Smart Cities

Between March 2022 and June 2023, there has been a 349% increase in solar rooftop PV installations. With households and businesses now producing over 4,400 MW, electricity generated from the private sector is predicted to exceed the output from Eskom’s generation fleet by 2025. But if those who have invested in these systems aren’t careful about how they use them, they could end up back in the dark. Grid to electricity This is according to Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBI-electric: low voltage, who explains that, when people switch from using electricity derived from the grid to electricity generated by these systems, they often assume that they will be able to power their homes in the same way, especially during outages. “Unfortunately, however, they run the risk of draining the battery, which can only store so much electricity, or tripping the inverter. This is where smart home technology, like those found in the CBI Astute Range of products, can prove useful.” Four ways to protect backup power systems  Below, he shares four ways this technology could be used to help protect backup power systems: Determining essential and non-essential loads: To avoid being left in the dark when the power goes out, it's crucial to manage the backup system properly to prevent draining the battery or overdriving the inverter with multiple loads operating at once. This means understanding which loads are essential and which are not, as well as when they should be turned on during power outages. To do this, they need to know the electricity usage of different loads and the household's energy consumption patterns. All devices in the Astute Range are equipped with monitoring capabilities that can provide valuable insights to help they make data-driven decisions about which loads to connect when using backup power in certain situations. For example, in the home, they have connected the security system, internet, entertainment system, kettle, and lights in the kids' bedrooms. This ensures that the essential loads, like lights, stay on during power outages while making the best use of the backup power system's capacity. By being conscious of electricity consumption, they can optimize the backup power setup and cost.  Automating loads: With real-time monitoring, users can see how much solar energy is being used and where it's being consumed. If connected loads are drawing excessive electricity, especially on days with frequent power outages, smart home technology can automatically turn off energy-intensive devices. This helps to balance the energy generated by the solar system with the load, ensuring power is available for all times during challenging periods. Allocating energy: Essential loads shouldn’t all be used at the same time or else this might drain the battery faster than planned or, in an unwanted case, trip the inverter. Astute Smart Plugs can be set up in such a way that if one is switched on, the others won’t be able to turn on. This way, users can direct backup power to the most important appliances and systems in their homes first. For example, in this case, the wife and they prioritize powering the kettle since they have a baby, and they need boiling water ready for making formula whenever the little one needs to be fed. Avoiding voltage fluctuations: Undervoltage often occurs once power is restored after load shedding. This is when the grid voltage dips for a short period. Most inverters are equipped with an adequate level of protection against this, but if power is being switched on and off more frequently or voltage dips occur a number of times while the supply is stabilizing, it could result in failure of the inverter's protection. With the Astute Smart Controller, users can delay when power from the grid is returned to the system, ensuring that the system's operational lifespan is maintained. Power and energy availability “With rooftop solar installations costing between R80,000 and R200,000, smart home technology can help South Africans who have undertaken this investment to optimize their spend, maintain power and energy availability and protect these systems to preserve their longevity and ensure their effectiveness." "Ultimately, this will help keep your lights on as well as those of the country,” concludes Dr Dickson.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. (Mitsubishi Electric Automation) has announced the hiring of Edgar Romero as the new Managing Director for Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s Mexico and Latin America branch located in Mexico City. Extensive experience With over 23 years of experience within the automation and motion sectors, including executive positions at ABB Group, Honeywell Inc., and Hexagon AB Group, MI, Edgar Romero brings experience and a proven record of success to help him meet the demands of his new role. In his latest roles at ABB Group and Hexagon AB Group, Romero had full profit and loss accountability and achieved revenue growth at both companies. Overseeing the management team At Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Edgar Romero will be responsible for overseeing the management team in Mexico and Latin America and daily business operations, developing and implementing the company’s growth strategy, developing the management team and staff, improving performance, and driving profitability in Mexico and Latin America. “Edgar has an impressive track record in the automation field, which will be instrumental in achieving our objectives and goals for the Mexico and Latin America region,” said Milton Coleman, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, adding “I am confident that Edgar will be an excellent fit for this position and an asset to the Mitsubishi Electric Automation team.”

Delta, a pioneer in power and smart green solutions, will showcase its latest innovations in Smart Energy Solutions at the 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium, taking place from June 15–18, 2025. Delta’s comprehensive portfolio features cutting-edge EV charging technologies, advanced energy storage systems, and the intelligent DeltaGrid® Energy Management Solution. Delta’s integrated offerings are designed to meet evolving customer needs with flexible, scalable, and system-tailored solutions to achieve a sustainable energy future. EV charging and infrastructure solutions Arto Suni, Head of EVCS EMEA, Delta, said: "There is an exciting new wave in the market uptake of EVs. Thanks to solutions from Delta, the expansion of the charging infrastructure is gathering pace across many more countries and regions. Not only does it bring commercial opportunities to venues, locations, and car park operators, but charging on-the-go is now much more convenient for EV users." Arto Suni adds, "The 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium is the perfect platform to debut Delta’s new Smart Energy Solutions (SES) portfolio. We look forward to discussing our latest and advanced EV charging and infrastructure solutions with those attending this year’s Symposium." Key Innovations Key Innovations Showcased at the 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium: C7-01: EV Charging Solutions: Service Capability: This offers robust service with preventive and predictive maintenance support to ensure long-term reliability. It offers a comprehensive range of AC/DC chargers with an advanced service package and management systems that monitor charger capacity, digital operations, and maintenance services. Active remote surveillance and diagnostics are available through the Delta Service team and authorized partners in the EU and MEA regions, to ensure smooth operation and endeavor to provide proactive support to minimize downtime. UFC500 High-Power Charging Station: Enable rapid charging for modern, premium EVs, with this market-pioneering 500 kW compact charger. The German Eichrecht-certified 500 kW UltraFast EV Charger is capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously at 250 kW each. This compact, high-performance solution leverages SiC MOSFETs technology for high conversion efficiency, ensuring fast and efficient charging for diverse EVs with accurate billing and all-weather reliability, making it ideal for high-demand environments. DC Wallbox 50 kW: The DC Wallbox 50 kW provides powerful charging in an ultra-slim, 97% efficient wall-mounted design, ideal for tight spaces and featuring certified metering and payment options. An integrated meter and payment terminal caters for public EV charging, while an advanced cable management system offers a safe, durable, and user-friendly solution for cable handling. By minimizing clutter, protecting cables from wear and tear, and facilitating easy access, this system enhances safety and convenience, making the charger ideal for commercial EV fleets and public charging stations. Slim 100: The latest version of this charger offers a flexible, multi-directional setup that enables convenient charging from either side of the vehicle. The new cable management system ensures smooth cable handling across various parking positions. With a generous cable radius, it enables effortless operation and reduces strain on the cables. Delivering 2 x 50 kW DC charging simultaneously, the system can charge up to three vehicles at once. With support for up to 920 VDC, it is ready for both current and next-generation EVs. It also offers an integrated credit card payment solution and RFID user identification. Energy Storage Solutions Delta Energy Storage Solution C Series: This is an all-in-one commercial and industrial solution integrating PCS, battery, and unit controller. Its Skid-based design eliminates the need for underground trenching to streamline deployment. Flexible configuration options enable users to choose from 125 kW and 261 kWh per cabinet, scalable up to 10 units in parallel. DeltaGrid® EVM (EV Charging Management System): This is an AI-driven, Smart Energy Management platform that’s ideal for maximizing energy efficiency. It enables EV charging service providers to ensure power availability, reduce energy costs and improve customer satisfaction in new and existing EV charging infrastructures. DeltaGrid® EVM takes EV charging to the next level with the ability to integrate energy storage and renewable energy sources - such as solar - to not only improve a site’s carbon footprint, but also reduce operational costs through peak shaving, self-consumption optimization, load shifting and more. Experience Delta’s latest innovations in Smart Energy Solutions at C7-01 at the 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden from June 15–18. Together, we’re shaping a smarter, greener energy future.

Illegal connections are one of the pioneering causes of electricity-related injuries and deaths in South Africa, as reported by Eskom. Not only is there danger involved for those who connect their electricity illegally, but also for the rest of the community due to the fires and electrocutions that can be caused. Along with these devastating tolls, Dr. Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage notes that there are also costs to the power utility and the municipalities it serves which, in turn, impair their ability to provide service delivery and repay debts. However, leveraging Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions could aid in mitigating these. Network and infrastructure In addition, the network and infrastructure are under strain as new links are made due to urbanization Illegal power connections are syphoning off 37 GWh of electricity per day from Eskom, costing the power utility around R15 million daily. While regular audits are conducted to identify and dismantle these connections, the situation is worsening. Power theft, including illegal connections, now accounts for 70% of Eskom’s total energy losses – up from 30% in 2022. In addition, the network and infrastructure are under strain as new connections are made due to urbanization. These two factors result in technicians being required to create new connections, remove illegal connections and, in many cases, restore power due to failed infrastructure. Tackling illegal connections This is over and above the normal operational maintenance and restoration processes which ultimately impacts service delivery. It also prevents funds and resources from improving and upgrading the existing systems, thereby keeping the country stuck in a legacy environment, unable to develop and move forward. Tackling illegal connections forms part of Eskom’s funding application for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, with data analytics to detect and resolve incidents being one of the strategies put forward by the power utility. This could be achieved through the roll-out of industrial IoT solutions which are comprised of internet-connected devices and advanced analytics platforms that process the data that is produced. Real-time data collection and processing capabilities The real-time data array and processing abilities offered by these keys, coupled with the granular data The real-time data collection and processing capabilities offered by these solutions, coupled with the granular data they churn out, give power utilities and municipalities greater visibility and control over the consumed electricity. This can be used to distil what electricity is being consumed illegally and where - equipping them with actionable, on-the-ground insights into what is happening within the distribution network. At the same time, the technology enables them to audit and better understand their systems. Not only could this help prevent energy and financial losses but could ultimately save lives. Benefits for Eskom and municipalities Beyond mitigating the consequences of illegal connections, IIoT could have broader-reaching economic and environmental benefits for Eskom and municipalities. This could include remote asset monitoring and maintenance to improve the reliability of power transmission and distribution, optimizing the distribution of power supply to reduce losses in the system and redistributing excess energy generated by rooftop solar panels or wind plants to the grid, amongst other possibilities. Problem of illegal connections They find themselves in a catch-22 situation: if the problem of illegal connections persists, they will never achieve universal electricity access for all and financial strain on the fiscus will continue. While not a cure-all, IIoT solutions could help to enable a smarter, safer, and more sustainable energy future for South Africa.

Fleet electrification provides opportunities to achieve climate goals while delivering social, financial, and environmental benefits to individuals, businesses, and communities, but the road to successful EV implementation is not without obstacles. Your EV fleets need to work — all the time under varying conditions — to ensure optimal uptime while maintaining energy efficiency. Consequently, electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) can’t just be “tacked onto” your existing operation. Rather than a “new standalone addition,” it requires a thoughtful and forward-looking approach to seamlessly integrate into your overall facility. Ensuring the type of reliable power needed for an electrified fleet is critical. Luckily, there are a number of new and emerging solutions that promise to deliver clean and reliable local power generation. The Challenges The availability and reliability of the power needed to support electrified fleets is a primary roadblock for many commercial fleet operators. It’s important to look at where that power comes from, how much it will cost, and whether it will be available when needed. Projections indicate that the demand for electricity will surge by 50% during the next two decades Today’s energy landscape is complex. Projections indicate that the demand for electricity will surge by 50% during the next two decades, with no signs of slowing down. According to Grid Strategies, the U.S. electric grid is not prepared for this level of significant load growth. The sheer amount of power needed to keep trucks charged and running 24/7 can be substantial. This poses a key risk for reliability in EV infrastructures, particularly in mission-critical situations. In addition, most fleet operators have become accustomed to fairly predictable fuel costs, since many take advantage of long-term supply arrangements. By contrast, electricity grid costs can vary and result in unpredictable spikes. This adds an extra layer of complexity when it comes to the planning and timing of fleet charging. As a result, many fleet charging operations are turning to local power generation. Intelligent Microgrids, the Energy Insurance Microgrids are nothing new, with rural communities relying on them for decades. Increased affordability and shifting regulations are allowing for more of these microgrids to be powered by renewable energy methods. A common misconception is that microgrids can completely off-set power from the grid. In reality, they are designed to provide peak load shaving and system resiliency. Coupled with an EV infrastructure, microgrids can offer more flexible and reliable energy management. When compared to a traditional microgrid for a building system, microgrids for fleet electrification present new challenges. Most notably, microgrids for fleet electrification are not modeled on an existing load, but rather anticipated demand, which can make reliable load-based modeling more difficult. However, an "intelligent" microgrid uses control systems to manage, store, charge, and discharge energy across the system. Strategic energy management The system can buy power from the grid during low-cost periods while storing self-generated solar power These controls monitor supply and demand, track real-time electricity prices, and create efficient charging schedules, considering factors like Time of Use (TOU) and peak day rates. For example, when electric fleets plug in, demand may increase significantly overnight, making strategic energy management crucial. The system can buy power from the grid during low-cost periods while storing self-generated solar power for later use. When prices rise, it discharges stored energy, keeping costs stable. It can also operate independently, ensuring continuous power during outages and disruptions, improving efficiency, cost control, and reliability. Conversely, fleets often permit charging flexibility within defined boundaries, providing a unique dispatchable resource that can be tuned to fit the needs and energy resources of the customer. A New Category of Local Power Generation Linear generator technology is proving to be an innovative solution for EV infrastructures by providing flexible, resilient and cost-effective on-site base load power. Linear generator technology provides fuel-flexibility meaning they can directly run and switch among traditional fuels like natural gas or propane. Or, they can use low and zero-carbon fuels such as RNG, biogas, hydrogen, and ammonia. Its backup capabilities ensure power through hurricanes, sub-zero snowstorms, excessive heat, and other extreme conditions. Based on capex and operating costs, linear generators can provide a competitive levelized cost of ownership compared to grid power or other alternatives in certain regions. Net-zero goals These solutions allow for flexibility and integration of new fuels as they become available The technology can also be quickly deployed at scale, which is ideal for large fleet operators looking to quickly and cost-effectively deploy resilient EV charging infrastructure while reducing emissions and working toward net-zero goals. What’s more, linear generators deliver a more “future-proof” path. While the dominant sources of fuel for local power generation today is well understood, new and exciting fuels are on the horizon. These solutions allow for flexibility and integration of new fuels as they become available. All without having to replace or retrofit existing equipment. Experts Will Power the Future As companies look to integrate EVs into their operations, a well-thought-out plan for infrastructure is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term success. The integration of onsite power systems will play a critical role in optimizing energy use, lowering costs, and maintaining system resilience. The good news is that energy management is becoming more flexible, ensuring that fleet electrification is not only sustainable but also cost-effective. To ensure a seamless transition and maximize the benefits of fleet electrification, many companies will be moving forward by working with experienced consultants and planners to create a future-proof infrastructure that meets both operational and environmental goals.

Packaging materials help to protect fragile electronics and electrical components from breakage. Small electrical devices and electronics are often packaged in individual plastic coverings within a larger box. Manufacturers use a variety of plastics to produce anti-static bags, pouches, film, and bubble wrap for electronics. single-use plastics Excessive consumption of single-use plastics and other packaging materials is an emerging concern in the electrical market. The use of plastic and non-recyclable materials in equipment packaging is contributing to the electrical market’s environmental footprint. organic packaging More electrical manufacturers need to transition towards a more sustainable future and implement organic packaging. Companies can minimize the negative environmental impact and become more green-friendly. While the industry has previously had a negative environmental impact, many businesses are rectifying these issues. Using less paper, plastic, wood, metal packaging, and other auxiliary materials contributes to the goal of being lightweight, recyclable, and sustainable. polystyrene foam Of the total plastic packaging waste, around 40% is disposed of at sanitary landfills Many electrical components are packaged with plastic shrink films. In addition, polystyrene foam can be used to cushion components, and plastic corner protectors may be used to strengthen boxes. Less than 10% of the plastic waste ever generated has been recycled. Plastics pollute the ocean and do not decompose in landfills. Of the total plastic packaging waste, around 40% is disposed of at sanitary landfills, 14% is collected for recycling, and 14% makes its way to incineration facilities (which cause CO2 emissions). The negative impact of plastic The fact is, most plastics used for packaging are recyclable, although most wind up in landfills due to ineffective or non-existent packaging recovery schemes. In addition, plastics contribute to emissions of greenhouse gas at each stage of their lifecycles. Therefore, plastics, which contribute up to 13% of the total “carbon budget,” will negatively impact efforts to meet the Paris climate agreement. action against single-use plastics There is a shift in focus from consumer education to holding manufacturers responsible for their environmental impact Focusing on consumer behavior has spurred much of the campaign against plastics to date. For example, the federal government has taken steps to phase out single-use plastics in national parks and other public lands. Several states have taken action against single-use plastics. For example, New Jersey no longer allows grocery stores and retailers to distribute plastic bags. The Garden State has also banned polystyrene foam packaging from restaurants and food companies. However, there is also a shift in focus from consumer education to holding manufacturers responsible for their environmental impact. Maine and California are focusing on the issue and may be among the jurisdictions to target manufacturers’ role in single-use plastics. replacement alternatives There are replacement alternatives available, but they tend to add costs for manufacturers. For example, bioplastics are made with biodegradable sources that can break down faster than traditional plastics. However, bioplastics must be properly disposed of through composting to break down. Also, bioplastics are not recyclable and can even contaminate other recyclable materials. Disposal in a landfill, which is common, defeats the purpose of using more expensive materials.  environmentally friendly alternatives Some argue that recycled plastic may be the greenest alternative, although it results in recyclables winding up in landfills Instead of polystyrene foam, packaging may consist of corrugated cardboard or plastic alternatives that are allegedly more environmentally friendly. Biodegradable wood or paper are other alternatives. However, disposal in landfills continues to be problematic with decomposition sometimes leading to the production of methane (a greenhouse gas). However, some argue that recycled plastic may be the greenest alternative, although recycling realities instead result in recyclables winding up in landfills, where they do not decompose. EPR schemes An added cost for electrical manufacturers might be a requirement to pay into extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. EPR is a strategy to add the estimated environmental costs associated with a product’s entire lifecycle to the cost of the product. In effect, the strategy assigns responsibility for the environmental impact of products to the manufacturer. Legislation Legislation to address packaging EPR has been implemented in Maryland, New York, Washington, and New Jersey (originally introduced in 2022 and still active). In 2016, the Product Stewardship Institute developed a model packaging EPR legislation, then updated it in 2019 with input from the industry and government. Maine and Oregon used the model to enact packaging EPR laws in 2021, Colorado followed suit in 2022 and, that same year, California also enacted legislation that the model informed.

The electrical industry is expected to have a labor shortage of about 60,000 workers by 2026. A labor shortage in the electrical trade is not inevitable, but it is likely to continue if the industry does not take steps to address the issue. Like other skilled trades, the electrical industry is facing challenges that could contribute to a labor shortage, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest among younger generations, and competition from other industries. However, there are strategies the industry can implement to address these challenges and attract a new generation of workers. These strategies include increasing awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades, investing in training and education programs, improving working conditions and compensation, embracing technology, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and collaborating among industry, education, and government. Improving working conditions Factors in the current labor shortage in the electrical industry include: Aging workforce: Many workers in the electrical industry are nearing retirement age, and there are not enough younger workers to replace them. This has led to a shortage of skilled workers with many years of experience in the industry. Lack of interest in the trades: There has been a decline in the number of young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including electrical work. This is due in part to a focus on four-year college degrees as the preferred career path, as well as a lack of awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades. Competition from other industries: The electrical industry is competing with other industries, such as construction and manufacturing, for skilled workers. Training and education: Training and education are critical for developing the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work. However, there is a shortage of qualified trainers and educators. Increasing demand: The demand for electrical services is increasing, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and smart grid technology. Attracting and retaining workers To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits One strategy to address the labor shortage is to increase awareness of skilled trades and to promote the benefits of a career in the electrical industry through outreach programs in schools, career fairs, and other events. Providing access to quality training and education programs that develop the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work is crucial for attracting and retaining workers. This can be done through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and community colleges. To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits, as well as a safe and supportive work environment. This includes offering training and development opportunities, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement. Inclusive work environment The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology and tools to stay competitive. Providing workers with training and access to the latest technology can help attract and retain workers. The electrical industry should actively promote diversity and inclusivity to attract a wider pool of workers. This includes efforts to recruit workers from underrepresented groups and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment. The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology Companies in the electrical industry are addressing the labor shortage problem by investing in workforce development programs and initiatives. For example, Schneider Electric has developed a comprehensive workforce development program called the Schneider Electric Energy and Automation Training (SEAT) program. The SEAT program provides training and certification for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as energy management, automation, and digital transformation. Developing training programs Siemens has developed several initiatives to address the labor shortage in the electrical industry. These initiatives include apprenticeship programs, vocational training programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to develop training programs. Graybar, a distributor of electrical products and solutions, has developed a workforce development program called Graybar University to provide training and education for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as lighting, automation, and safety. Joint apprenticeship training program Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have developed a joint apprenticeship training program that provides training and education for individuals looking to enter the electrical industry. The program provides on-the-job training and education in areas such as electrical theory, safety, and installation. Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions to the labor shortage in the electrical industry. This includes partnerships between industry and education institutions to provide training and education programs, as well as government initiatives to support workforce development in the skilled trades.

Veterans make good job candidates. Military experience comes with a heightened work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Many veterans have experience working outdoors and with their hands. They are used to being team members. Coming out of the military, however, veterans may find themselves at a loss for a career path. “Veterans are used to getting up early, being on time, wearing a uniform, and they are dedicated and committed,” says Marvin Key, CEO and Co-Founder of ForgeNow, a training program for the electrical trades. “Veterans are a large percentage of our best graduates.” ForgeNow seeks to address the shortage of skilled workers in Dallas, Texas, community, and throughout the country. Key says the intensive eight-week course provides benefits comparable to two years of on-the-job training. At a community college or vocational school, such a course might take from 12 to 24 months. Bootcamp-style curriculum Currently, the courses cover residential electricians and residential HVAC. They will expand into industrial and commercial over time, and later add curricula for plumbing and maintenance technicians. Progress is analyzed and assessed weekly, and graduates are credentialed and ready to work Attendees train like military trains. The school is intensive, immersive, and full-time with a bootcamp-style curriculum. Trainees are equipped with a full uniform including work slacks, a t-shirt, a hoodie, and work boots, along with tools and a tool bag, all included in tuition. Training is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week. Progress is analyzed and assessed weekly, and graduates are credentialed and ready to work.  “We try to hold our graduates to a level they are not accustomed to,” says Key. ForgeNow opened for classes in January 2020, and soon faced challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. However, while other education alternatives transitioned to video and distance learning during the worst of the pandemic, the program continued to operate in person (and safely), providing hands-on education throughout the pandemic. Social distancing During the pandemic, ForgeNow followed all city of Dallas protocols, including sanitizing facilities and social distancing. They were approved to remain open during lockdown because they were training essential employees. The veteran-owned business is targeting the military demographic as an important pool of enrollees “It’s been a challenging year and a half, but I am excited about the trends,” says Key. “Short-term immersive training in the way to go. The success speaks for itself.” In addition to serving former military students, ForgeNow also has several vets on the staff, including Co-Founder Rob Holmes, a combat veteran, and West Point grad, as well as an instructor who is a Marine. The veteran-owned business is targeting the military demographic as an important pool of enrollees.  GI Bill benefits Fully licensed and approved as an education facility in Texas, the program is eligible for federal training grants for the underemployed, Title IV federal financial aid funding, and veteran students can use their GI Bill benefits. ForgeNow is actively engaged with the U.S. Army Reserve and was chosen as a public/private partnership company A former Air Force recruiter, now retired, helps with enlisting students. Recruitment has accelerated recently; for a while, the pandemic prevented recruitment activities such as career fairs. ForgeNow is actively engaged with the U.S. Army Reserve and was chosen as a public/private partnership company. They work with Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas, the largest active U.S. military base, to attract candidates, and they promote the programs via social media. While welcoming to anybody, ForgeNow has identified three constituencies who are likely students. One is the U.S. veteran in transition, either from a non-commissioned or enlisted position, who is looking for new opportunities after their service. Recidivism Another constituency is the “second-chance community,” those who were formerly incarcerated and have been carefully screened as appropriate candidates. They work with reentry programs to clarify and understand the appropriate candidates, which are accepted on a case-by-case basis. One of the best ways to keep an inmate from going back into the system is a good job and career In serving “second-chance” students, ForgeNow helps to address the problem of recidivism: nationally, roughly 70% of inmates who are released will end up back behind bars. One of the best ways to keep an inmate from going back into the system is a good job and career. ForgeNow works with a handful of high-quality, faith-based reentry programs that recruit candidates from within the walls of prisons and help them develop life skills. The Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Texas has only a 7% recidivism rate. Inmates enrolled in such programs get new responsibilities and show initiative. ForgeNow participates in career nights sponsored by these organizations to recruit students. New citizen communities “We can provide training to give them an opportunity for skills and knowledge that will never leave them,” says Key. “So far, we have had more success stories than not. We are changing lives. We started this curriculum as a for-profit endeavor. I for one sorely underestimated the goodwill and societal contribution that training can make.” ForgeNow is currently working with a non-profit organization to enroll 16 Afghan refugees The third constituency includes “new citizen communities,” including immigrants. For example, ForgeNow is currently working with a non-profit organization to enroll 16 Afghan refugees who have a history with the U.S. military. There is a capacity of 100 students in the 20,000-square-foot facility, with one-third of the space dedicated to classrooms. There is also a 10,000-square-foot lab for in-person training on various equipment. Placing graduates Attracting students has been a challenge during the pandemic and its aftermath; in October, the program had 17 students. However, they have trained 150 students since the program began in January 2020. Placing graduates is among the company’s missions. “We are currently working to broaden the list of contractors/employers around the country who are welcoming to our graduates,” says Key. The network is a work-in-progress, but 100% of graduates in 2021 had job offers. As enrollment grows, it will take additional effort to maintain that level.

As part of a long-term modernization project at the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport, Helios Electric was retained to perform design-assist, system integration, and on-site field engineering services.  The project involved replacing an existing 7.5/10.5 MVA outdoor substation transformer and performing retrofit services at the corresponding medium-voltage switchgear lineups. The project also included enhancements to the electrical system protection since power reliability was deemed vital for airport operations. SEL-787 transformer protection relay A new SEL-787 transformer protection relay was installed to perform advanced transformer monitoring, controls, and system protection. New pilot control devices were installed on the corresponding switchgear lineups to indicate transformer faults, alarms, and mechanical conditions. Vacuum circuit breakers at the existing switchgear lineups were retained and modified to establish connectivity with the new substation transformer and the new transformer protection relay. transformer protection functions This installation approach yielded improved protection for the new transformer while limiting the scope, budget, duration, and power outages required to accomplish the necessary tasks. The improved transformer protection functions included the following: ANSI-87 – Current Differential Protection ANSI-87G – Restricted Earth Fault Protection ANSI-50/51 – Phase Overcurrent Protection (Backup) ANSI-50/51G – Ground Overcurrent Protection (Backup) ANSI-63 – Transformer Sudden Pressure ANSI-71 – Transformer Low Oil Level ANSI-49 – Transformer High Winding Temperature ANSI-26 – Transformer High Oil Temperature AC/DC control modifications To fulfill the customer’s desired requirements, the Helios Electric team investigated the internal circuitry of the switchgear lineups and ascertained the specific AC/DC control modifications required at the existing. Work performed under this project included the following: Examining and analyzing the components and sub-components of the existing switchgear lineups. Tracing the existing 35kV-class and 15kV-class vacuum circuit breakers to determine the existing field configuration. Developing modified equipment shop drawings for approval, construction, and as-built conditions. Programming and configuration of SEL-787 Transformer Protection Relay to establish system protection, controls, and integration with the facility’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System. Installing and modifying existing 35kV-class and 15kV-class vacuum circuit breaker controls to accommodate the new substation transformer and transformer protection relay. Developing Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals for modified electrical equipment lineups. On-site electrical equipment training for airport maintenance personnel.

SoFi Stadium, a world-class venue, turned to industry major - Belden for a complete end-to-end cabling and connectivity solution. Belden’s cutting-edge technology supports the stadium’s data-heavy demands, including the one-of-a-kind, roof-suspended Oculus video board, Wi-Fi infrastructure, digital ticketing, and a DAS system. Belden’s solutions for SoFi Stadium When the stadium’s owners required a solution that delivered top-tier quality, performance, and reliability while reducing labor costs, they called Belden. Count on Arrow to deliver unparalleled excellence in the low-voltage industry. Arrow will equip with the competitive advantage needed for any customer, any configuration, and any budget. Copper Cables & Copper Solutions Discover the ultimate lineup of Belden Inc. category cables, tailored to suit every application imaginable! Discover the ultimate lineup of Belden Inc. category cables, tailored to suit every application imaginable! Many cables featured their signature patented Bonded-Pair design, guaranteeing unparalleled signal integrity. Plus, with DataTuff® Industrial category cables, rest assured the system remains resilient against the toughest environmental conditions. Category 6A Choose from an assortment of configurations including small diameter, snake, industrial, non-bonded, and their innovative patented Bonded-Pair technology. Elevating performance benchmarks, Belden's renowned 10GXS Cable stands as the gold standard in the industry. Category 6 Belden has a wide array of Category 6 performance options, featuring their top-of-the-line REVConnect 3600 System cable boasting premium performance and ample headroom. The REVConnect 2400 System cable, surpasses TIA-568-C.2 standards, all backed by Belden’s renowned quality. Category 5e Belden presents a range of Category 5e performance options, with their flagship 1200 Series cable delivering exceptional headroom, surpassing the TIA-568-C.2 Category 5e standard. Featuring Bonded-Pair technology, their 1200 Series ensures unparalleled robustness in installations. Patch Panel Belden’s commercial-grade panels are available in modular (empty) configurations Belden offers a comprehensive range of copper patch panels tailored to meet the demands of both commercial and industrial settings. Belden’s commercial-grade panels are available in modular (empty) configurations or pre-loaded with high-quality copper jacks designed for Category 6A, 6, and 5E network installations. Trunk Cable Optimized for data centers, enterprise networks, and any environment prioritizing swift installation, Trunk Cable Assemblies offer factory termination and rigorous testing, slashing installation time by up to 90%. Eliminating the need for termination, these assemblies come in diverse lengths, equipped with connectors tailored to specific application requirements. Patch Cord Enhancing both performance and physical durability, Belden’s Copper Patch Cords ensure optimal transmission quality for network channels. With superb return loss characteristics adaptable to any environment, Belden’s Copper Patch Cords come in modular, small-diameter, and traceable solutions to meet specific needs. Fiber Cable & Fiber Solutions Discover an array of high-quality indoor and outdoor cable solutions within Belden’s comprehensive product line, featuring both tight buffer and loose tube designs. Tailored for diverse industrial settings, their offerings include armored, burial, and ruggedized options. Crafted to meet various specifications, their product range encompasses OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5, and OS2 (Single Mode) configurations. Tight Buffer Fiber Cables Tight-Buffered Fiber Cables are perfectly tailored for enterprise environments Tight-Buffered Fiber Cables are perfectly tailored for enterprise environments, these cables stand out as a crowd favorite, ideal for intra-building backbones and both horizontal and vertical installations.  Offering versatility like no other, they come in fiber counts ranging from two to an impressive 144, making them adaptable to any project scale. Whether indoors or outdoors, these cables are engineered to exceed expectations, boasting a design that ensures seamless performance in any environment. Loose Tube Cables Belden’s Loose Tube Cables offer the ultimate solution for all outdoor and indoor/outdoor fiber optic needs. Whether it’s for OSP, conduit, direct burial, aerial, or trunking applications, Belden’s cables offer unmatched versatility and performance. Choose from a variety of options including dry or gel-filled single and double-jacket designs, with plenum and riser ratings. Armored Cables Belden’s armored cables are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical damage. The armor layer provides an extra level of protection against mechanical stresses, such as crushing, impact, and abrasion, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the cable. It also helps to maintain cable integrity in areas prone to disturbances such as rodent activity. Connectors Belden’s connectors seamlessly integrate fusion splicing with field-installable connectors Belden’s connectors seamlessly integrate the advantages of fusion splicing with the ease of field-installable connectors, they greatly enhance flexibility for field termination, while elevating installation performance and reliability beyond traditional mechanical splice connectors.  Eliminating the need for crimping, polishing, or adhesives during termination significantly reduces installation errors. Cassettes Belden offers an advanced DCX and LAN Cassettes platform designed to cater to a wide spectrum of density requirements, ranging from low to ultra-high density applications. Cassettes platform encompasses frames, cassettes, and covers for a comprehensive array of connector types, including LC, SC, ST, and MPO connectors, as well as Copper RJ45 Jacks and Couplers. Patch Cords Simplified, durable, adaptable, and readily accessible. Unmatched quality and performance define Belden's FX patch cords, engineered with a robust design to endure daily wear and tear. Available in standard configurations off the shelf or swiftly customized for tailored installations, they ensure reliability in any setting. 

As part of their strategy to address damp and mold, West Dunbartonshire Council will deploy Aico’s HomeLINK Environmental Sensors across all their properties. The Council is one of Scotland’s major social housing landlords, currently owning and managing over 10,400 homes, and are focusing on increasing energy efficiency, tackling existing issues, such as damp and mold, as well as improving tenant safety, health and well-being. Ei1000G Gateway and Ei1025, Ei1020 Environmental Sensors The organization has taken the proactive approach to install the Ei1000G Gateway and Ei1025 and Ei1020 Environmental Sensors in each of their homes, making this Scotland’s largest scaled Internet of Things (IoT) roll out to date. By utilizing a multi-network sim card and RF interconnection, the sensors will be seamlessly retrofitted By utilizing a multi-network sim card and RF interconnection, the sensors will be seamlessly retrofitted into existing properties and can provide the council with a consistency on key air quality information, such as carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, as well as insights on fire and CO activations. This will then lead to insights such as indoor air quality (IAQ) risk, damp and mold, excess heat, cold homes, potential fuel poverty, and void risk. HomeLINK App for Residents The HomeLINK App for Residents empowers individuals to take control of their home’s indoor environment. Tenants will receive alarm testing reminders and tailored recommendations. Councilor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “None of our tenants should be living in a home that is affected by damp or mold and these new sensors will allow us to access information on the fabric of each home easily so we can take action quickly to resolve. Not only that, we will have data to track the problem and help us identify what the best approach to resolve it will be.” Biggest roll out of this type of sensor in Scotland Councilor Gurpreet Singh Johal adds, “This is the biggest roll out of this type of sensor in Scotland and I am proud that West Dunbartonshire’s approach to dealing with damp and mold is not only leading the way, but addressing the problem in an efficient and proactive manner.” As Scotland’s social housing sector now rapidly adopts the use of IoT technologies" Gregor Morrison, Regional Specification Manager for the West of Scotland said “As Scotland’s social housing sector now rapidly adopts the use of IoT technologies to help not only increase the level of home life safety, but to improve resident health and well-being. This progressive approach from West Dunbartonshire Council to provide all homes with the opportunity for this technology is admirable.” Incorporation of the Environmental Sensors Gregor Morrison adds, “The incorporation of the Environmental Sensors will be pivotal in generating essential home health insights, as well as providing data for the tenant through the resident app, leading to healthier and more energy-efficient homes within the community.” He continues, “Growing up in and around the social housing sector in Yoker & Clydebank, I’m really looking forward to continuing the close working relationship with WDC, and seeing first-hand the difference the technology can make within the community.”

Quanergy Solutions, Inc., a provider of 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) security solutions, was chosen by Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to analyze footfall to support the passenger journey with the ultimate goal of enhancing operational efficiencies. Quanergy’s technology is delivering accurate data-driven insights for YVR’s Domestic Check-in and Security Screening facilities.  Real-time insights “Through the implementation of Quanergy’s solutions, we have harnessed the power of real-time insights, gaining a deep understanding of passenger volumes and the associated wait times at different stages of their journey through the terminal,” said Jason Williams, Manager of Innovation & Technology Group, YVR. He adds, “With this high-precision data at our disposal, we can trigger real-time alerts whenever we approach or exceed predefined thresholds. This invaluable capability enables us to collaborate seamlessly with our stakeholders, ensuring that our travelers experience a smooth and stress-free journey through our airport.” Q-Track YVR currently uses insights to meet several operational and business imperatives, such as reducing check-in time With Quanergy’s 3D LiDAR sensor and advanced perception software solution, Q-Track, YVR can accurately identify, classify, and track people/objects for enhanced operational insights. YVR currently uses these insights to meet several operational and business imperatives, such as reducing check-in time and time spent passing through security, which ultimately sees an increase in customer happiness. streamline operations “We are pleased to have collaborated closely with the YVR team, resolving a multifaceted challenge encountered by many passenger terminals today,” said Adam Andres, Vice President of Global Sales at Quanergy. He adds, “The forward-thinking of the YVR Innovation and Technology Group, in embracing Quanergy’s field-tested and fully scalable Q-Track solution, led to the achievement of our project objectives. We take pride in our contribution, providing real-time actionable intelligence to enhance security, streamline operations, and elevate the overall passenger experience.”