit ruled the
EPA could not regulate ozone particulates because certain issues are
too important for Congress to delegate to administrative agencies, more
evidence of how much the industry is changing.
1307PG_4 4 7/8/13 12:56 PM
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1307PG_7 7 7/8/13 1:05 PM
NOTES
EYE ON THE WORLD
Ofgems Low Carbon Networks Fund, which has given
us the opportunity to work with four of the U.K.s electric-
ity distribution companies to find novel and affordable
solutions to help them bring about a low-carbon elec-
tricity future for consumers.
Smarter Grid Solutions creates and delivers real-
time grid management software to help electricity
distribution companies manage local, regional and
national electricity grid congestion issues and cope
with increasing volumes of low-carbon generation and
demand. The technology frees up capacity in the exist-
ing electricity grid so electricity companies can avoid
or defer building new grid infrastructure. The result is a
faster and cheaper solution to connecting distributed
generation, such as wind turbines or small hydro, so
electricity companies can concentrate on building a
low-carbon electricity system for their customers.
The chief executive of Ofgem, the regulatory body
for the electricity and gas industry in Great Britain,
recently opened a new head office in Corunna House,
Cadogan Street in central Glasgow for smart grid tech-
nology company Smarter
Grid Solutions.
The company has
grown rapidly to become
one of the U.K.s leading
dedicated smart grid tech-
nology companies since
it was established in 2008. Today, it employs more
than 35 people, has an office in London and will open
another in New York in July.
Were honored that Alistair Buchanan has agreed
to open our new head office, said Chairman Robert
Armour. The companys growth has been driven by
Ofgem chief executive opens new Smarter Grid Solutions HQ in Glasgow
Network Mapping Pty to
provide as-built engineering
models to Powerlink, Brisbane
Sydney-based survey and engineering com-
pany Network Mapping will aerially survey more
than 1,000 km of high-voltage transmission
lines throughout Queensland, Australia, during
the next six months.
The aerial surveys will be conducted from heli-
copters and will use LIDAR, which is designed to
produce detailed 3-D PLS-CADD models.
The surveys are being undertaken for
high-voltage electricity company Powerlink
Queensland.
The information provided through the 3-D
models will be used to update Powerlinks
records and assist in planning to deliver a safe,
efficient and reliable high-voltage transmission
supply, said Roland Vitelli, Powerlinks executive
manager for infrastructure delivery and techni-
cal services.
Network Mapping CEO Kevin Jacobs said
the company looks forward to working with
Powerlink.
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POWERING
SMARTERDECISIONS
When outages occur, Intergraph
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1307PG_14 14 7/8/13 1:05 PM
July 2013 | 15
www.power-grid.com
These strategies should be approved by
executive leaders, who set the tone and
commitment needed for recovery plan
development and implementation.
Prior to deployment, plans should be
exercised and validated to confirm require-
ments and recovery expectations.
Even organizations that have performed
BIAs must be diligent. Severe storms are
redrawing the lines of safety, and that
makes it increasingly important to regu-
larly update the existing BIA.
Sandy, for instance, flooded areas that
never had been under water.
As a result, flood zones have been
redefined in certain areas, and that might
dictate a reconsideration of disaster recov-
ery plans.
Regular exercising of BC/DR programs is
equally critical.
regarding events that can have prolonged
impact on their ability to generate, trans-
mit, distribute and provide critical cus-
tomer and internal business services.
USING THE BIA TO AVOID RISKS
Business continuity planning is an
offensive strategy to reduce recovery
impacts and costs. BC/DR is risk avoidance.
Thats why an effective program begins
with a thorough business impact analysis
(BIA) that identifies then prioritizes critical
business functions and supporting capa-
bilities needed to sustain services during
unexpected disruptions.
The BIA together with a risk assessment
is required to classify unique, critical busi-
ness threats, determine the likelihood of
core business disruption, and identify the
associated cost of loss.
As such, the BIA must be
performed with owners of
individual lines of business.
The BIA provides an under-
standing of business-interrup-
tion risks and impacts and helps
prioritize recovery needs by iden-
tifying key business areas that
require attention and driving
the appropriate level of consideration so
business needs are aligned with the BIA
and are in place to mitigate risk.
The outcome of the BIA establishes
requirements for investments in recovery
capabilities, as well as prioritizes functions
not commonly identified as critical to utili-
ties, such as back- and front-office process-
es that support nonoperational functions.
After requirements are confirmed, strat-
egies should be developed to mitigate
potential business interruptions.
1307PG_15 15 7/8/13 1:05 PM
16 | July 2013
www.power-grid.com
and processes should verify information.
Most electricity providers prepare only
for risks they consider likely, such as hur-
ricanes, winter storms and floods. Given
todays environment, they also should plan
for extraordinary but possible threats such
as cyberattacks and events that provide
little to no notice. An effective cybersecu-
rity program dictates an offensive stance
that requires thinking like potential adver-
saries. What information do they want?
Whom would they target? How would
they infiltrate? Answer these questions and
seek input from your BIA, which has iden-
tified your most valuable assets, and craft
a cyberstrategy to protect them. Ensure
employees know what they are protecting,
why they are protecting it and their roles
in protecting it.
As cyberthreats multiply and constantly
evolve, it becomes increasingly difficult
for an electric utility alone to safeguard
its data, networks and service-delivery
capabilities. As Obamas executive order on
cybersecurity underscores, electric utilities
potentially have much to gain by collabo-
rating with government agencies and poli-
cymakers to share cyberattack information
and strategies. They also want to be pro-
tected from privacy lawsuits if they share
customer information and from negligence
suits for failing to act on warnings.
Finally, some electricity providers think
they can avoid planning for unlikely events
because they might never happen. Thats
not a risk worth taking.
Disaster recovery should be elevated to
a strategic investment and supported with
a cost-benefit analysis. Demonstrating, for
instance, that investing a relatively small
amount can provide a huge cost savings
after a disaster can be convincing.
An effective BC/DR program that embeds
strategy, processes, technology and security
into the fabric of an organization might be
costly but can pay off many times over if
needed.
Yet around-the-clock availability require-
ments often make it difficult for electricity
providers to perform extensive exercises,
particularly for plans that address long-
term interruptions.
A risk-based approach also dictates that
critical vendors, suppliers and partners
participate in BC/DR exercises.
These third parties also should have
their own BC/DR plans.
It might be beneficial for them to have
an audit of their programs as proof of
readiness.
PLANNING BEYOND
THE FIRST 48 HOURS
Sandy confirmed power outages can
endure far longer than 48 hours, yet many
utilities limit planning and exercising to
the first two days of an event or less.
Electricity providers should think
beyond survival of an interruption and
develop long-term recovery capabilities
and planning.
Most utility emergency plans include
mutual aid agreements and procedures
such as recruiting storm response crews
from other states or regions, develop-
ing alternative delivery and transmission
process controls capabilities because of
technology interruptions, and prioritizing
critical services to be maintained to sup-
port safety and health services.
Mutual aid agreements have existed
among utilities to mitigate disruption in
field operations, but there might be oppor-
tunities to broaden collaborative efforts
to call center backup and other support
functions.
Electricity providers also should prepare
for incidents that might prevent employees
from working in corporate facilities. If a
call center is under water, for instance, it
will be necessary to plan for employees
to work at a remote location or leverage a
service provider. Even with these plans, if
customer service or outage management
systems are not operational, recovery
options might be affected severely.
As a result, a comprehensive plan and
approach to conducting exercises are not
nice to have but are necessary because
of the complexities and interdependences
that typically are not uncovered until a
comprehensive exercise is conducted.
Beyond planning, electric utilities
should conduct business continuity exer-
cises for durations beyond 48 hours and
publish results internally so all employees
understand the processes. BC/DR person-
nel should document processes that failed
or were inefficient and make sure these
gaps are remediated. These reports can
provide lessons that improve the BC/DR
program and potentially reduce recovery
costs.
THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY
FOR BC/DR, CYBERSECURITY
BC/DR is not strictly a technology exer-
cise, but having the right technology is
important to supporting an effective BC/
DR program. With the advent of smart
grid and smart meter technologies, utili-
ties can gain insights into the location of
problems. But this increase in knowledge
can augment reliance and risk in the event
of disruption. Electric utilities should care-
fully and broadly consider how new tech-
nologies are used and incorporated into
overall BC/DR plans.
As managers evaluate new technologies,
they should rethink and embed processes
that can help streamline disaster recovery
efforts. These might include mobile
devices, apps and GPS services to dispatch
and track power-restoration workers
more efficiently and streamline damage
assessment.
The right technologies also can enable
employees to work remotely if corporate
facilities are unavailable. In addition, social
media can help identify and communicate
situational issues quickly, but procedures
1307PG_16 16 7/8/13 1:05 PM
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Thinking Smart Grid ?
Go to http://pgi.hotims.com for more information.
1307PG_17 17 7/8/13 1:05 PM
18 | July 2013
www.power-grid.com
240V kWh
BY BRIAN HALCOMB, HONEYWELL
rate strategies to its customers.
3. Provide utility customers with
improved access to account informa-
tion, such as real-time energy usage,
a review of their historical usage and
the ability to see how much energy
they have used during the current
billing cycle, allowing customers to
make informed efficiency decisions
concerning their energy use.
To empower customers to make smart
decisions that minimize energy and water
use and save money, the utility must give
customers improved control over infor-
mation about their usage as quickly as
possiblenot just when the monthly bill
arrives. Because the municipal utility pro-
vides three services, it has an opportunity
to provide that information to custom-
ersand back to the utility itselfconsid-
erably more efficiently than had it provided
only one service.
SOLUTION
The project involved developing and
installing utility metering infrastructure
s the smart grid continues to devel-
op, what practical benefits can be
gained by the integration of multiple utili-
ties in a single shared architecture?
The city of Tallahassee in northwestern
Florida combined its electric, water and
gas metering into a single technological
platform as part of its smart metering
project. The intended benefits include
improved access to real-time usage infor-
mation, real-time communication to
customers, an effective platform for its
demand response program and the ability
to offer variable rate strategies to custom-
ers. The system has provided unprecedent-
ed access to account information through
a Web portal, which allows customers to
make informed efficiency decisions con-
cerning their energy use and determine
what aspects are delivering as expected or
what further development is needed.
Tallahassee has a population of 182,000.
Its municipal utility services 87,000 resi-
dential customers and 14,000 commercial
customers with electric service. The city
also serves 26,800 gas customers and
75,600 water customers with some over-
lap among the three utilities. This includes
the city of Tallahassee and a portion of
Leon, Wakulla and Gadsden counties,
which provide a mix of rural and urban
areas. Reading utility meters is a major
undertaking and has been a manual pro-
cess in which meter readers have had to
visit each residence and business monthly.
The city is completing its smart meter-
ing project to roll out a single smart grid
platform for its electric, water and gas utili-
ties to create real-time communications
that can enable a number of programs that
encourage conservation and off-peak usage
of resources. The program enables the util-
ity to more effectively roll out creative pric-
ing programs. For instance, the city has a
large university population and structured
a pricing plan specifically for students. It
supports night and weekend rate plans.
The program also enables the utility to
more easily accommodate solar power
generation by residences and businesses.
The new infrastructure makes it easier
for customers to sell excess solar power
they generate back to the grid. Having all
three utilities owned by the municipality
simplifies creating the single infrastructure
that makes creative programs such as this
possible and lowers the costs of doing so.
PROBLEM/OBJECTIVE
The citys program has three primary
objectives:
1. Provide the utility access to real-time
usage information and communica-
tion to its customers.
2. Provide the utility an effective plat-
form for its demand response pro-
gram and the ability to offer variable
Brian Halcomb is a program manager
with Honeywell Smart Grid Solutions and
manages the West Florida Branch suite of
programs for the city of Tallahassee and
Gulf Power (Pensacola, Fla.). His opera-
tions and project management experi-
ence spans 20 years.
1307PG_18 18 7/8/13 1:05 PM
Go to http://pgi.hotims.com for more information.
beyond the city limits into neighboring
counties and, in some cases, this includes
other utility service territories. In some of
these regions, the city provides gas and
water service while another utility, such
as Progress Energy, provides the electrical
service.
Under the new system, the electric
and computer systems to automate the
metering function of all three of the citys
utilities.
The project was budgeted for some $40
million and initially launched in 2007.
Much of the cost was for the metering sys-
tems infrastructure, but the overall proj-
ect included selecting the smart metering
system, training city employees, installing
the system infrastructure and installing
software, including in-home messaging
for customers.
There are two main parts of the system:
advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
and the meter data management system
(MDMS).
AMI. The AMI includes utility meters
provided by Elster Electricity, a backhaul
network to transmit the meter data and a
central head-end system that collects the
data.
The program involves installing some
213,000 new Elster meters. Each home or
business has separate water, gas and elec-
tric meters. The gas and water meters com-
municate wirelessly to the electric meters.
Each water and gas meter is identified
with a unique serial number that prevents
customers from being accidentally charged
for a neighbors usage.
The electric meters track electric usage
and act as repeaters that accept the data
from the water and gas meters and trans-
mit all the data through the network to the
head end.
They can transmit data on a regular
schedule or on demand. Some enable
the city to connect or disconnect service
remotely.
The meters also can link to central
thermostats or other home automation
systems and provide digital information
displays that customers can read.
There is also a significant direct cost sav-
ings that comes with replacing independent
repeaters with the electric smart meters.
Each independent repeater costs $1,100
and another $3,500 for installation.
One added challenge is that the city
of Tallahassees utility footprint does not
neatly align with the city itself, and it varies
depending on the utilities provided.
In each case, that footprint extends
1307PG_19 19 7/8/13 1:05 PM
20 | July 2013
www.power-grid.com
implementation challenge was process
change management, including redesign-
ing existing processes and developing new
ones.
Previously, the municipality had three
parallel processes for water, electrical and
gas for most aspects of the business. Each
utility was its own kingdom. The excep-
tion was that billing was centralized across
all three utilities with the PeopleSoft sys-
tem. As a result, beyond simply installing
new meters, the organization was forced
to consider common processes to achieve
the efficiencies it was seeking. This was a
collaborative process with its technology
partner, Honeywell.
For example, customer service sup-
port was significantly affected by the new
metering system. Call center staff needed
to be trained on what new information
customers had access to to be effective
in energy efficiency advocacy and sales.
Customer calls shifted from primarily
billing disputes to questions concerning
energy usage. This requires more robust
communications, situation handling and
data interpretation skills. Call centers can
initiate connects and disconnects rather
than scheduling a service order or truck
roll.
There also were impacts to distribu-
tion field operations personnel, as well, if
somewhat less significant than those facing
the call center.
Most significant was volume, as auto-
mation significantly decreased the size of
the team. Personnel shifted from connect
and disconnect or meter reading to more
complex tasks, such as grid infrastruc-
ture device installation and maintenance,
as well as preventive maintenance. The
full impact of these changes is still being
understood.
Communications to customers was
another part of the program. Information
meters transmit the data, so in those homes
and businesses, the municipality needed a
different source of electricity.
In some cases, it chose independent
repeaters powered by solar panels installed
on a pole some 10 feet in the air.
The city reduced the size of the panels
used from 3.5 feet by 4 feet to 18 inches
by 2 feet to make them less obtrusive.
Before the project, these repeaters didnt
exist. The city and Honeywell designed an
initial basic solution and Elster Electricity
refined the design with a model one-third
the original size.
Solar power worked only for some loca-
tions, however, because northern Florida
is heavily wooded, especially in rural areas.
To complement the solar approach, the
city signed an agreement with cable pro-
vider Comcast Corp. that enabled the
city to install a cable modem and data
collection device in cable system power
supplies.
This solution was used in nearly half
the nonelectric service territory. The city
also had to install 315 backhaul gate-
keepers. The gatekeepers were integrated
with cable fiber (270), city fiber (13) and
wireless (32) backhaul systems. The three
backhaul systems are integrated with the
AMI head-end system. Network creation
remains ongoing.
The city is using city government facili-
ties that have local-area network (LAN)
capability in the first line of backhauling
data, which provides about 5 percent of
network coverage for power of devices and
backhaul of data.
In addition, the city has established
an agreement with Comcast to use cable
modems installed in the power supplies
throughout the service territory to provide
some 90 percent of network coverage for
power of devices and backhaul of data.
The utility also uses cellular modems in
partnership with Verizon Communications
Inc. to provide the remaining network cov-
erage for backhauling data.
Power to the devices is supplied either
from city power at the utility poles or
through solar power.
MDMS and portal. The MDMS is a
separate computer system responsible for
maintaining the metering data, analyzing
it and reporting on the data.
It integrates with other computer sys-
tems and a centralized billing system from
PeopleSoft called a customer information
system (CIS).
This system previously existed and was
the only aspect of the municipalitys utility
infrastructure that already integrated elec-
tric, gas and water.
The MDMS system had to be developed
largely from the ground up in conjunction
with Aclara. This is a critical system for
tying everything together, including the
smart grid platform and existing utility
systems. It is the key point for connec-
tion to the Web portal. It also will include
advanced meter theft analytics. MDMS
work was completed by internal infor-
mation technology staff and third-party
integrators.
The Web portal is called e+ Online,
which is where customers can view their
current and historical bills and usage for
all three utility services plus sewer, solid
waste, fire and storm water services. From
this portal, customers also can pay their
bills, use a rate comparison tool to choose
the best rate for their lifestyles and look
at weather data and consumption. Meter
data is available in 30-minute increments.
Gas and water data are available in hourly
increments.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Beyond system implementation,
the training reflected that a significant
1307PG_20 20 7/8/13 1:05 PM
July 2013 | 21
www.power-grid.com
misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Customers also are affected by the new
smart metering system. Having an excel-
lent customer communication plan is
essential to maximizing customer satis-
faction by providing them with adequate
educational information about the system
and its benefits.
Although the city of Tallahassee enjoys
ownership of all three utilities, it can envi-
sion scenarios in which this is not the case,
and yet a single smart grid system still
could be employed through a partnership
model with other utilities.
All the utilities would benefit by
increasing efficiency around meter read-
ing, improving meter-reading reliability,
enhancing customer service, reducing fleet
costs and lowering labor costs.
was created to help customers understand
why the utility was replacing dumb meters
with smart ones, highlighting benefits to
customers and not just the utility.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Working with internal utility depart-
ments and the technology provider pro-
duced a system that works well, and the
city already is beginning to reap benefits.
The city has reduced overall costs by
requiring a smaller fleet and personnel
pool for reading meters, with meter read-
ing essentially automated. The field ser-
vices department reduced its staff by half,
and a team remains for troubleshooting
and handling connects and disconnects.
In some cases, a lack of available power
presented challenges. Some areas in the
service territory have neither solar nor city
power available, including heavily wooded
locations outside the citys electrical cover-
age area.
The utility is working with the technol-
ogy provider on strategies to achieve full
network coverage for these instances.
One approach might be drive-by auto-
mated meter reading (AMR) rather than a
true smart meter network.
In this case, a truck can drive down the
street to pick up readings. This approach
loses the real-time benefits, but this situ-
ation applies to less than 5 percent of the
service territory.
LEARNINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS
Technology can create many issues that
are not or could not be anticipated.
As noted, the MDMS system had to be
developed largely from scratch. The utility
originally assumed it could rely on an off-
the-shelf system.
A related learning is allowing adequate
time and resources for software revisions.
Bugs and other issues arose and resulted
in a new revision, installation and round
of testing.
None were too challenging to overcome
but delays accumulated.
Having strong partnerships internally
and externally is paramount to working
through the issues and finding solutions.
Significant new technologies create non-
technology people-centered problems.
In particular, implementing a merged
smart grid system will disrupt existing
business processes.
That was true for the city of Tallahassee.
Identifying and modifying business pro-
cesses will require significant interdepart-
mental cooperation. Having a strong part-
nership with a technology provider with
related experience can improve opportuni-
ties to identify and assist with the needed
changes.
It is important to
provide the education
needed to create inter-
nal understanding of
the business process
changes and how
they will benefit other
departments.
This leads to buy in
from employees who
will be affected most
by the system imple-
mentation. Related,
these changes can
drive unmanageable
wish lists as employ-
ees imagine excit-
ing new possibilities
enabled by these new
technologies.
Understand what
the utility needs
and separate the
needs from wants.
This can prevent
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Scenario 1: 100 A, 240/120 V
service from existing overhead
transformer, 75-foot overhead
wire to a service mast.
Scenario 2: 200 A, 240/120 V
service, set new pole and
transformer in an existing
single-phase primary, service
100 feet underground to a
meter base.
Scenario 3: 200 A, 240/120 V
service, run 200 feet.
Underground primary from
existing overhead to new
padmount transformer, run
service to meter base.
Scenario 4: 200 kW demand,
120/208 V service, set riser
pole in existing overhead line,
run primary 200 feet to a new
padmount transformer,
three-phase service 50 feet
underground.
TYPICAL CREW SIZE BY SCENARIO 1
1: Overhead Service 2: Underground Service 3: Install Padmount and
Underground Service
4: New Riser Pole, Padmount
and Underground Service
1 person 2 person 3 person 4 person 5 person 6 person
4
1
0 0
9
4
0
1
2
3
5
2
0
6
5
6
0
2
3 3
0 0 0
1
Benchmarking Results:
T&D Crew Size and Equipment Analysis
BY TIM SZYBALSKI, FIRST QUARTILE CONSULTING
F
irst Quartile Consulting (1QC) has
surveyed utility crew productivity
practices as part of its annual questionnaire
for the past five years. One of the factors
for improving productivity is scheduling
the right size crew for the jobpart of the
overall important role played by the plan-
ning and scheduling function.
1QC asked several detailed questions
regarding typical crew sizes and equipment
for different types of jobs. Two approaches
were used to gather crew size data: first,
four detailed scenarios were presented
for jobs of increasing complexity; then a
broader list of work tasks without detailed
descriptions was presented to gather data
on smaller jobs.
The conventional wisdom is that smaller
crew sizes are more productive. Analysis
suggests companies change crew composi-
tion to fit specific tasks. The data suggests
that one-person crews are used for the
simpler overhead jobs but two- and three-
person crews are more the rule for most
underground tasks. Larger underground
jobs generally are still assigned to four-
person crews.
In a post-survey analysis, the most
important finding was the number of trips
to job sites. Crew sizes reported for the
various scenarios varied greatly. For some
of the companies, especially electric-only
utilities, developers or contractors perform
much of the trenching and civil work.
Other utilities use specialty or contract
crews for pole delivery and pole setting.
Benchmarking comparisons are worth
exploring for an individual company, but
1QCs experience shows that many other
factors go into determining the right size
crew: safety requirements, equipment,
union rules, skill sets, use of apprentices,
Tim Szybalski is a director at First Quartile
Consulting, a management consulting firm
that performs consulting and benchmark-
ing services across electric transmission,
distribution and customer service for North
American utilities. Szybalskis career includes
more than 25 years of consulting to utili-
ties and more than 15 years working as
an engineer and manager for SDG&E and
PG&E. He has a bachelors degree in indus-
trial engineering from Stanford University, a
masters degree in operations research from
University of California, Berkeley and a MBA
from San Diego State University. Reach him
at tim.szybalski@1qconsulting.com or visit
www.1qconsulting.com for more information.
role of working crew leaders, job mix
and travel distances.
CREW SIZES FOR FOUR SCENARIOS
The survey identified four detailed sce-
narios of increasing complexity:
1307PG_22 22 7/8/13 1:05 PM
July 2013 | 23
www.power-grid.com
1. Overhead service (from existing
overhead transformer);
2. Underground service (set new
pole, install overhead transform-
er, and underground riser and
service);
3. New padmount and under-
ground service (from existing
overhead primary); and
4. New riser pole, padmount and
underground service.
Figure 1 shows the number of
companies that send different size
crews for each scenario:
1. Scenario 1 (overhead service).
The most common practice is to
NO. OF COMPANIES WITH CREW SIZE OF N
AVERAGE
CREW SIZE
TASK N=1 N=2 N=3 N=4 N=5
Night Shift Trouble Call Response 12 2 1 2 0 1.4
Line Patrol 11 4 0 1 0 1.4
Day Shift Trouble Call Response 9 3 1 0 0 1.4
Overhead HV Switching 11 5 0 1 0 1.5
Overhead Service Installation 5 9 0 0 0 1.9
Street Light Maintenance 5 5 0 2 0 1.9
Underground HV Switching 3 10 1 0 1 2.1
Underground Fault Location 2 2 2 4 1 2.3
Underground Secondary Cable
Repair
2 5 3 3 1 2.6
Underground Primary Cable Repair 0 4 5 4 1 3.1
Set Tangent Pole in Energized Line 0 3 4 8 1 3.4
TASK AND DISTRIBUTION OF CREW SIZE 2
G OR E? SCENARIO 1 SCENARIO 2 SCENARIO 3 SCENARIO 4
Assumption for companies that do not send out digger/backhoe is that trench is dug by developer or contractor
E Single-bucket, reel truck
2-person bucket, line truck,
1-ton pickup
2-person bucket, line truck,
1-ton pickup
2-person bucket, line truck,
1-ton pickup
E NA
Aerial lift truck, single
bucket
2 medium trucks, 1 trailer, 1
boom truck
NA
E Bucket truck Bucket truck, boom truck Bucket truck, boom truck Bucket truck, boom truck
E 37 MH 55 MH, CF pickup 55 MH, CF pickup 55 MH, CF Pickup
E Service bucket
50 bucket, foreman truck,
boom truck,
material trailer
NA
50 bucket, foreman truck,
boom truck, material trailer
E Small bucket Bucket truck, boom truck UG van
OH: bucket, boom truck, UG:
van
Assumption for companies that send out digger/backhoe is that they dig their own trench
G&E Bucket Bucket, digger
Trencher, bucket, digger, dump
truck, equipment trailer
Trencher, bucket, digger, dump
truck, equipment trailer
G&E Service bucket Bucket, digger derrick Bucket, pickup, digger derrick
Bucket, pickup, cable hog,
crane truck, digger derrick
G&E Bucket truck
2-person bucket truck, 3
bread vans,
3 pickups, pole truck, digger
2-person bucket truck, 3 bread
vans, 2 pickups
2-person bucket truck, 3
bread vans, 2 pickups
E Small bucket Aerial bucket, digger derrick Aerial bucket, digger derrick Aerial bucket, digger derrick
G&E Bucket
Bucket truck, trencher or
backhoe
Bucket truck, trencher or
backhoe
Bucket truck, trencher or
backhoe
E Bucket Bucket, digger 2 buckets 2 buckets, digger
E Bucket service truck 55 bucket, digger 55 bucket, digger 55 bucket, digger
G&E 1- or 2-person bucket
2-person bucket, line truck,
backhoe
2-person bucket, line truck,
backhoe
2-person bucket, line truck,
backhoe
G&E Bucket Bucket, digger Bucket trailer Bucket, digger
EQUIPMENT ASSIGNED TO WORK TASKS 3
E = Electric utility and G = Gas Utility
1307PG_23 23 7/8/13 1:05 PM
24 | July 2013
www.power-grid.com
appears the companies that did not report
diggers and backhoes relied on developers
or contractors to do the work. These
tended to be the electric-only companies
as shown in the first column. The detailed
results for the scenarios are shown in
Table 3. The detail for additional tasks is
available but not reported here.
Table 4 shows the types of equipment
being sent to the job site for each scenario.
A company different than the norm
might investigate differences in practices.
One key driver is the use of developers
of contractors to do the trenching work.
Another area to investigate is the number
of trips and timing of specialized crews
or pieces of equipment for trenching and
material delivery.
The survey was designed to find the
answers to Whats the right number of
people? and Whats the right type of
equipment for the job? There isnt one
right answer. Variables include whether
the company relies on developers
or contractors to do the trenching;
whether equipment is delivered to the
job site; and how safety concerns affect
staffing decisions. This crew size and
assigned equipment analysis is valuable
to companies that are interested in
exploring their crew practices and
evaluating their positions compared
with peers. If a companys typical crew
is wildly outside the norm, then that
is a flag to look for an opportunity for
improvement.
send a two-person crew, followed in
preference by a one-person crew.
2. Scenario 2 (underground service).
The results were mixed; a four-per-
son crew was most common but
varied from two to five, depend-
ing on trenching work done by the
developer or contractor.
3. Scenario 3 (install padmount
and underground service). Both
three- and four-person crews were
predominant, although three com-
panies are using five-person crews,
again depending upon the work
done by others.
4. Scenario 4 (a more
complex job). The
four-person crew
was the most used,
although the crew
sizes ranged from
two to six. Several
companies relied
on pole setting or
pole delivery crews that were not
reported in the data.
A few data points were omitted. One
company reported a one-person crew who
acted as inspector for contractor crews.
Another company reported the cumulative
number of employees who went to the job
site (an interesting benchmarking number
but not consistent with other reporting).
The survey also asked for employee
classifications. The typical larger crew had
a mix of journeyman, apprentice, working
foreman and other. None reported non-
working foreman. This information might
be useful to a company that wants to know
why its crew sizes are different than other
companies crew sizes.
CREW SIZES FOR BROADER
LIST OF WORK TASKS
The survey also asked about crew
sizes for a broader list of work tasks.
The average crew size and number of
companies reporting each crew size are
provided for the following tasks. Table
2 is sorted from top to bottom based
upon the average crew
size (which ranges from
1.4 to 3.4).
Going down the chart,
the average crew size
increases with job com-
plexity, although there
are variations among
companies. The tasks at
the top tend to have one-person crews,
those in the middle have two-person
crews, and the largest tasks have three-
or four-person crews. The same caveats
about differences in work done by
developers, contractors and specialty
crews still apply. A company could use
this table to identify where its practices
differ from other utilities practices.
EQUIPMENT ASSIGNED
TO DIFFERENT JOB TYPES
The survey also asked for types of
vehicles assigned to different job types
for all the scenarios and the broader list
of tasks. The detailed results of the four
scenarios illustrate the range of practices,
equipment types and nomenclature
received. A significant difference was
whether companies reported using
diggers, backhoes or both. Based upon
conversations with selected companies, it
EQUIPMENT SCENARIO 1 SCENARIO 2 SCENARIO 3 SCENARIO 4
Aerial lift truck 14 14 11 14
Line trucks/UG vans 0 1 4 6
Digger derricks/
backhoes/trenchers
0 8 4 5
Medium truck 0 0 2 1
Passenger vehicles 0 3 1 5
NUMBER OF COMPANIES USING EACH TYPE
OF EQUIPMENT FOR EACH SCENARIO
4
The typical
larger crew
had a mix of
journeyman,
apprentice,
working
foreman and
other.
1307PG_24 24 7/8/13 1:05 PM
IS
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P
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O
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O
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1307PG_31 31 7/8/13 1:06 PM
32 | July 2013
www.power-grid.com
security that standard software cannot
provide.
With a mobile device that can com-
municate with the cloud-based solution
just as an office-based PC would, the
worker can record field data on a device
without having to continually maintain
software updates.
The device could be damaged, could
lose power or could be destroyed, but
all of the information would be saved;
the worker simply would get another
device and continue working where he
or she left off.
Solutions in the cloud are critical in
emergency situations, when crews need
to scale up quickly.
For example, in the event of a natu-
ral disaster, 300 field crew members
could be added the next day with little
concern about overtaxing servers and
IT staff.
Because the network interactions are
through the cloud, the additional users
dont affect the utilitys network and
can avoid negative impacts to regular
operations.
GIS IN THE FIELD
Data collection traditionally has
been slow and time-consuming for
field crews, thanks to spotty network
connections or the number of steps
required to communicate to the home
office.
To optimize the efforts of its field
team, a utility should provide workers
with the same GIS system upon which
the rest of the enterprise depends; in
other words, a single, spatially aware
source that can talk to other systems in
real time and provide data synchroniza-
tion that is fast, transparent and that
users can take to the field.
This ensures everyone is working
from the most up-to-date version of
reality and can communicate with the
home office regarding additional proj-
ects, unexpected challenges and the
status of assets.
A GIS system that can sit in the hand
of a field-worker can maximize his or
her time out on the job because he or
she can receive new work orders with-
out returning to the dispatch office.
For example, the office can use this
data exchange to send a worker addi-
tional tasks after the first task is com-
pleted.
Rather than going out and simply
completing one task, the worker can do
several more, even as they arise.
Or, if an outage is detected, crews
already in the area can be dispatched
to address the problem and improve
customer relations with faster response
times.
TO THE CLOUD
As utilities need to add modern
software, they also are attempting to
decrease their IT burden.
It has been difficult to connect
infrastructure, the enterprise data plat-
form and application software because
of continuously increasing user needs
and changing data requirements.
To extend GIS capabilities cost-effec-
tively, more utilities are turning to the
cloud because it provides the infra-
structure and services a utility needs to
operate without the burden of main-
taining the resources.
Instead of owning, managing and
training staff on the computing hard-
ware, systems and software of the tra-
ditional IT model, a subscription to a
cloud service leases out any or all of
those elements to aggregate current
and complete infrastructure data and
make that data available across utility
processes.
The lack of servers, software and
IT maintenance teams means that an
investment in a cloud-based service
results in faster, greater return on
investment and streamlines valuable IT
resources.
A field-worker with a cloud-based
technology gains huge flexibility and
IaaS
Infrastructure
as a Service
Paas
Platform as
a Service
SaaS
Software as
a Service
Return on
Investment
Solutions:
Focused Work Flows
Continual Improvement
Ease of Deployment
Scalability
Building Blocks:
Security
Virtualization
Database
Operating Systems
Hardware:
Network
Servers
Compute
Drive Storage
1 Taking Steps Toward SaaS Offers Accelerated ROI
1307PG_32 32 7/8/13 1:06 PM
July 2013 | 33
www.power-grid.com
Any consideration of cloud-based
software or the BYOD approach should
ensure the prospective provider aligns
its security standards with those of the
utility industry.
A user should be required to sign on
any time he or she accesses the system
and authenticate his or her login as if he
or she were sitting at an office computer.
The software also should allow for
different security levels to access differ-
ent subsets of data, depending on the
users work responsibilities.
A contractor or student intern would
not necessarily have the same access to
data as permanent employees.
Field crews are on the utilitys front
lines from ensuring infrastructure is
operating efficiently to being the face
of the utility during a customer interac-
tion.
Providing crews with the same tools
that increase office productivity and
that streamline real-time data com-
munications will mark a turn in the
industry and set new standards for
responsiveness and service.
If wireless service is down or cover-
age is spotty, the user still can operate
the system on his or her own device,
then upload the results and completed
tasks when they are back online.
The cloud can take an existing GIS
and quickly expand it.
Some cloud-based solutions have
graduated beyond the basic offerings
to allow crews to collaborate on field
projects with mapping functionalities
and online data management.
Further, communications between
disparate systems are improving, and
field crews have more options for shar-
ing information among mobile clients,
desktop and Web clients, and integrated
systemsespecially with a cloud-based
GIS that can run on multiple platforms
and can be configured easily for chang-
ing business rules or regulations.
The end result is a faster flow of
vital information from
the field.
WHATS NEXT
To reduce IT costs
further and increase
readiness in the event
of a widespread out-
age, some utilities are
encouraging employees
to BYOD, bring your
own device.
This takes advantage of the culture
trend of using personal mobile devices
for business use and vice versa, and it
also can help drive down costs for a
utility by reducing the need to purchase
devices and by expanding work force
productivity.
A BYOD policy is particularly helpful
when paired with a cloud-based GIS
that can work on many platforms and
operating systems, including Windows,
iOS and Android.
This broadens the pool of workers
who can rely on their own devices for
workdevices they use in their every-
day lives and already
find intuitive.
For example, consid-
er a natural disaster sce-
nario again: The added
field crews can begin
work almost immedi-
ately without device
training because they
can download and use
the cloud-based soft-
ware quickly on the
mobile devices they use every day.
As mentioned, the cloud can accom-
modate as many new users as needed.
By harnessing personal devices, utili-
ties can save on time-intensive device
training and procurement.
The workers simply download the
software as they would a regular app
onto their devices, log in to authenti-
cate their permission and access level to
data and services.
Off-premise Systems
On-premise Systems
Enterprise
Systems
2
Cloud Services
Large User Scale-ups Simplied Using the Cloud
Through Improved Information Flow
By harnessing
personal
devices, utilities
can save on
time-intensive
device
training and
procurement.
1307PG_33 33 7/8/13 1:06 PM
PRODUCTS
34 | July 2013
www.power-grid.com
Industrial Smart Meter
Itron Inc.s upgraded version
of its ACE SL7000 meter, a
high-end industrial smart meter,
has received certification from
Inmetro, the government-managed Brazilian metrology
institute, to be marketed in Brazil. To date, more than
900,000 units of the SL7000 smart meter have been
sold in 90 countries. The proven smart meter has been
upgraded with an integrated modem, which optimizes
communications and allows the meter to text or email
alerts about reverse energy detection, fraud attempts,
excessive heating, quality of energy monitoring and
demand excess. This functionality makes identifying
and fixing failures faster and more efficient. The
SL7000 meter incorporates several measuring and
billing functions aimed at commercial and industrial
and transmission and distribution markets, enabling
complete integration with smart grid systems. The
meter can be configured to meet both Free Clients
and THS measuring requirements and regulations.
Itron Inc.
GO TO HTTP://PGI.HOTIMS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Distance Teleprotection Solution
RAD Data Communications future-proof solution
integrates a Distance Teleprotection module into
the companys popular hybrid Megaplex multiservice
multiplexer, which supports TDM and packet-based
uplinks. The Megaplex also supports Differential
Teleprotection (including C37.94) in the same box.
The Megaplex is a fully redundant platform, complies
with IEEE 1613, and has a wide range of Ethernet,
voice and data interfaces that support the full range of
substation communications requirements. RADs utility
customers include Eskom, Terna, Enel, National Grid
USA, Hydro-Quebec, Endesa, IEC, Kepco, Meralco,
E-on, Elia, Nampower, AES, Powercor, and Novosibirsk
Energo.
RAD Data Communications
GO TO HTTP://PGI.HOTIMS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Optimizing Building Efficiency
Schneider Electrics SmartStruxure solution maxi-
mizes building efficiency and reduces operating costs
across the entire life cycle of a facility. SmartStruxure
hardware and software is combined with engineering,
installation and services to ensure facilities are ener-
gy-efficient and effectively managed. SmartStruxure
breaks down traditional information silos and deliv-
ers integrated building information and real-time
data via Web access, powerful graphics and trend
visualizations, rich reports and mobile applications
to ensure buildings run at maximum efficiency. Built
on open standards, SmartStruxure provides seamless
integration through LON, BACnet, Modbus, Web
Services and Schneider Electrics EcoStruxure Web
Services. In addition, SmartStruxure enables numer-
ous advanced building services, such as automatic
mechanical equipment analytics and building opti-
mization. SmartStruxure is powered by StruxureWare
Building Operation software and provides integrated
monitoring, control and management of HVAC, ener-
gy, lighting and other critical building systems.
Schneider Electric
GO TO HTTP://PGI.HOTIMS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Noncontact Voltage
Detectors
HD Electric Co.s PRX
Proximity Detectors are non-
contact detectors with voltage
ranges from 120 V to 500 kV.
When voltage is detected, the
PRX gives an audible and visual indication with a
typical detection distance of 10 inches. The PRX can
detect voltage on most elbow test points at the 120
V setting. With rechargeable an internal battery, the
PRX can be charged quickly from 12 VDC automotive
outlets or from 115-240 VAC.
HD Electric Co.
GO TO HTTP://PGI.HOTIMS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
1307PG_34 34 7/8/13 1:06 PM
CALENDAR
July 2013 | 35
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DistribuTECH 2014: The industrys most comprehensive
conference on automation, smart grid and T&D
engineering. Jan. 28-30, 2014, San Antonio. Phone
918.832.9265 www.distributech.com
1421 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa, OK 74112
P.O. Box 1260 : Tulsa, OK 74101
918.835.3161, fax 918.831.9834
http://pennwell.com
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICAN
POWER GENERATION GROUP
Richard Baker
918.831.9187 richardb@pennwell.com
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Daniel Greene
918.831.9401 danielg@pennwell.com
ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER
Dillon Waters
918-831-9454 dillonw@pennwell.com
SALES DIRECTOR, WESTERN,
INTERNATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Candice Doctor
918.831.9884 fax 918.831.9834
candiced@pennwell.com
EASTERN REGIONAL
SALES MANAGER
Tom Leibrandt
918.831.9184 fax 918.831.9834 toml@pennwell.com
CHINA & HONG KONG SALES MANAGER
Adonis Mak
ACT International
Unit B, 13/F, Por Yen Building
478 Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan
Kowloon, Hong Kong
+86.138.252.678.23 fax +852.2.838.2766
adonism@actintl.com.hk
ISRAEL SALES MANAGER
Daniel Aronovic
Margola Ltd.
1/1 Rashi Street, Raanana 43214 Israel
phone/fax +972.9.899 5813
aronovic@actcom.co.il
SENIOR DISTRIBUTECH EXHIBIT
& SPONSORSHIP SALES MANAGER
Sandy Norris
918.831.9115 fax 918.831.9834
sandyn@pennwell.com
DISTRIBUTECH EXHIBIT &
SPONSORSHIP SALES MANAGER
Melissa Ward
918.831.9116 fax 918.831.9834
mward@pennwell.com
REPRINTS
Rhonda Brown
219.878.6094 fax 219.561.2023
rhondab@fosterprinting.com
ADVERTISER. ............................ PG#
AT&T .......................................C2
DISTRIBUTECH 2014 .............. 25
ELECTRIC ENERGY
T&D MAGAZINE .................. 11
ELECTRO INDUSTRIES/
GAUGETECH ......................... 8
ELSTER ....................................C4
ENOSERV ................................ 13
HUBBELL POWER
SYSTEMS INC ......................C3
INTERGRAPH CORP ................ 9
ITRON ........................................ 7
NOVATECH LLC ...................... 5
OPEN SYSTEMS
INTERNATIONAL INC. ........ 17
PACIFIC WOOD
PRESERVING ........................ 10
POWER ENGINEERS ................ 1
POWERGRID INTERNATIONAL
WEBCASTS .......................... 30
REEL-O-MATIC ....................... 21
SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING
LABORATORIES ..................... 3
WINSTED CORP ..................... 19
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23 26
HYDROVISION International
www.hydroevent.com/index.html
Denver
15 16
National SCADA Conference
www.informa.com.au
Melbourne
10 12
Energy Storage North America
www.esnaexpo.com
San Jose, Calif.
23 25
2
nd
Annual Utility Analytics Week
www.utilityanalyticsweek.com
Atlanta
24 26
DistribuTECH Brasil
www.distributechbrasil.com
Sao Paulo
16 19
International Linemans Rodeo & Expo
www.linemansrodeokc.com
Overland Park, Kan.
21 24
Solar Power International
www.solarpowerinternational.com
Chicago
5 8
Urban Land Institute Fall Meeting
www.ulifall.org
Chicago
12 14
POWER-GEN International/Renewable
Energy World North America
www.power-gen.com
Orlando, Fla.
20 22
Greenbuild International Conference & Expo
www.greenbuildexpo.org
Philadelphia
1307PG_35 35 7/8/13 1:07 PM
36 | July 2013
www.power-grid.com
1968
Utilities attempt to make metering equipment
aesthetics more acceptable in many ways:
1. Lowering minimum height required for installations.
2. Locating meters in less conspicuous places.
3. Encouraging customers to paint meter sockets to match buildings.
4. Using semiflush meter mountings.
5. Using socket meters on residential CT installations.
6. Using self-contained meters on free-standing supports located
inconspicuously at the lot line.
7. Installing meters at pad-mount transformers.
8. Using low-profile meter pedestals with URD installations.
9. Encouraging use of factory-assembled combination meter socket
and breaker units for installation of four units or more.
10. Supplying factory-wired gang-type meters
for installations of up to six units.
1926
Coal unloading at a pulverizing plant in Colorado
1956
British heating engineers develop electrified
wallpaper that operates on radiant heat.
Electronic heating elements, in the form of flat foil, are
bonded to the back of the paper, which is then insulated.
According to reports, a room can be warmed within a few
minutes after the wallpaper is turned on.
1979
New automatic telephone answering system saves
Anaheim utility department $2,273 annually over telephone
company-recommended 4A call distributor system.
Calls are recorded on tapes and later converted to trouble
reports by clerical staff.
1999
Panel of three judges of U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia rule 2-to-1: EPAs ozone particulates limits are
unconstitutional.
The court says the EPA interpreted sections of the Clean Air Act so loosely as to
render them unconstitutional delegations of legislative power. The court also refers
to the nondelegation doctrine in its decision. This doctrine holds that certain
issues are too important for Congress to delegate to administrative agencies.
OF EL ECTRI CI TY HI S TORY
J ULY
Meter could be part of a
planter or carriage lantern.
Mailbox meter installtion
is easy on the eyes.
1307PG_36 36 7/8/13 1:07 PM
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1307PG_C3 3 7/8/13 12:53 PM
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Call 919.212.5067, contact sales@us.elster.com or visit www.elsteranswers.com
for more information.
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1307PG_C4 4 7/8/13 12:53 PM