Smart grid, or grid modernization, generally refers to classes of technology, using computer-based remote control and automation. These systems are made possible by two-way communication technology and computer processing that has been used for decades in other industries. They are beginning to be used on electricity networks, from the power plants and wind farms all the way to the consumers of electricity in homes and businesses. They offer many benefits to utilities and consumers ensuring reliability of the grid, maintaining affordability for customers, accommodating renewable and traditional energy sources, potentially reducing the carbon footprint, and integrating future advancements and efficiencies onto the grid. [1]
by Sara Kaplan, IAMU Energy Services Engineer
Smart grid, or grid modernization, generally refers to classes of technology, using computer-based remote control and automation. These systems are made possible by two-way communication technology and computer processing that has been used for decades in other industries. They are beginning to be used on electricity networks, from the power plants and wind farms all the way to the consumers of electricity in homes and businesses. They offer many benefits to utilities and consumers ensuring reliability of the grid, maintaining affordability for customers, accommodating renewable and traditional energy sources, potentially reducing the carbon footprint, and integrating future advancements and efficiencies onto the grid. [1]
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Eye fatigue is a common work-related complaint (50-90% of computer users) and with the use of smartphones and other devices with small screens, is not likely to go away. Research shows that people hold digital devices closer to their eyes than they hold books and newspapers because of the smaller font. This forces our eyes to work hard-er. According to WebMD, we also blink less when staring at a computer screen, result-ing in dry, itchy eyes. Muscatine will be at the forefront of a technological revolution when it begins building a world-class, citywide, fiber-optic communications network over the next three years. The Board of Electric, Water and Communications Trustees unanimously approved the 2015 Communications Utility Budget which includes a plan to rebuild its current hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) distribution infrastructure, leveraging its past investment in a deep fiber distribution system and transforming Muscatine into a gigabit community. by Julie Smith, IAMU Legislative and Regulatory Counsel
On December 3, 2014, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) opened a new Notice of Inquiry, NOI-2014-0004 to address two issues that were raised in the now closed Payment Plan NOI. IAMU on December 1st submitted comments on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rules to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The rules, as proposed in June 2014, set state specific goals for reducing carbon emissions from existing fossil fuel power plants.
by Troy DeJoode, IAMU Executive Director
It has been a busy couple months here at IAMU. We recently completed our annual Water Workshop here in Des Moines. Nearly 250 people attended the three day conference, which provided opportunities to get needed continuing education classes, meet potential vendors in the water business, and network with other professionals in the water field. It continues to be one our most successful programs. If you work in water and have never been to it, I encourage you to take a close look at attending next year. Indianola Municipal Utilities (IMU) and it's broadband service partner Mahaska Communications Group (MCG) have announced that gigabit internet service will become available to some Indianola residents beginning in January 2015. by Jill Soenen, IAMU Water Services Coordinator Earlier this fall, I attended a council meeting for a small community (less than 350 people) to talk about water rates. This town seemed to be in the same boat as many others across Iowa; rate increases haven’t kept pace with the financial demands of system upgrades and replacements, or in some cases even enough to cover every day operation/maintenance let alone any “emergency” expenses. The Iowa Energy Office of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is hosting an informational webinar called "Optimizing the Value of Organic Streams via Biogas" on December 17th from 1 to 2pm. |
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