Here’s Looking at You, Grid: Monthly Digest of Insights Shared by Your Peers in the Energy Central Grid Network –September 23, 2022

The grid is often called the largest and most complex machine that engineers have ever created, and that was before the advent of smart grid technology, modernized solutions, and more taking place across T&D infrastructure all the time today. Keeping up with the developments on grid technology, associated grid markets, and appropriate regulations and policies can be a full-time job, but with the aid of the Grid Network on Energy Central (composed of the Grid Professionals Group and the Transmission Professionals Group) you can be privy to the best shortcut to stay up to date on the news, musings, and debates shaping the grid today.

Large Loads: Electric Semi’s & Their Charging Systems

David Schaller

Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/gr/large-loads-electric-semi%E2%80%99s-their-charging-systems

The grid is quite plainly undergoing a massive transformation in a multitude of ways, and one of the most critical reasons for this is how electric vehicles small and large are on their way to being a permanent fixture. This piece focuses on that large side, as David Schaller, Industry Engagement Director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, highlights what the charging systems for semi-trucks across the country will look like and how that will impact the way power companies must think about their investment in the grid. This topic is one that’s critical to think about now in preparation, not to wait too long and be forced to play catchup.

The Future of Distribution Networks

Fereidoon Sioshansi

Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/tr/future-distribution-networks 

Continuing on the trend of how EVs are going to alter how we move energy across the grid, this article from Fereidoon Sioshansi, President of Menlo Energy Economics, looks more closely at the D part of T&D and highlights upcoming changes that the power sector can expect to be necessary in the future of the grid.

When are we doing to get 50,000 electricians to install 3-phase systems?

Patrick Moore

Link to the original article: https://energycentral.com/c/pip/where-are-we-going-get-50000-electricians-install-3-phase-systems 

  Following the idea of the grid transformation that’s to come, this article highlights what the actual manpower will be needed to make that transition happen. Patrick Moore discusses the types of electricians that will be needed, where they may come from, and then wonders aloud for the reader whether we’re on the right trajectory to have the proper workforce for these requirements in our toolbox. This article makes for a compelling read that you’ll want to read and then perhaps leave a comment or question for Patrick!

Planning Challenges to Grid Reliability

Paul Decotis

Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/pip/planning-challenges-grid-reliability     

Finally, the other major topic aside from EVs that is dominating the grid conversations has to be questions of reliability across the country. From fuel shortages to excess demand to natural events cutting off parts of the grid, whether or not customers can count on the light switch working at any given moment is more at question publicly than it has been in a long time. Politicians, utility leaders, and other stakeholders are keeping this conversation active, and this piece from Paul DeCotis highlights what some of the forward-looking challenges are for utility planners who want to address reliability issues.

This wraps up another edition of ‘Here’s Looking at You, Grid.’ Check back in this spot in four weeks to see what submissions have captured the attention of our community. And if you think there are stories I’m missing—let me know in the comments, or better yet submit an article on those stories so it can be included in the next issue. Make sure you don’t miss out on these shared insights in the future.

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