Latest Electricity News - Overhead T&D

ATCO Electric administrative penalty underscores an Alberta Utilities Commission probe into a sole-sourced First Nation contract, Jasper transmission line overpayments, and nondisclosure to ratepayers, sparked by a whistleblower and pending settlement approval.   At a Glance A $31M AUC settlement over alleged overpayment, sole-sourcing, and nondisclosure tied to a Jasper transmission line. AUC watchdog probe followed a whistleblower tip. Sole-sourced 2018 contract linked to Simpcw First Nation firm. Overpaid several million above market for Jasper line work. Sought recovery from ratepayers while hiding sole-source motive.   Regulated Alberta utility ATCO Electric has agreed to pay a $31 million administrative penalty…

Site C 500 kV transmission lines strengthen the BC Hydro grid, linking the new substation and Peace Canyon via a 75 kilometre right-of-way to deliver clean energy, with 400 towers built and both circuits energized.   Key Information High-voltage lines connecting Site C substation to the BC Hydro grid, delivering clean energy via Peace Canyon. 75 km right-of-way between Site C substation and Peace Canyon Second and final 500 kV line completed and energized Over 400 towers constructed and lines strung since 2018 Contract awarded to Allteck in 2018 for construction Three 1 km 500 kV links to substation due…

Longest Lightning Flash Record confirmed by WMO: a 477.2-mile megaflash spanning Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, detected by satellite sensors, highlighting Great Plains supercell storms, lightning safety, and extreme weather monitoring advancements.   The Big Picture It is the WMO-verified 477.2-mile megaflash across MS, LA, and TX, detected via satellites. Length record: 477.2 miles across MS, LA, TX; prior 440.6 miles in Brazil. Duration record: 17.1 s megaflash in Uruguay and Argentina; prior 16.7 s. WMO: Megaflashes cluster in US Great Plains and South America La Plata basin. Grid planning: long lines like TransWest Express adapt for severe weather risk.  …

PG&E Drum Fire Cause identified as a power line failure in Santa Barbara County, with arcing electricity igniting vegetation near Buellton on Drum Canyon Road; 696 acres burned as investigators and CPUC review PG&E safety.   Inside the Issue A failed PG&E power line sparked the 696-acre Drum Fire near Buellton; the utility is conducting its own probe. Downed line failed between two poles on Drum Canyon Rd Arcing electricity ignited vegetation near Buellton 696 acres burned; no structures damaged or mass outages Incident began Jun 14 at 12:50 pm north of Hwy 246 PG&E filed CPUC incident report; internal…

BC Utilities Commission Site C Dam Questions press BC Hydro on geotechnical risks, stability issues, cost overruns, oversight gaps, seeking transparency for ratepayers and clarity on contracts, mitigation, and the powerhouse and spillway foundations.   What's Happening Inquiry seeking explanations from BC Hydro on geotechnical risks, costs, timelines and oversight for Site C. Timeline of studies, monitoring, and mitigation actions Rationale for contracts, costs, and right bank construction Implications for ratepayers, oversight, and project stability   The watchdog B.C. Utilities Commission has sent BC Hydro 70 questions about the troubled Site C dam, asking when geotechnical risks were first identified…

Lightning Protection Systems Training delivers live, instructor-led guidance on grounding, surge protection, NEC considerations, and risk mitigation for cell towers, broadcast antennas, coaxial cabling, tower lighting systems, maintenance, and compliance.   The Latest Developments A live online course on grounding, surge protection, and NEC-based risk mitigation for wireless and broadcast sites. 12-hour live online course for tower and antenna owners Covers grounding, bonding, surge protection, and risk mitigation Targets wireless, broadcast, and critical infrastructure sites Lightning damage exceeds $26B yearly in North America   The Electricity Forum has organized a Lightning Protection Systems Training Course this Fall, as part of…

VFD Training Courses deliver live, instructor-led guidance on variable frequency drives installation, commissioning, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting across distribution systems, from PCC to motors, emphasizing grounding, harmonics mitigation, EMC, and best practices.   The Situation Explained Live, instructor-led VFD courses on installation, testing, maintenance, and safe operation in distribution systems. NEC 250 grounding and bonding compliance for VFD safety Installation, commissioning, and field troubleshooting best practices Harmonics mitigation, EMC, and noise reduction techniques System view from PCC to motor terminations across distribution Case studies of improper installs and recommended corrections   The Electricity Forum has organized a series of VFD…