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Reinvesting in Infrastructure for Reliable Transmission and Distribution
[November 14, 2012]

Reinvesting in Infrastructure for Reliable Transmission and Distribution


New York, NY, Nov 14, 2012 (ACN Newswire via COMTEX) -- Investing in stronger distribution systems can bring about a more robust system, says Jared Argyle, Vice President and General Manager, Hendrix. Strengthening the system's backbone would increase efficiency of electric power distribution and would also strengthen reliability and efficiency, he adds.



From a solution provider company at the upcoming marcus evans Transmission & Distribution Summit 2012, in Dallas, Texas, November 12-14, Argyle explains why the next generation Smart Grid technology must include a more robust distribution system.

- How do recent trends and innovations in the industry affect the distribution system The industry is undergoing a massive innovation as it moves towards a Smart Grid. But a Smart Grid is more than just communication, system control, outage reporting, and self-healing devices. The backbone of the Smart Grid is still the distribution circuits themselves. They need to be better, stronger, and more technologically advanced to meet today's challenges. Smart devices are meaningless if distribution circuits are unreliable.


- Why do utilities need to address distribution-related system hardening Utilities need complete solution packages so they can deliver reliable power at the lowest possible cost and without taxing their internal resources. Providing a total solution, one that bundles products, services, and expertise, allows utilities to implement distribution-hardening solutions in the most affected areas without taking away resources from ongoing operations.

- How can utilities respond to increasing public and regulatory scrutiny concerning storm and disaster response Utilities are facing increased levels of scrutiny by the public and regulatory/government agencies, who demand instant responses in the face of storms and natural disasters. Hurricane Sandy is just one recent case in point. To act quickly and cost effectively, utilities need solution providers who understand their game plan, can help identify where improvements would be most effective, and move rapidly to make the improvements, without tying up limited engineering and other resources.

- Why are solutions like spacer cable systems so important to improving distribution system reliability The Smart Grid movement has resulted in funding initiatives for hardening infrastructure. This gives Investor Owned Utilities (IOU) options for improving their level of service and responding proactively to ratepayers and public service commissions. For example, Hendrix is implementing a large storm-hardening project for a major IOU in the Midwest.

- How do these solutions provide distribution improvements at the lowest possible cost The total distribution-hardening solution package eliminates duplication of services, lowers total costs, and adds future value. Utilities with distribution hardening challenges can simply determine which areas would benefit the most and project implementation can be done quickly and cost effectively.

- What are some of the innovative tools used to implement distribution-hardening projects One of the key tools benefitting IOUs is the Aerial Cable Systems Solutions Center, a cloud-based knowledge database, allowing multi-directional communication between the utility's personnel and distribution-hardening experts across various levels of an organization from any computer, laptop or smart phone. Most recently an application for smart phones was added to the system for use by field personnel.

About the Transmission & Distribution Summit 2012 This unique forum will take place at The Westin Stonebriar, Dallas, Texas, November 12-14, 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on transmission development, electric utility systems maintenance methodology and how to efficiently manage a critical infrastructure audit. For more information please send an email to [email protected] or visit the event website at www.t-dsummit.com/JaredArgyleInterview.

marcus evans group - environment/utilities/ energy - http://bit.ly/GRwSTl The Energy Network - marcus evans Summits group delivers peer-to-peer information on strategic matters, professional trends and breakthrough innovations.

- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups gid=3792251&trk=hb_side_g - YouTube: www.youtube.com/MarcusEvansEnergy - Twitter: www.twitter.com/meSummitsEnergy - SlideShare: www.slideshare.net/MarcusEvansEnergy Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About Hendrix Aerial Cable Systems Hendrix Aerial Cable Systems provides the benchmark Spacer Cable system, an innovative overhead electrical distribution system that solves utility reliability problems, significantly reduces weather-related power outages, and provides options for areas difficult to engineer with standard bare wire systems. ISO 9001-certified Hendrix is a member company of The Marmon Group, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. www.Hendrix-wc.com.

About marcus evans Summits marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world's leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-on-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com.

- Twitter: www.twitter.com/meSummitsGlobal - YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/MarcusEvansGroup - SlideShare: www.slideshare.net/MarcusEvansSummits Source: marcus evans Summits Contact: Maria Gregoriou Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division Tel: +357 22 849 400 Email: [email protected]

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