Drive to link wind, solar power to distant users
Wall Street Journal
A new proposal to build a transmission link to connect the nation's three major electricity grids -- Eastern, Western and Texas -- is generating interest among energy policy makers because of its potential to accelerate development of renewable energy. The project, called the Tres Amigas "superstation," to be built at Clovis, N.M., would bring a major change to the U.S. electricity infrastructure by improving connectivity. More

Electrical workmanship standards (NEIS) -- A benchmark of quality
IAEI Magazine
The first NECA standard serves as the flagship standard and the foundation for this family of quality and performance standards. The concepts behind standardizing various aspects of electrical work serve to establish a benchmark of quality and workmanship that is measurable. The National Electrical Contractors Association believes there is a great opportunity to have a positive effect on the electrical contracting business by standardizing various quality control aspects of electrical work. This is the primary objective of developing the National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS). More

Surge suppression devices
EC&M
In just milliseconds, a voltage surge can destroy valuable equipment or even bring an entire facility down; thus, protection against transient voltage spikes is important. Hard-wired transient protection devices are covered by either Art. 280 (above 1kV) or Art. 285 (1kV or less). Art. 280 refers to them as surge arresters, while Art. 285 refers to them as surge-protective devices (SPDs).More

Preventing and responding to shock
Electrical Contractor Magazine
It is easy to forget just how dangerous electricity can be. Given the correct conditions, it can kill. Or it can deliver a painful shock, damage sensitive equipment and ignite combustible materials. The National Safety Council estimates 600 people die every year of electrical causes. Most of these accidents involve low-voltage power (600 volts or less). The best way to avoid becoming one of these statistics is to avoid energized circuits when possible. More

CSA -- National Forum on Workplace Electrical Safety
CSA
Presented by the architects of the CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety and CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 standards, this one-day forum will benefit anyone involved with electrical safety and safety planning. It will focus on providing the critical "how to" aspects of electrical safety requirements and best practices, all backed by case studies from your peers. More

California heats up incentives for solar power
Reuters
California is heating up its push for clean energy, as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger approved a new subsidy for solar power on Monday and joined forces with the federal government to fast-track renewable energy projects. California has the most aggressive renewable energy goals in the United States, which Schwarzenegger increased last month when he ordered that the state get a third of its electricity from renewable resources by 2020.More

Live wires kill one a day in Gujarat
DNA India
On an average, at least one person is electrocuted to death every day in Gujarat. In 2008-09, 417 people lost their lives while 342 sustained burn injuries after coming in contact with live wires. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the state's power distribution companies had taken adequate measures to prevent people from coming in contact with live wire.More