We would like to invite you to an end-of-project webinar on OTD 33110B: Residual Life Estimation of Non-Ceramic Insulators, presented by Dr. Christiane Baer, Wacker Company and Jaka Strumbelj, Pfisterer Company on Thursday, May 22nd from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM ET.Webinar Abstract:Non-ceramic insulators (NCI) have become a highly developed alternative to conventional insulators made of glass or ceramic. They are widely and successfully used in all distribution and transmission voltage levels for AC and DC applications worldwide, with nowadays service experience of more than five decades. They have convincing qualities when designed appropriately, both in terms of construction and in terms of material selection. To ensure a reliable long-term operation, individual optimization of the used polymeric materials and components, such as end fitting, FRP core, and housing, including their interfaces to each other, is possible and necessary for the desired service conditions. Next to a proper insulator and string design, as well as the correct manufacture of these components, correct handling and installation are required when bringing NCIs into operation. This report contains detailed information about the commonly used materials and components and manufacturing of NCIs and highlights the necessity for a proper string design. It provides specific recommendations to the utilities for an NCI specification, including the main aspects and properties to be fulfilled by the NCI manufacturer.Since NCIs are manufactured with polymeric insulating materials, reversible degradation or irreversible deterioration - commonly summarized as “aging” - of the polymeric housing may occur when subjected to environmental stresses. Such aging phenomena do not necessarily mean a reduction of insulator performance with respect to their mechanical and electrical function if the housing material maintains its insulating function, forms a tight interface with the FRP core, and fully embeds it.To ensure the proper long-term performance of NCIs, this report provides specific information on an in-service evaluation of non-ceramic insulators, criteria for the selection of insulators for more detailed laboratory analysis and describes test methods for laboratory investigations. It classifies potential conditions of insulators in service by using a traffic light system and gives detailed information on actions to be taken and suitability to remain insulators in service. Finally, case studies of laboratory analysis of NCIs taken from service according to this traffic light system for each main category are included in the report. The case studies give detailed information on the analysis methods, results, and interpretation, including a conclusion on the suitability of the investigated NCIs for further operation.We look forward to your participation in this project webinar!Thank you!

Please save the date for our upcoming webinar on "Manage Rapid Electric Grid Growth and Transformation with Advanced Tools and Techniques" taking place on Thursday, May 29 at 2:00 PM ET.Abstract: In the ever-evolving landscape of energy utilities, the delicate balance between costs, system reliability and risk management is critical. Join this webinar to learn how Manitoba Hydro & Siemens are using innovative approaches to integrate asset investment and grid planning. We’ll explore how integrating probabilistic models and advanced software solutions optimizes asset management, mitigates risks, and ensures uninterrupted service delivery.  The webinar will unfold through three expert perspectives: Marc Lamoureux (Senior Product Manager, Portfolio, Copperleaf), Bagen Bagen (Head of Network Reliability, Manitoba Hydro), and Nelson Bacalao (Principal Consultant, Siemens PTI Consulting). They’ll demonstrate how utilities can manage end-to-end asset lifecycle planning, use sophisticated modeling frameworks to evaluate transmission & distribution projects, and how probabilistic methods address growth related network congestion and large point loads such as data centers. Key Outcomes for Utilities: Optimized capital allocation: Consistently achieve corporate objectives through decisions that balance opportunities and impacts based on comprehensive risk assessment.  Greater accuracy: Advanced solutions support probabilistic approaches in efficient and transparent investment decision making. Highest-value plans: Quantitative metrics and a comprehensive value framework help determine highest-value path forward when multiple options are on the table Stronger regulatory filings: A data-driven approach clearly demonstrates the balance between rate-payer costs and investment benefits Speakers:Bagen Bagen, Head of Network Reliability Planning at Manitoba Hydro.Marc Lamoureaux, Senior Product Manager, AIP Applications, IFS Copperleaf.Nelson Bacalao, Principal Consultant, Siemens PTI.

We would like to invite you to joint workshop session on Soil Testing, Geotechnical and Environmental Considerations: Part 2 scheduled on June 3rd 2025. Please mark your calendars by registering for this session.Workshop Description:CEATI members often discuss requirements and methods to obtain accurate soil information. The information may be acquired by geotechnical investigations and laboratory testing, geophysical ground and airborne surveys and satellite imagery. This information may be required for many reasons, including foundation design, grounding, corrosion mitigation, wetland and high-risk areas identification, and environmental conditions.Please note this workshop will be led by the transmission interest group (OTE/OTD) and is a follow up to part 1 of the workshop on Soil Testing which was hosted by G&L.This workshop will cover relevant aspects of soil testing with specific reference to geotechnical and environmental considerations.Soil Testing, Geotechnical and Environmental Considerations IntroductionsPresentation on Best Practices on Geotechnical Site Investigations of Transmission LinesPresentation on Guide for Transmission Line Foundations with Least Impact to EnvironmentPresenter(s): Dr. Ashutosh Sutra Dhar, Memorial University of Newfoundland & Peter KandarisPlease feel free to extend an invitation to electrical engineers, grounding engineers, design and standards engineers, etc. in your organization.

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming webinar Powering Through Hurricane Helene: Utility Response & Resilience, scheduled June 18th from 12:00 to 1:30 pm ET. Hurricane Helene delivered a powerful test to the transmission and distribution (T&D) systems across the Southeastern United States, pushing utility resilience and coordination to the limit. In this session, hear firsthand from Duke Energy and Southern Company as they recount their on-the-ground experiences responding to the storm.Discover how both utilities prepared their grids ahead of the hurricane, the innovative strategies used to mitigate damage, and the rapid response efforts that restored power in the aftermath. From system hardening to coordinated restoration logistics, this session will dive into the real-world challenges and successes that defined their approach.Presenter(s): Jason Hollifield and Tyler Johnson, Duke Energy, Heather Lunsford, Southern Company