SightLines Q1 2024

In the News, SightLines, March 3, 2024

What’s Trending: Utility Spending

The U.S. power transmission lines and towers market is forecasted to grow at 4% CAGR from 2022 to 2027 – behind the global market’s 5.54% CAGR forecast. More U.S. investment is needed to keep pace with global standards for safety and reliability, connect renewable energy sources to the grid, and meet the public’s evolving power needs.Utility spending is an important topic in today’s landscape.

Investing in the Underground

To meet goals for electrification, grid modernization and reliability, TD World reports that 50% of electricity needs to be underground by 2040. The U.S. is currently at 20%. Significant additional investment is needed to address these trends:

Aging Infrastructure

- 70% of US Transmission lines are 25+ years old.
- Average age of large power transformers is 40+ years.
  Source: U.S. DOE

More Intense Storms

- 7+ hours average duration of a 2021 power outage (up from 3.5 hours in 2013)
- Average age of large power transformers is 40+ years
  Source: Scientific American

Insufficient Government Funding

- Only $5 million IIJA funds earmarked annually for transmission innovation projects, yet multiple states have under-grounding mandates.
  Source: Grid Innovation Program

Increased Wildfires

- Core fire seasons are 78 days longer on average than they were in the 1970’s.
  Source: Colorado Division of Fire Preservation & Control

Thought Leadership: Developing Better Jobsite Safety Strategies

Seth Walpole AWP Safety Vice President of<br /> Integration & Transformation

Road Maintenance workers die on the job approximately four times more than the average worker. Proactive safety planning prevents fatalities. Seth Walpole, AWP Safety’s Vice President of Integration & Transformation, explains how proper planning, training and use of technology protect both infrastructure employees and businesses in the latest Construction Pros issue.

Safety Check: OSHA updated its record keeping regulations to require certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness information.
All establishments with 100+employees are now required to submit Form 300A annually, effective January 1, 2024.

Partners in Next Gen Safety

AWP Safety protects people who build and operate North America’s utility, broadband and transportation infrastructure. Industry leaders rely on AWP Safety innovations to enhance safety, reduce risk and improve operational efficiency.

View AWP Safety’s Q1 2024 SightLines Issue as a PDF.

DOWNLOAD PDF

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