According to a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), wintertime energy demand is set to rise due to the growing shift toward electrically-powered heating devices.

Traditionally, summer months have shown a higher peak in demand because of air conditioners. But now, the report predicts that a growing number of utilities nationwide will see electricity rise during the winter months instead.

One factor driving the shift is solar energy, which is becoming more popular. The demand for power from utility companies is diminished when solar power is implemented, reducing summer utility bills. Another factor of the reduced shift is the decrease in natural gas use. A growing number of homes and businesses are opting for electric heat pumps, electric space heaters, and electric water heaters, which are all typically used more in the winter months. These electrical devices can oftentimes be used instead of gas-fired appliances.

ACEEE has referred to state policymakers and regulators to create utility goals, which will reduce winter peak demand prices. Utility companies and city administrators should apply existing programs to correlate technology with new measures to reduce winter peak demand. Weatherization and home retrofit funding should also be a top priority.

Utility companies can implement energy-efficiency measures to winterize homes and enhance heating and energy use. Smart controls are one way utility companies can help customers monitor their usage. Also, demand-response measures such as electrical grid water heaters, electric vehicle charging, and battery systems can also help.

Homes that are better equipped to handle winter weather had higher-performing heat pumps and water-heating systems than others. These efficient homes could reduce winter peak by up to 12 percent. To add to that number, deep retrofits, smarter commercial HVAC controls, and intelligent technology systems can reduce peak demand during polar vortexes by up to 34 percent.

By implementing more efficient space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting, and more, homes can reduce the electrical impact on the total grid.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Electric Vehicle (EV) sales are growing. As an increasing number of people implement charging stations in their homes or businesses, nearby transformers are becoming affected. Overloads to the power supply, premature aging, and potential failures are all culprits for transformer damage.

Thankfully, an alternative exists: BESS, or Battery Energy Storage Systems. These devices can be especially beneficial when paired with photovoltaic (PV) panels.

A study conducted in 2020 by Milad Soleimani and Mladen Kezunovic titled, “Economic Evaluation of Transformer Loss of Life Mitigation by Energy Storage and PV Generation,” showed that using BESS and PV was economically more effective and mitigated transformer distribution due to decreasing prices.

Soleimani released a second study titled, “PV Generation, EV and Stationary Battery Optimal Control and Management in Distribution Grids,” which evaluated tactics to alleviate the loss of life on the transformer due to high voltage caused by EVs. It also investigated how transformers become overloaded from EVs. Because of potential failures, utilities and consumers typically experience excess expenses.

The study found that in areas with a large number of EVs, the use of BESS devices (with or without PV panels) decreased the risk of transformers becoming faulty. PV installations were also negligible in certain instances.

Since PV panels are more costly, combining solar power with BESS might not be practical without subsidies.

Soleimani suggests, “Utilities should be investors,” which can be accomplished by, “Developing and providing rebates and other incentive programs to motivate consumers to deploy these resources.” When the technology provides an ample return, utilities will benefit as well.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) will fund a number of projects for electrical contractors thanks to an infrastructure bill signed into law on November 15, 2021. Numerous infrastructure projects will reap the benefits from a pot of more than $62 billion.

Some of the highlights include:

• Investing over $7 billion in the supply chain to be used toward mining, sourcing, and recycling batteries. These are essential to power the grid with clean, affordable, and resilient energy.
• Improving workforce development by investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the power grid, green building, and industrial sectors. Thanks to this funding, access to cutting-edge technology will spur training and career expansion.
• Establishing an Energy Jobs Council to oversee the development and release of energy jobs and workforce data. By joining with stakeholders, decisions made by national, state, and local governments will be well-informed.
• Providing grants to communities, cities, states, territories, and more through investments of $500 million or more into the State Energy Program, which develops and implements clean energy programs and projects, thereby creating jobs.
• Devoting $550 million into the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG).

Additionally, about $17 billion will exclusively focus on the electrical grid. The DOE said, “Extreme weather events like the Dixie Wildfire, Hurricane Ida, and the 2021 Texas Freeze have made it clear that our existing energy infrastructure cannot endure the impacts of climate change. Modernizing and expanding the electricity grid will make our energy sector more resilient, while enabling the buildout of affordable, reliable, clean energy.”

Of the $17 billion, $11 billion will go toward grants for states, Native American tribes, and utilities to increase electrical infrastructure against extreme weather, ransomware, and other issues. A $3 billion expansion of the Smart Grid Investment Matching Grant Program will be allocated, as well as a $2.5 billion Transmission Facilitation Program. Both programs aim to develop the power grid’s flexibility, upgrade to clean energy, deploy energy storage, and more.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

A boot camp called Support Ontario Youths is on a mission to support trainees and employers by streamlining and abridging the apprenticeship journey.

Support Ontario Youth works together with various skilled trades and partners with specific organizations to host boot camps for those areas. They not only provide youth training; they also hire experts to train them.

In the electrical boot camp, attendees can experience wiring a wall outlet through hands-on learning and an instructional booklet. Support Ontario Youth brings in positive, accountable, determined youth who have a strong desire to learn.

Electricians who are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and enjoy teaching are encouraged to apply for a position at the boot camp.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

With an increase in electrical homes nationwide, the end goal is to use electricity for heating water and living areas, cooking, vehicle charging, and more resulting in a lower reliance on non-renewable energy. A recent report from Pecan Street outlined how roughly 48 million residential homes throughout the United States will require upgrades to transition from fossil fuels. Residential electrification in total could amount to up to $100 billion, with an average cost of $2,000 for each panel.

The report states, “We estimate that more than half of the new homes being built today have electric panels that will not allow for full home electrification.” For 2020, that amounts to roughly 550,000 homes that will eventually face “a needless roadblock to transitioning away from natural gas.”

Existing electrical panels create challenges in the effort to fully-electrify homes through:

• Panel sizing
• Building and energy codes
• Incentives through utilities

According to the report, “If electric panel upgrades are not managed proactively through policy and incentive programs, the cost and hassle have the potential to be an obstacle for millions of consumers trying to electrify their homes.”

Ranging between $1,000 and $5,000, electric panel upgrades can take weeks to accomplish. Some of the hurdles include waiting for permits and hiring an electrician, both of which can take some time. The report suggested utility companies offer incentives for upgrading electrical panels in existing homes to counterbalance these setbacks. State and local governments should also update codes for new construction to require the panels can withstand full house electrification.

The report stated, “This minimum panel size could be a requirement for new construction written into municipal, state, or national electric, building, or energy codes. These policy changes would remove critical roadblocks to full electrification and avoid combustion fuel technology lock-in, which would result in continued greenhouse gas emissions from these fuels for decades to come.”

Looking for electrical equipment for your infrastructure? Contact the electrification experts at J&P Electrical today! We have what you need, at a price you can afford.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

A preliminary effort of “all-electric” homes is gaining attention in a world where clean and efficient energy is at the forefront of environmental efforts to reduce carbon emissions. If the house is built with the right conditions, it can achieve zero emissions, or net-zero. Utility businesses, contractors, and manufacturers are upgrading, creating, and pioneering technologies to achieve net-zero homes.

Electric homes have been in the spotlight before; they were all the rage from about 1950 to 1970. More than 850,000 houses were considered “Gold Medallion,” a program sponsored by the Edison Electric Institute, advocating General Electric Co. and Westinghouse Electric Corp. The phrase “Live Better Electrically” touted these electric homes that showcased electric washers and dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and furnaces. At that time, coal was not considered unrenewable, and electricity was expensive, so natural gas ousted electric.

In 2015, roughly 25 percent of homes throughout the United States were considered all-electric, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency. Advocates of all-electric homes have been working diligently to deliver clean electricity as power networks aim to decarbonize.

Justin Margolies is the senior energy research analyst for Slipstream, out of Madison, Wisconsin, which serves 21 states by joining with utilities, local and state governments, regulatory agencies, and other organizations to develop novel solutions to energy challenges. Margolies said, “Electrification can be an all-in or incremental strategy. For new homes, going all-in on electrification makes sense since costs for a gas connection, piping, and fixed monthly charges can be avoided altogether.”

All-electric homes contain programmable mechanics, appliances, and LED lights that are powered without emissions. New homes could forgo natural gas lines thanks to technologies including air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and dryers, and induction stoves. Homes are typically wired for electric vehicles as well.

Collaboration with other trades is imperative in all-electric houses. Margolies said, “Manufacturers offer installer training for their equipment, utilities offer consumer-facing educational resources, and Energy Star offers valuable information as well. There are also forums such as the Electrify Everything Facebook group that offers a place for contractors and homeowners to exchange technical insights and resources related to home and vehicle electrification. The Illinois Green Alliance is a great source of education, and ComEd has materials and resources for its Electric Homes New Construction program.”

At J&P Electrical, we specialize in providing the electrical equipment you need. Contact us today to learn more.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

You might have heard about the worldwide shortages that have been sparked by a combination of the global pandemic, weather (freeze) catastrophes in Texas, fires in China, a lack of workers, and more. The supply chain has suffered from these setbacks, causing shortages in various industries such as technology, automobile, furniture, transportation, appliances, and electrical equipment.

Shortages began during the global pandemic, as industries were affected by transportation and staffing issues. However, during the past three months, resin paints have been extremely difficult to acquire. Polyester and vinyl ester are most challenging to obtain, followed by epoxy.

Thanks to a boom in new construction and countless homeowners upgrading due to confinement, demand for paint has been skyrocketing as well. Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors in Kalamazoo, said, “Strong demand is a good problem to have, but that demand is increasingly straining manufacturers’ ability to keep pace.”

Greg McLaughlin, composites manager at Sea Force Center Consoles, said, “Resin distributors are rationing resin deliveries, with large-volume builders first in line. We’re hearing the industry could face a four- to six-week delay in resin products due to the Texas freeze from damages related to processing plants’ piping and fittings.”

 At J&P, we know the supply chain can be unpredictable, which is why we make sure to overstock when possible and plan for times like these. With paint orders being backordered for five months (and counting), things can get a little stressful but rest assured, the quality of our product will not be compromised!

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Recent records were set for weather-related disasters, with repair costs in the multibillion-dollar range. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has kept a yearly count of floods, heatwaves, tropical storms, hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires since 1980. In terms of frequency and severity, these events have risen exponentially.

In 2020, we saw unprecedented wildfires in the West, six hurricanes in the South, numerous tropical storms, tornadoes, an ice storm with hail the size of softballs, and a derecho windstorm responsible for tearing up crop fields, homes, and businesses across the Midwest. These weather-related catastrophes lead to states of emergency in multiple regions across the United States. Thousands of plants, animals, and people died. Additionally, the monetary repercussions totaled $96 billion.

Conversely, a fruit crop freeze led to disaster in Florida. Combined with a few storms and tornadoes scattered throughout the country, 1981’s financial total for cleanup due to weather-related disasters was a mere $2.9 billion.

Record snowfall, below-average temperatures, ice storms, record-breaking fires, and mass floods have knocked out power across Texas, California, and Michigan so far this year.

Brett Brenner, president of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), said, “We’re just not prepared for disasters of this scale. From what we’re seeing in the electrical trades, most of the time, it’s complacency and less-experienced people [DIY homeowners setting up equipment or business owners reusing damaged equipment] coming into the picture that are the cause of injuries. It’s not so much about what we aren’t already equipped to handle.”

Therefore, these unanticipated risks are caused by human intervention rather than climate. ESFI is dedicated to educating the public on what they can do to reduce dangers for themselves and emergency responders such as positioning electrical equipment above flood levels, taking precautions when using generators, evaluating water-logged power-driven gear, and more.

Protection of homes, businesses, employees, and clients is vital to success. By providing the proper equipment, training, and education, disaster zones can be more easily remediated by all. Businessowners and employees share the responsibility of working safely when it comes to disaster relief and daily performance.

Consider the following tips:

• Maintain a cordial, in-person relationship with your insurance provider.
• Ensure employees are well-trained and incentivized to work safely.
• Conduct routine safety meetings.
• Review insurance coverage and business needs on an annual basis.
• Evaluate possible hazards and create plans to recuperate if disaster strikes.
• Create risk management plans based on weather-related emergencies.
• Appoint certain employees to execute specific steps if severe weather occurs.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.