Latest Overhead T&D Articles

Digital Marketing Tip: leverage SEO, content marketing, PPC, social media, and analytics to drive qualified traffic, improve engagement, increase conversion rates, and optimize ROI through data-driven testing, segmentation, and continuous optimization.

What Is a Digital Marketing Tip?

A digital marketing tip is an actionable practice that boosts SEO, content reach, engagement, and conversion rates.

✅ Optimize on-page SEO and schema to improve organic visibility.

✅ Test PPC keywords and bids to reduce CPA and scale ROAS.

✅ Use analytics and A/B testing to lift conversions and UX.

Yes, the current business storm is increasingly difficult to navigate because of the Covid-19 pandemic. So, why is it a bad time to cut your advertising budget?

History has a great way of teaching us lessons. During tough economic times, it might seem logical to make cuts to your advertising budget, but in reality, that’s not a sound idea, as it actually hurts your business. By staying the course, it’s essential to keep your brand and business in the forefront of your customer’s mind, so when this storm has passed (and it will) you will be in a better marketing position that your competitors who chose to hunker down, go into hiding and wait for the storm to pass.

The Lesson: An effective advertising strategy should actually help you increase sales, in good weather AND in bad weather, too!

Effects of Advertising Budget Cuts

From the early 1900s until today, history has shown that effective and thoughtful advertising can help your business increase sales no matter the recession. For example, during the 1923 recession, a study published in the Harvard Business Review (April 1927) showed that “the biggest sales increases were by companies that advertised the most.” To keep that trend going, a study of the 1949, 1954, 1958, and 1961 recessions by Buchen Advertising Inc. showed that “sales and profits dropped for companies who cut back their advertising” and once the recession cleared, the companies who were cutting back actually fell behind their counterparts who had maintained their ad budgets. In the power sector, ongoing interest in smart grid fundamentals keeps buyers researching solutions even during downturns, underscoring why consistent visibility matters.

Study after study has shown similar results, so there’s definitely truth to it. Any money your business may save through budget cuts more than likely will be negligent, due to a decrease in exposure, traffic, leads and more important, SALES! Essential, evergreen topics like power distribution continue to draw qualified traffic that turns into opportunities.

Practice What We Preach: Effective Digital Marketing

Just because you might be on a tight budget, doesn’t mean cutting your digital advertising budget. Like I said, there’s history on your side. Ensure that you have a solid plan in place during both easy AND difficult times.. But especially in difficult times, make sure you are maximizing the effects of your digital advertising investment. Targeting search intent around distributed energy resources can help you capture project stakeholders while they evaluate vendors.

Here’s some tips to consider before your choose to cut your digital advertising budget.

Don’t Waste Money

First and foremost, there is a BIG difference between spending money and wasting money. Don’t waste money. Investing in click-generating campaigns? Great. Are you sure that your investment is getting you “Quality Clicks” that land on the most effective landing pages that are designed an incentivized to produce the right quantity AND quality of leads? Yes, that sounds incredibly simple, but if it was that easy, I wouldn’t mention it. Basically what I’m getting at is not throwing money in areas that don’t focus on your target audience. Here’s a good focus when it comes to REAPing the benefits of digital advertising:

Content that answers practical questions about overhead switchgear innovation often attracts decision makers with near-term purchase intent.

• Reinforce your brand name
• Expose your products and services
• Attract potential customers to your website
• Prospect for new business

Are your existing digital advertising campaigns driven by that philosophy? For instance, highlighting use cases in critical energy storage can reinforce credibility with utility buyers.

Make sure you invest your campaign on the RIGHT target audience, with a campaign that is properly focused on generating a response, with the right calls to action, that lead to a response that you can act on.

The Electricity Forum has a suite of effective digital advertising and content marketing products to suit your budget, that deliver quality exposure, traffic and sales leads.

Utilize Proven Action-Oriented Digital Marketing Campaigns

Have you considered an action campaign? They are a great way to target your audience through a succinct message that generates an action. If you’re having a grand opening, promoting a new product or running an incredible sale, invest in an action campaign that gives your audience all the information they need to act, and present a value proposition and inventive to Act Now! Addressing timely pain points like interconnection delays can intensify urgency and response rates.

Communicate Clearly

Since you’ll be watching your budget extra carefully and dissecting each move you make with surgical precision, it’s imperative to make sure your messaging is clear, concise and appealing to your target market. You’ll also want to make sure that your call to action is solid. Remember, your call to action is a key component to your action campaign. Much like your messaging, your call to action needs to be clear, concise and powerful.

Build Relationships based on

• Budget
• Authority
• Needs
• Timeframe

Building a solid relationship with your customer means listening and focusing your proposal, based on what they tell you about their budget, whether they have the authority to make a purchasing decision, what their most important needs are, and what timeframe they are most likely to act. The greater their “pain”, the shorter their timeframe. Be prepared to act upon this information with a product proposal at the right price, at the right time, to solve their more pressing problem. Educational assets on grounding electrodes can serve as effective lead magnets for engineers and maintenance teams.

Our Electricity Forum representatives are willing to listen to you, assess your digital marketing objectives, and recommend a package of digital advertising and content marketing solutions to suit your budget.

It can be incredibly stressful when times are tough and sales are falling and budgets are shrinking. I get that. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on digital advertising. Like I mentioned earlier, there is proven success in staying the course.

Capitalize On Opportunities

Here’s another thought to ponder. Every crisis brings opportunities. Are you able to adapt your business to changing conditions?

A recession or economic downturn might actually provide an excellent opportunity to launch new products and strengthen your relationship with your customers, based on their changing needs. Sounds weird, right?

In a study titled “Innovating Through Recession,” Andrew Razeghi notes that a recession is the perfect time to “invest in your customers,” saying it’s a time when they need you the most and loyalty hangs in the balance.

“At a time when consumer sentiment is nearly at an all-time low, rather than reduce customer service, use this time to get closer to your customers, connect with them on a deeper level, and show them what’s possible – what the future will hold,” he wrote.

You want your customers to see that you’re still there. If they see that your business is staying positive in tough times, it shouldn’t be surprising that they’d want to stand by you.

The Lesson?...Steady the Helm and Stay the Course

Cutting your digital advertising budget during tough times might seem like the best option when looking at line items on your budget, but don’t let that fool you.

Top digital marketers see opportunities and ways to move forward, ahead of the competition.

Just make sure you don’t make the wrong move. Make sure you chart the right course through rough seas - make the right move.

Staying the course through bad economic times will ensure that you stay upright and increase sales.

Don’t hesitate to contact me to learn more about how The Electricity Forum help craft your strategies.

R.W. (Randy) Hurst

President

The Electricity Forum

electricityforum.com

randy@electricityforum.com

289-387-1025

Related Articles

• Transmission And Distribution Channel

How Overhead Switchgear Innovation Cost Effectively? Advanced medium-voltage reclosers, vacuum interrupters, and SCADA-enabled smart sensors enhance reliability, reduce arc-flash risk, cut lifecycle maintenance, and optimize distribution networks for grid modernization and predictive maintenance.

How Overhead Switchgear Innovation Cost Effectively?

Deploy SCADA-ready reclosers, vacuum tech, and sensors to boost reliability, cut OPEX, and extend asset life.

✅ Medium-voltage reclosers and sectionalizers lower fault costs

✅ Vacuum interrupters reduce maintenance and minimize arc-flash hazards

✅ SCADA, IoT sensors enable predictive maintenance and uptime

BACKGROUND
Achieving many of the globe’s top priorities depends on an unprecedented expansion of electric generation capacity. A report released last year by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), for example, forecast that achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the U.S. by mid-century would require a nearly 500 percent increase in electricity generating capacity.
A decarbonized future powered largely by renewable electricity generation depends on a reliable grid, especially the transmission grid. A new report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine in the U.S. laid out a blueprint for achieving 2050 net-zero goals, and strengthening and expanding the transmission system was a key component because the transmission system is so important both to integrating renewables and delivering clean energy to where it is consumed. The reliability of the transmission and sub-transmission grid is particularly vital as clean electricity is increasingly relied on to fuel transportation, heating and cooling, and manufacturing and industrial processes. Indeed, the ability to sectionalize and reroute power when an outage hits the sub-transmission system has an outsized impact on reliability because high-voltage grids serve so many homes and businesses. As planners modernize regional networks, an understanding of electricity transmission principles helps explain how long-distance power flows and interconnections support resilience.
The high costs and environmental impacts of status quo solutions
G&W Electric’s Viper®-HV overhead switchgear solution is an important innovation in efforts to simultaneously reduce utility operating expenses (OPEX), improve sub-transmission grid reliability, and integrate more renewables. The genesis of the Viper-HV switching solution was when two utilities approached G&W Electric, one of the U.S.’s largest recloser and switchgear manufacturers, with the request that the company develop a 72.5 kV recloser able to switch and sectionalize sub-transmission power lines to maintain reliability. Deployed on critical transmission lines, such devices expand sectionalizing options without the footprint of new substations.
The reason the utilities and the wider industry were so keen on an overhead solid dielectric solution able to enhance sub-transmission grid reliability was because existing options were inadequate – especially because the sub-transmission system needs both the ability to sectionalize the grid to maintain reliability when faults occur and because it demands advanced monitoring to quickly detect, locate, and respond to outages. Historically, sectionalizing the sub-transmission grid has been handled by motor-operated switches that were insulated either by air or gases such as SF6. Because these products are mechanical devices, they require frequent inspection and maintenance. Not only does this put stress on already tight utility OPEX budgets and a workforce stretched thin by retirements, mechanical devices exposed to the elements can also fail. Utilities increasingly pair such equipment with distribution automation strategies to accelerate fault isolation and service restoration.
Overhead switchgear innovation drives desired and unexpected sub-transmission grid benefits
Development of the Viper-HV overhead switchgear solution took years, with significant input from customers and industry experts. But the advances made deliver important benefits to sub-transmission grid reliability and intelligence, along with improved costs. Indeed, the Viper-HV is a solid dielectric overhead switchgear solution that can respond quickly to temporary faults and deliver the sectionalizing the utilities originally requested, as well as serving as a creative alternative to circuit breakers and bringing reclosing capabilities where applicable. These capabilities align with broader smart grid objectives that emphasize pervasive sensing, coordinated control, and adaptive protection.
Manufactured with a robust, proprietary, time-proven process, the Viper-HV solution is made to solve several pressing sub-transmission grid reliability and cost concerns. For example, it is made to complete a minimum of 10,000 operations without any need for maintenance – which delivers relief to utility OPEX budgets and frees up limited staff for other tasks. Reduced maintenance cycles also streamline power distribution workflows and spare-parts planning for field crews.
Besides providing a low-cost, no-maintenance solution for sub-transmission grid sectionalizing, advanced reclosing technology is important for other reasons as well, including:
Precise location of faults for rapid power restoration
One of the primary challenges facing utilities trying to restore power when there is an outage is finding the fault that caused it. Existing solutions can approximate the location of a fault, which still requires utility personnel to devote precious time to pinpointing its exact location – often in harsh weather conditions – which results in longer restoration times and customer and regulator frustration. The Viper-HV overheard switchgear solution can be equipped with controllers with built-in intelligence enabling precise fault location. The Viper-HV solution includes switching technology plus controllers to include not just impedancebased algorithms but traveling wave fault location determination, which is suitable on longer sub-transmission lines. While most sub-transmission applications are AC, awareness of evolving direct current technology informs protection coordination, converter siting, and interoperability decisions.
Rapid and less costly integration of renewables
Many nations are accelerating deployments of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve ambitious decarbonization targets. Distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar and wind increasingly connect to the transmission and sub-transmission grid – especially when an extra transmission line is added to existing infrastructure to take advantage of an advantageous renewable energy location. DERs introduce complexity to the grid, including more frequent switching than is normal on sub-transmission feeders. The Viper-HV technology, since it was certified as a recloser with 10,000 operations capability, is more suitable than traditional motor operated switches. Furthermore, the form factor of the Viper-HV overhead switchgear is easier to install than other solutions. Pairing sectionalizing schemes with strategically sited critical energy storage can further smooth variability and enhance grid stability during switching events.
Removes need to add expensive and time-consuming grid infrastructure
Another significant benefit of advanced overhead switchgear technology: it can avoid the necessity to add new substations. In cases when a new feeder and circuit breaker need to be added to a sub-transmission system substation, the Viper-HV overhead switchgear solution can increase the speed and lower the cost. That’s because traditional circuit breakers need to be ground-mounted on a concrete pad, which takes up space many substations don’t have and involves permitting that can take a lot of time. By contrast, the Viper-HV overhead switchgear solution can be mounted on the already grounded metal frames most substations have available. This takes no additional space and doesn’t require a time-consuming permitting process.
Advances in technology are essential for increasing the reliability and resiliency of the sub-transmission grid. At the same time, these technologies must lower, rather than elevate, the total overall costs including all aspects of the installation and lifecycle costs (i.e. maintenance, replacement). Sophisticated overhead switchgear technology provides a budget-friendly option for enhancing reliability, resiliency, and helping to green the power grid.
 

Related Articles

• Transmission And Distribution Channel

Single electricity market links regional grids, enabling cross-border trade, renewable integration, and competitive prices. It harmonizes regulations, strengthens energy security, and balances consumption for reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity supply.

What is a Single Electricity Market?

An electrical insulator prevents the unwanted flow of current by providing high resistance between conductive parts. Essential in power transmission systems, these materials ensure isolation, enhance safety, and protect equipment from arcing and short circuits.

What is an Electrical Insulator?

An electrical insulator is a vital component in T&D systems, ensuring safety and reliability. However, it comes in various materials and types, each with advantages and disadvantages.

✅ Provides electrical isolation in high-voltage systems

✅ Made from dielectric materials like porcelain or polymer

✅ Prevents arcing and protects conductors from short circuits

Understanding the insulating properties of dielectric materials, resistance, and breakdown voltage is essential for selecting the most suitable non-conductive material for a specific application. By making informed choices, engineers can ensure the longevity and safety of transmission and distribution (T&D) installations and equipment.

An electrical insulator is a material that restricts the flow of electric current, ensuring that electric charge does not easily pass through it. They are essential components in power systems, as they help protect equipment, structures, and people from electric shocks and short circuits. A high-quality electrical insulator possesses high resistivity, which means it can withstand high voltages without allowing current to flow unimpeded.

High Voltage Transmission Uses

High-voltage power transmission insulating devices are typically made from materials such as glass, porcelain, or composite polymers. Porcelain types consist of clay, quartz or alumina, and feldspar and feature a smooth glaze that allows water to run off easily. When high mechanical strength is required, porcelain rich in alumina is utilized. Porcelain ones have a dielectric strength of around 4–10 kV/mm. Glass types possess a higher dielectric strength; however, they tend to attract condensation, which can result in thick, irregular shapes that are necessary for non-conductive insulating devices. These shapes can lead to internal strains.

Consequently, some manufacturers ceased producing glass ones in the late 1960s, opting instead for ceramic materials.

Electric utilities sometimes use polymer composite materials for certain types of insulators. These typically consist of a central rod of fibre-reinforced plastic and an outer weather shield made of silicone rubber or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. Composite non-conductive materials are more cost-effective and lightweight, exhibiting exceptional hydrophobic properties. This combination makes them ideal for use in areas with high pollution levels. However, these materials have not demonstrated the same long-term service life as their glass and porcelain counterparts.

Different Materials

Different types of electrical insulator are designed to cater to various applications and environments. They are classified based on the material used, such as ceramic, glass, and polymer insulators. Each type has specific insulating properties that make it suitable for certain uses.

Dielectric materials are a crucial component of any electrical insulator. They function by inhibiting the electric field within their structure, preventing the flow of a charge. A dielectric material's insulating properties are primarily determined by its dielectric constant, which measures its ability to store energy without conducting it.

Ceramic ones, such as porcelain, have been used for many years due to their excellent insulating properties, mechanical strength, and resistance to high temperatures. They are typically used in high-voltage applications, including power transmission and distribution systems. However, they can be heavy and brittle, which reduces durability and increases maintenance costs.

Materials such as glass paper, on the other hand, offer excellent transparency and a smooth surface that helps prevent dirt accumulation. They also have high dielectric strength, meaning they can withstand high voltage without breaking down. However, like ceramic ones, they are fragile and prone to breakage.

Polymer insulators are a recent innovation made from silicone rubber or epoxy resins. They are lightweight, durable, and have good insulating properties. Additionally, polymer devices exhibit increased resistance to environmental factors, including UV radiation and pollution. However, their long-term performance still needs to be studied, and they may be more expensive than traditional ceramic or glass insulators.

Performance is affected by its resistance and breakdown voltage. Resistance measures a material's ability to prevent the flow of electric current. A higher resistance means that the insulating device is more effective at blocking the flow of electricity. On the other hand, the breakdown voltage is the maximum voltage an insulator can withstand before it fails and allows electric current to flow through it. Therefore, a higher breakdown voltage indicates better insulating capabilities.

Electrical insulators play a crucial role in power transmission and distribution systems. They support and separate conductors, ensuring that the electric field and current remain confined within the conductors. They also help maintain the integrity of the wiring and prevent short circuits or leakage currents that may cause equipment damage or pose safety risks.

Several factors should be considered when selecting an electrical insulator for a specific application, including the operating voltage, environmental conditions, and mechanical stresses. The non-conductive material should possess a high dielectric constant, good resistance to temperature changes, and adequate mechanical strength. Additionally, it should resist environmental factors such as moisture, pollution, and UV radiation.

Various Types

Pin Insulator - This type is attached to a pin mounted on the cross-arm of a utility pole. It features a groove near its top, just below the crown, through which the conductor runs and is fastened using an annealed wire made of the same material as the conductor. Pin insulators are commonly used to transmit communication signals and electric power at voltages of up to 33 kV. However, they can become bulky and uneconomical for operating voltages between 33 kV and 69 kV.

Post Insulator - Introduced in the 1930s, they are more compact than traditional pin-types. They have rapidly replaced many pin-types in lines with voltages up to 69 kV and, in some configurations, can be designed for operation at up to 115 kV.

Suspension Insulator - Suspension devices are typically utilized for voltages exceeding 33 kV. They consist of a series of glass or porcelain discs linked together with metal connectors, forming a string. The conductor is suspended from the bottom of this string, while the top is secured to the tower's cross-arm. The number of disc units required depends on the voltage.

Strain Insulator - When a straight section of a transmission line ends or changes direction, a dead-end or anchor pole or tower is employed. These structures must withstand the lateral (horizontal) tension from the long straight section of wire. Strain devices are used to support this load. For low-voltage lines (under 11 kV), shackle ones are strain insulators. For high-voltage transmission lines, cap-and-pin (suspension) insulator strings are used, mounted horizontally to the crossarm. In cases of extremely high tension, such as long river spans, two or more parallel strings may be necessary.

Shackle Insulator - Initially, shackle types were employed as strain insulators. Nowadays, they are predominantly used for low-voltage distribution lines. These can be installed in horizontal or vertical orientation and can be directly fastened to the pole with a bolt or to the crossarm.

Related Articles

• Overhead T&D Channel

Costly interconnection delays stall grid connection for solar, wind, and storage, driven by interconnection queue backlogs, transmission constraints, lengthy permitting, and network upgrade studies, inflating project CAPEX, financing risk, and PPA timelines.

What Are Costly Interconnection Delays?

Delays in grid connection that create backlogs, raise upgrade costs, and push out timelines for energy projects.

✅ Queue backlogs extend interconnection studies and approvals

✅ Transmission constraints trigger costly network upgrades

✅ Financing and PPA milestones slip, increasing project risk

Utilities Have Found Ways To Save Time & Money

Policy debates on solar incentive and valuation make headlines across the nation, but less attention is paid to the nuts and bolts of solar installation: the interconnection process.

But the struggle there is very real. Take Hawaii, where the high queue of solar applications and slow interconnection process slowed down installations of distributed solar two years ago. Eventually the process was streamlined but it still wavers under the hefty weight of applications.

But performances by some of the busiest utilities in sunny states demonstrate that they have necessary skills to finish interconnections quickly. The new challenge lies in how to transfer those capabilities to utilities slow to catch on. These improvements also intersect with the rise of distributed energy resources, which require streamlined processes to connect efficiently.

The average time it takes from when the rooftop solar installation is finished to when the utilities gives it permission to operate increased from 28 days in 2014 to 45 days last year, according to data from a recent EQ Research survey. Longer queues can exacerbate stress on power distribution networks as crews juggle inspections, metering, and safety checks.

“It was one of the most surprising findings from the survey,” said Chelsea Barnes, EQ’s policy research manager and lead author of Comparing Utility Interconnection Timelines for Small-Scale Solar PV.

There are three overarching reasons why interconnection processes are slowing down, Barnes said.

“The number of interconnection applications is increasing, utilities are not prepared to handle more applications, and there are more applications for interconnections at parts of the distribution system near their interconnection capacities,” Barnes said.

“Many utilities are not prepared to handle the increasing volume of applications.”

Utilities interviewed by Utility Dive said there were some discrepancies in the numbers from EQ Research, which took their data set mostly from installers. But the conclusion was the same: slow interconnection queues didn’t help the growth of solar, leading those utilities to find ways to streamline the process.

For example, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) moved to online applications when it saw interconnection applications start to rise rapidly, said Amber Albrecht, a spokesperson. Digitizing applicant intake dovetails with modern distribution automation practices that reduce manual handoffs and errors.

And Pepco won the Smart Electric Power Alliance 2016 IOU of the Year Award for its online application for residential and small business customers to help trim the interconnection process, a complaint the utility faced during proceedings over its proposed merger with Exelon.

Moving to an online application process trimmed the processing time by 10 days, according to William Ellis, Pepco’s manager for demand side management and green power connections.  

And Tucson Electric Power moved an automated system called PowerClerk that enabled their staff handling applications to tackle 4,000 requests last year, said Chris Lindsey, TEP’s manager of its distribution energy resources engineering group. Such tools are hallmarks of a smarter grid, aligning utility workflows with core smart grid capabilities for visibility and rapid decision-making.

The paper outlined a series of recommendations for all stakeholders to streamline the process, but it only works if all participants are at the table.

Number Discrepancies and What They Might Mean

EQ Research numbers depended on PV installers in 62 service areas spread out in 20 states and the District of Columbia. The group targeted areas with high residential solar penetration. But the numbers are incomplete, noted the group in an email to Utility Dive.

“The report is based on installer survey responses only.  We did send a survey to each utility asking for the same data, but only a couple responded, so we relied only on the installer data,” Barnes wrote in an email to Utility Dive. “Most utilities do not have to report interconnection timelines so we could not rely on public reports, either.”

Four utilities in high solar areas responded to Utility Dive requests their interconnection numbers.

San Diego Gas & Electric reported 27,202 applications in 2015, but EQ Research only noted 6,114 in their survey. TEP was another one, reporting roughly 4,000 applications in 2015 but EQ put the number at 1,808.

Possibly the biggest discrepancy lies in Southern California Electric’s numbers. In 2015, SCE reported 56,276 applications, but EQ reported 15,327.

Part of the discrepancy is likely due to EQ's limited samples and in part could be due to differing definitions of the interconnection intervals.

For some utility officials, the numbers didn’t match the data they supplied the group.

“The numbers EQ Research attributes to TEP seem a bit high and do not match the data that we supplied them in response to their survey,” TEP Renewables Program Manager Justin Orkney told Utility Dive.

The time between submitting the application and getting the green light to operate is also shorter than what the EQ survey showed, Orkney said.

Orkney said residential approvals took between 2 days and 3 days in 2014 and 2015 and most are being handled this year on the same day they are submitted.

But that is not the whole story, he added. “For 2016, TEP is averaging 16 calendar days between when the installer tells us the project has been inspected and when the status in PowerClerk (an online portal) is updated.”

The bulk of the difference between “same day” and the “16 calendar days” reports is that permission to operate work is not officially initiated until the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) issues its permit.

Despite the discrepancies between EQ’s data set and the few utilities surveyed by Utility Dive, the conclusions drawn from the research paper do highlight potential best practices for utilities to speed up the process.

Costs and Causes of Delays

The most important conclusion pulled from the paper is how interconnection delays play a role for utilities, customers and installers.

“It is underappreciated how much these delays have slowed solar growth, caused frustration for customers and installers, and burdened the utility industry,” Barnes said.

Both SDG&E’s Albrecht and TEP’s Orkney said the costs and burden to manually process the applications were hefty until their systems were automated. But the utilities didn’t disclose those amounts.

There is also significant cost to the customer, the paper noted.

“A hypothetical customer in Connecticut who installs a 7 kW system would be deprived of more than $150 in electricity generation for every month that interconnection is delayed,” the paper reports. “Multiplied over many individual systems, the cumulative costs are considerable.”

A National Renewable Energy Lab sturdy said interconnection delays are among many soft costs that make up 64% of the price of a residential solar array. The higher the costs, the bigger the price tag for the customer. Those costs also impact installers, with delays affecting final payments, slowing down their cash flow. It can also have a ripple effect, impacting word-of-mouth advertising for both installers and utilities, according to the paper.

Despite that, many utilities still depend on manual processes, such as mail-in applications, which could delay applications up to 100 days or more.

“The lack of online systems and automation is the main source of interconnection delays that may be as high as 100 days or more, the paper reports. “The challenge in this area may be convincing decision-makers that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs.”

But an efficient system to process interconnection applications is the obvious solution for tackling delays, the researchers found, leading to cost savings down the road.

“Improvements to the interconnection process typically yield cost savings for the utility,” utility staff interviewed by EQ Research added. “The more user-friendly and automated the interconnection application system is, the less staff time is needed.”

EQ Research pushed for a more transparent, integrated process that would allow applicants to track the progress of that application.

Some utilities have streamlined their process and said they have already seen fewer delays and reduced time intervals between submitting and operating. For instance, SDG&E launched its system in 2013 and allows installers to obtain their permission to operate within 24 hours.

For Pepco customers, the utility established an online portal that processes signatures and fee payments, eliminating follow-up paperwork, Ellis told Utility Dive. The utility also engineered a semi-automated technical analysis of applications, which accelerates approval for residential solar arrays, Pepco’s Stephen Steffel told Utility Dive.

Reliability Concerns

Concerns over reliability are another big issue causing some interconnection delays. In solar-heavy states like Hawaii, some distribution system circuits and feeders are near their interconnection capacities, causing utilities and regulators to worry about grid congestion. Strategically deployed critical energy storage can absorb excess generation and smooth feeders during peak PV output.

EQ’s paper acknowledges “fewer data points” on the use of grid reliability as a reason for delays. But, in some places, it has added to tensions between utilities and solar installers.

“Some PV installers believe that utilities are overly cautious in some cases, or that utilities invoke grid reliability concerns as an excuse to delay application processing,” the paper reports. “Utility staff sometimes believe that the PV industry seeks special treatment not granted to other industries.”

One way to mitigate the tension is through regulatory proceedings. Requiring utilities to provide installers with maps or information showing interconnection congestion would allow installers to work around congested system locations.

Some utilities have have already done so, offering “interactive, web-based maps that allow installers to easily identify geographic areas where new DG facilities could encounter problems receiving approval for interconnection,” the paper reports. In parallel, well-planned microgrid projects can localize reliability and defer upgrades on constrained circuits.

“It is not yet common but utilities are starting to do it,” Barnes said.

When installers have that information, they can warn customers in congested areas that approvals will take longer and would likely cost more, she added. “They also can market to customers in less congested locations on the distribution system.”

Some utilities, including PG&E, SDG&E, and National Grid, have integrated automated checks for reliability and safety issues into their application processing, the paper reports. “Checking for concerns early in the application process can save utilities and installers time and money by avoiding the cost of engineer labor to review potential concerns.”

Best Practices

Some states have implemented reporting deadlines, but those so far are less than adequate to speed up interconnections, Barnes said. Those rules lack enforcement requirements or contain other shortcomings, leaving applications stuck in the process.

“Regulators and utilities need to be forward-thinking and to prepare for the renewable energy that state policies will bring onto the grid,” Barnes said,

The paper recommended simplified and accessible online systems with standardized forms as one way to streamline the process. Other methods include collaborating with stakeholders, expediting permitting, and combining the permitting and interconnection process. Keeping consistent rules and regulations as well as firm deadlines is another recommendation. Upgrading field equipment, including modern overhead switchgear innovation, helps integrate new PV safely while controlling capital costs.

Policymakers should keep rules and regulations consistent over the long term. Deadlines should be clear and firm. Regulators should require utilities to be transparent throughout processing, make grid capacity maps or data available to installers, and provide timeline performance reports.

Utilities, regulators, and AHJs should also collaborate to improve the standardization, according to the paper. And if policymakers fail to act, utilities can voluntarily automate grid reliability and penetration data and make grid capacity maps or grid capacity data available to installers. Utilities should also facilitate advanced meter installation. Meanwhile, part of the burden lies with installers to track utility performance and make the source of their findings publicly available.

“Regulators, utilities, AHJs, installers, and customers can all benefit from the experiences and lessons learned in other jurisdictions and from communication among stakeholders, ”the paper concluded.

“Each of these industry participants can encourage and facilitate workshops, webinars, trainings, and other education and outreach activities to enable such learning experiences.”

Related Articles

• Transmission And Distribution Channel

Transmission lines carry electrical power and RF signals with characteristic impedance, distributed parameters, attenuation, reflection, and phase velocity, enabling efficient power distribution, signal integrity, impedance matching, and low-loss, high-voltage transmission.

What Are Transmission Lines?

Transmission lines are conductors that guide power or RF signals with defined impedance to minimize loss and reflections.

✅ Distributed RLC parameters define impedance and propagation.

✅ Proper termination reduces reflections and VSWR.

✅ Used in high-voltage grids, coaxial cables, and microstrip.

Transmission lines are crucial in delivering electric power from generating stations to consumers. These vital power system components ensure that electrical energy reaches homes, businesses, and industries efficiently and safely. This article explores transmission lines' fundamentals, types, materials, and environmental impact. For a broader grid perspective, see how electricity transmission integrates generation, substations, and long-distance corridors in practice.

Types of Transmission Lines

There are two main categories of transmission lines: overhead and underground. Overhead lines, the most common type, are suspended above the ground using transmission towers. These structures facilitate electric power transportation over long distances at high voltage levels. Overhead lines are cost-effective and easy to maintain but can be visually unappealing and susceptible to weather-related damage. Utilities increasingly deploy advanced overhead switchgear innovation to improve reliability and fault isolation on exposed spans.

On the other hand, underground power cables are buried beneath the ground and are generally used in urban areas or environmentally sensitive regions. Although less prone to weather-related issues and more visually pleasing, they are more expensive to install and maintain. In dense urban networks, coordinated electrical distribution systems planning helps align cable routes with load centers and maintenance access.

Understanding the Functioning of Transmission Lines

Transmission lines are responsible for carrying electrical energy from power generation facilities to substations located near consumers. These lines consist of conductors typically made of copper or aluminum. The conductors are designed to have a specific cross-sectional area to accommodate the flow of electrical current without causing excessive power losses or overheating. For certain corridors and submarine links, modern direct current technology can lower losses and improve controllability compared with conventional AC lines.

The flow of electrical energy along transmission lines is subject to certain natural phenomena, such as electromagnetic fields, which can influence the line's performance. Engineers design transmission lines with a specific characteristic impedance to minimize these effects and ensure efficient power transmission. This parameter measures the line's opposition to alternating current (AC) flow at a particular frequency.

Minimizing Transmission Line Losses

Power losses along transmission lines are an important concern in electrical engineering. These losses occur due to the resistance of the conductors and can lead to decreased efficiency and higher operational costs. Therefore, engineers employ various techniques to minimize line losses, such as selecting low-resistance conductors, optimizing conductor size, and using higher voltage levels for long-distance power transmission. These strategies ultimately support resilient power distribution by reducing upstream transmission inefficiencies that propagate through the grid.

Materials Used in Transmission Lines

Conductors for transmission lines are commonly made of copper or aluminum, both of which offer good conductivity and mechanical strength. The choice of material depends on factors such as cost, availability, and environmental considerations. Transmission towers are typically constructed from steel or aluminum, offering strength and durability while minimizing weight. Line hardware selections often include durable glass electrical insulators to provide mechanical strength while maintaining excellent dielectric performance.

Environmental Impacts of Transmission Lines

The construction and operation of transmission lines can have significant environmental impacts. The visual effects on landscapes and the potential harm to wildlife, such as birds colliding with conductors, are key concerns for overhead lines. Electromagnetic fields produced by transmission lines have also raised concerns about potential health effects on humans, although research has not provided conclusive evidence of harm. Appropriate specification of each electrical insulator can mitigate leakage currents and flashover risks that might otherwise affect habitats and nearby communities.

In contrast, underground power distribution lines have a smaller visual impact and pose fewer risks to wildlife. However, their installation can disturb ecosystems and contribute to soil erosion. Additionally, the materials used in transmission lines and towers can have environmental consequences, such as the energy required for their production and waste materials disposal.

Comparing Underground and Overhead Transmission Lines

Both overhead and underground transmission lines have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Overhead lines are more cost-effective and easier to maintain but are more susceptible to weather-related damage and have a greater visual impact on the environment. Underground lines offer aesthetic and environmental benefits but are more expensive to install and maintain. The choice between the two options largely depends on budget, location, and ecological considerations.

In conclusion, transmission lines are essential electrical grid components, enabling the efficient distribution of electric power across vast distances. Understanding these lines' types, materials, and environmental implications is crucial for making informed decisions about their design, installation, and maintenance. Engineers and planners can develop transmission infrastructure that balances cost, efficiency, and environmental concerns by considering all relevant factors.

Ensuring electrical energy's continued and efficient flow is paramount for modern society. The various transmission lines, such as overhead lines and underground power cables, have unique benefits and challenges. We can work towards more effective and sustainable power distribution solutions by understanding the materials used, the way transmission lines function, and the potential environmental impacts.

The role of transmission lines in the electrical grid cannot be overstated. As technology advances and our reliance on electricity grows, it is increasingly important to understand these essential components thoroughly. Through diligent research and continuous innovation, we can continue improving the efficiency and sustainability of our power systems, ensuring a reliable and secure electricity supply for generations to come.

Addressing the questions and concerns surrounding transmission lines can promote greater awareness and understanding of this vital aspect of our power infrastructure. As we seek innovative solutions for efficient power delivery, we can look forward to a future with more sustainable and environmentally friendly electrical transmission systems.

Transmission lines are an integral part of the electric power system, critical in delivering electrical energy from power generation facilities to consumers. Understanding the various aspects of transmission lines, such as their types, functioning, materials, and environmental impact, is essential for the ongoing development and maintenance of efficient and sustainable power distribution infrastructure. As we continue to advance in our understanding and innovation, the future of transmission lines promises increased efficiency, sustainability, and reliability for future generations.

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