Thank you for checking out the Grid Network digest. This piece compiles important articles that concern different elements of grid technology, transmission, distribution, energy storage, and all associated technologies. The articles referred to in this piece are just a small smattering of the content posted on Energy Central, so make sure to check the rest of the site.
Get to Know Your Fellow Community Member
Spotlight: Rao Konidena
 What sets Energy Central apart from other online industry outlets is the true community-level feel. To highlight that aspect, this spot each month will feature a quick profile of one of your fellow Community Members for you to get to know and inspire you to reach out to them: leave a comment on their recent Energy Central content, follow their profile, and build a new connection in the industry!
Name and Title: Rao Konidena, Independent Consultant, Rakon Energy LLC
Topics of Focus:Â Distributed Energy, Energy Storage
Recent Energy Central Contributions of Note:
Does FERC want the authority to override states in the national interest?
 Marginal vs. Average Capacity Accreditation
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Top Content This Month
Managing a More Dynamic Grid by Laura PatrickÂ
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In the face of rising outages driven by extreme weather and increasing electricity demand from electric vehicles, digital technology, and heating/cooling systems, energy professionals must navigate the evolving energy landscape. This article explores four strategic approaches, including leveraging low-stress fault-testing, increasing segmentation, looping circuits, and protecting underground lines, to advance feeders and enhance the reliability and resilience of the grid amidst the dynamic changes brought by distributed energy resources and a more complex grid.
"Frequent and severe weather is causing more outages, especially in areas susceptible to strong storms, such as coastlines. Loads are growing as more consumers rely on electricity for electric vehicles (EVs), digital technology, and electric heating or cooling systems. Distributed energy resources (DERs) are decentralizing generation and creating two-way power flow."
Read the full article and leave a comment or question for the author here
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Roughly half of all Maine customers without electricity this morning! by Kent Knutson
A deadly storm system wreaked havoc in the Northeast, claiming at least four lives and causing widespread power outages with over 425,000 customers in Maine left without electricity. As strong winds, torrential rains, and fallen trees disrupted normalcy, the commendable efforts of more than 400 line and 200 tree crews from Central Maine Power Company are highlighted in the face of a multi-day restoration effort, emphasizing their crucial role in keeping the lights on during such challenging weather events.
"According to a story by Gabriel Hauari, USA TODAY, "A deadly storm system rolled through the Northeast Monday, bringing with it torrential rains and strong winds that killed at least four people across the region, as well as knocking out power and delaying flights"
Read the full article and leave a comment or question for the author here
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Wildlife induced outages caused by electrocution and collisions are preventable! Associated fire ignitions can also be managed. by Brian McGowan
The 1432/2008 royal decree in Spain significantly bolstered raptor protection by directing Power Utilities to mitigate powerline electrocution and collisions, fostering a collaborative effort among utilities, NGOs, the public, and government departments, resulting in a €120 million investment in wildlife mitigation measures since 2008 and substantial reduction in electrocution mortality, despite persisting challenges of incomplete insulation and limitations in collision prevention methods illustrated in attached photos.
"Raptor protection in Spain was boosted by royal degree in 1432/2008 which introduced legislation to direct Power Utilities to protect wildlife from powerline electrocution and collisions."
Read the full article and leave a comment or question for the author here
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Recent Q&A in the Community
Q: In your experience, what are some examples of community benefits realized from large scale infrastructure deployments such as pole replacements, smart meter deployments, communication network infrastructure upgrades, etc.?
Read submitted answers and or add your own!
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Q: Commissioning MV cable systems is costly regardless what type of test you use. What type of tests do you use and how do you verify the results are accurate and meaningful?
Read submitted answers and or add your own!
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Upcoming Energy Central Events
Jan 23-25:Â POWERGEN International 2024
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Jan 30 - Feb 1:Â MD&A 2024 Turbine and Generator Inspection and Repair Technology Seminar
Feb 5-8:Â 2024 AESP Annual Conference
Feb 8:Â A Stepwise Journey Toward Digitalization and Grid Modernization [an Energy Central PowerSession]
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Tapping into the Community
We want to make sure this Community is full interactive and properly reflects what you want to be seeing. So in this space each month we'll leave a quick question seeking your feedback: this could be to gather your input on a new feature on Energy Central, to take the pulse of how the Community feels about a certain industry development, or even a fun 'ice-breaker' type of question.Â
Each month, we'll provide a review of the answers received in summary as well as the new question for the month.Â
This month, we want to hear about the topics you're most excited about heading into the new year. Using the poll feature below, we'll collect their feedback on a certain question.Â
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