As energy utilities evolve, the landscape is becoming more varied and complex, incorporating technologies that were once experimental but are now essential. From microgrids and fiber installations to renewable energy and underground power systems, the utility infrastructure of tomorrow will look vastly different from today’s centralized, overhead networks. This shift brings an urgent need to map and integrate these new …
As Hurricane Helene dominates the headlines with its devastating impact, we are reminded of the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure during the aftermath of such disasters. With utilities at greater risk following the storm, damage prevention efforts become even more crucial. Here’s this weeks top 10 stories: Buried power lines spare neighborhoods from being affected by storms: READ Unexpected …
Morehead City’s Public Services recently acquired a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) unit, to assist with locating underground utilities. The GPR was successfully used at Big Rock Stadium to locate irrigation boxes buried under several inches of soil. The device operates by displaying underground objects as parabola shapes on a screen, allowing for easier identification. It can scan up to 30 …
Utilities face a broad spectrum of risks that extend far beyond the traditional challenges of aging infrastructure, natural disasters, and human error. As the world grows more interconnected and data-driven, it’s becoming increasingly clear that unconventional and often unexpected threats must be addressed to ensure the continuity of critical services like power, water, and gas. Unlikely Culprits: Birds as Fire …
“Locate any underground utilities that are present inside the “tolerance zone” by hand digging or utilizing other non-destructive digging measures approved by the Competent Person.” – OSHA Increased Excavation Drives the Need for Careful Work Around Utilities & Proper Technology Selection: READ What would you do if you were banned from digging? READ Underground utility mapping system to aid …
In this insightful episode, Crystal Ball and Matthew Schroettnig sit down with Sarah Edmonds, Bob Rowe, and Debra Smith to discuss their “Theory of Change” for expanding high-voltage, long-distance transmission in the Western U.S. The conversation centers around the need for collaboration and innovation to meet the demands of the future energy grid. As part of the Western Transmission Expansion …
Aging infrastructure is no longer just a looming problem – it’s a crisis we face daily, especially with the utility systems beneath our feet. From corroding pipelines to crumbling water mains, the challenges of keeping these systems functional and safe are immense. But even as the U.S. infrastructure bill brings in much-needed cash for improvements, we’re missing a critical piece …
I recently came across this article about Lumos Fiber being banned from digging in a community due to repeated utility strikes and damage. As I read through it, I couldn’t help but wonder – what would I do if I were in that company’s shoes? How would I respond to being banned from working in an area because of damage …
“Damage prevention progress requires reversing an established trend” – 2022 DIRT Report Is another pipe failure looming? A health check of Canada’s water mains: READ Utility Surveys are Proactive!: READ Simex’s latest wheel saw reaches 70 cm depths: READ Gas line strikes lead to catastrophic explosions: WATCH Supervisors Approve Red Dog Road Underground Utilities District: READ Shooting water 100 …
“Whether you’re adding a fence to your home or working on a construction site, if you’re planning to dig more than a few inches into the ground, you need to check for buried utilities, including buried gas lines. An exposed gas line is a vulnerable gas line, and a gas line strike can result in serious danger. We investigated two …