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System Planning Subcommittee Provides Real-World Feedback on Emerging Issues
Featured this month are the activities of the System Planning Subcommittee of the NRECA Transmission and Distribution Engineering Committee. The System Planning Subcommittee, in conjunction with RUS, works to identify, develop, organize and disseminate timely, accessible and understandable information regarding system-planning issues.
Distribution Sectionalizing
The subcommittee is currently finalizing an update to the rescinded RUS Sectionalizing Bulletin. This is the bulletin that contains the infamous "40 ohm rule." The group has been struggling with how to deal with ground fault impedances without compromising the ability to properly sectionalize the system. The final draft should be ready to submit to RUS for publication by year's end.
Long Range Planning
A revision to the RUS Long Range Planning Bulletin is also currently underway. This bulletin will incorporate items from the recent CRN Manual and should be ready next year.
Distributed Generation Interconnection
The subcommittee was a key sponsor of the NRECA DG Interconnection Toolkit, which has been recently updated. The DG Interconnection Toolkit is available on Cooperative.com. All of the documents in the toolkit have been reviewed and updated to reflect the latest industry practices and standards. The subcommittee also offers a one-day technical workshop on DG interconnection that can be held in your area. If you are interested in this workshop, contact Bob Saint.
The subcommittee also provides co-op representation on the IEEE 1547 series of DG Interconnection Standards. In addition to the "IEEE Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems" (IEEE 1547TM-2003), six associated standards or guides are now in various stages of completion. The next meeting of these three working groups will take place in Las Vegas, August 7-10, 2007. For more information on the IEEE 1547 series, visit the IEEE Web site or contact Bob Saint.
The System Planning Subcommittee is made up of a diverse group that includes long-time and new members, as well as members from distribution cooperatives and G&Ts. The roster of current members is available in the E&O Community of Cooperative.com. For more information on subcommittee activities or to join this dedicated group of planning engineers, contact Bob Saint or Subcommittee Chairman Joe Dorough, Jackson EMC, GA.
MultiSpeak Web Conference
August 16, 2007
2:00 PM ET
 Learn how easy it is to use the MultiSpeak WSDLs to create your own software application. During this FREE Web conference we will demonstrate how to build a sample Web services client using Microsoft Excel to pull real-time data from a server. We will consume one of the MultiSpeak WSDLs, implement some basic calls and publish the results onto a spreadsheet. Using these techniques, creating your own field applications for a PDA, laptop or developing your own customized “digital dashboard” is a simple process. You can then enter your application in the MultiSpeak Connectivity Challenge. For more information and to sign up for the MultiSpeak Web conference, visit Cooperative.com
New National Vendor Discount: Panasonic Toughbooks
 NRECA is pleased to announce a new national discount for Panasonic Toughbooks through a partnership with Paradigm Systems Solutions, Inc., the Panasonic 2006 Utility Reseller of the Year. With this national discount, NRECA members are offered exclusive reduced pricing on Toughbook laptops and related accessories. For more information regarding the Panasonic Toughbooks discount, go to Cooperative.com. If you need any additional assistance, please contact Dale Bartholomew at 703-907-6699 or dale.bartholomew@nreca.coop. For all the deals offered by NRECA, visit the National Discounts Program section of Cooperative.com. |
CRN Program to Be Available
to All NRECA Members
 Power supply needs and public policy developments over the next decade will require electric co-ops to make new investments in a broad range of new technologies. Co-ops will need to make business decisions on technologies that do not have a long or proven record of success — and these investments will be the most expensive ever made.
The NRECA Board of Directors believes that the best way to support local decision-making is to ensure that all member systems have access to the tools and testing resources provided by CRN. At its summer meeting, the NRECA Board directed that CRN become a program for the benefit of all member systems. NRECA members will soon have access to all CRN research and information. Starting in 2008, CRN will be funded through NRECA membership dues. The Cooperative Research Council and Membership Advisory Groups will continue to provide advice, guidance and counsel.
2008 TechAdvantage
Call for Presentations
 The TechAdvantage 2008 Conference is now accepting presentation proposals. This is an unparalleled opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with your fellow electric cooperative professionals in the engineering and operations, information technology and supply management fields.
Call for presentations selection is very competitive; please follow the instructions, guidelines and use the online submission form located on the 2008 TechAdvantage Web site to ensure that your submission meets the necessary requirements for consideration. The submission deadline is August 3, 2007.
Some of the topic areas we’re looking for include:
- Reliability enhancements
- Operations improvement
- Operations technology
- Supply cost containment strategies
- Climate change and its impact
- FEMA considerations
- Renewable energy as a power supply source
- Energy efficiency as a business strategy
New RUS Bulletins Available
 Rural Development Bulletins 1724E-224 and 1724E-226, Electric Transmission Guide Specifications and Drawings for Steel Pole and for Concrete Pole Construction 34.5 to 230 kV were signed on April 9, 2005, and are now available on Cooperative.com and the RUS Electric Program Web page.
These new bulletins provide general guidelines for construction for representative steel pole structures and assemblies for 34.5 through 230 kV transmission lines.
Loss Control Internship
The Loss Control Internship, offered in conjunction with the National Utility Training and Safety Education Association, provides up-to-date information and training for electric utility safety professionals including the following:
- Regulations affecting electric power generation, transmission and distribution
- Best practices to ensure safety
- Practical communication techniques for teaching others how to manage hazards
- Joint exercises and networking time with other safety professionals
There are just a few spots left for the first seminar in the program, which takes place September 23-28, 2007, in Madison, WI. Visit Cooperative.com to learn more about the Loss Control Internship and to register.
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