http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/rss/feedsWe provide construction oversight, engineering design, and other project services for the utility industry nationwideWed, 29 Jul 2026 03:55:33 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/spring-is-here-a-quick-safety-minutehttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/spring-is-here-a-quick-safety-minute Spring is a great time of year. For some, spring is the perfect season. Temperate weather has broken the icy grip of winter and we are all ready to enjoy the outdoors. Here are some things to keep in mind though.Longer daylight hours and daylight savings time, in many locations, means more time to play, hobby or work. Along with this comes less time to rest and sleep. Fatigue is sure to set in and could make operating vehicles or other powered equipment hazardous. Be sure to get adequate rest along with your relaxation.Along with longer daylight hours, more time outside, less clothing, and more direct sun rays comes the potential for sunburn. Most skin has been hidden during the winter and that tender skin is very susceptible to sunburn. Also, keep in mind that while the temperatures of spring are still moderate, those moderate temperatures sometimes make it hard to judge how much exposure you have had. Cover up and/or use sunscreen to prevent painful sunburn and skin damage.Temperatures will continue to increase throughout the spring and into summer. Be aware that heat related illnesses could become a problem for many. Ease into your outdoor activities and understand that you must acclimate as temperature’s rise. It is not unusual for people to suffer heat exhaustion, especially in later spring. Take breaks, seek shade, drink plenty of fluids, and be aware.Wildlife is much more active in the spring than during the winter months. Mosquitos, ticks, redbugs, snakes, and other wonders of nature are to be expected. Be prepared with insect repellent and watch where you step and place your hands.You may have noticed the yellowish haze in the air at this time of year. Pollen can become a nuisance with watery – itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing, headaches, etc. However, there are medications on the market that work wonders for “hay fever.” Before you take medications for allergies, keep in mind that some can cause severe drowsiness. While these may be great before bed, they can be quite hazardous if used before driving or operating machinery. You may want to consider using a non-drowsy formula.Now, go out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather but keep in mind that there are hazards out there. Tue, 16 Apr 2019 11:19:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/dont-blend-in-stand-outhttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/dont-blend-in-stand-out Utility line work is in the top ten of the most dangerous jobs in America. Working at great heights with high-voltage electrical lines obviously presents its own set of dangers, but oncoming traffic and not being visible on the job site poses a significant safety risk.There is a real need to protect people who work in areas that make it difficult to be seen. High visibility clothing is a critical component of workplace safety for crews working on electric utility projects and other construction projects. The more visible a worker is, the less risk a serious accident will take place. There is a wide range of brand names selling high visibility safety gear that includes: coveralls, vests, jackets, pants, gloves and even headwear. High visibility garments generally have two design criteria: background fabric and retroreflective tape.Here are some important basics with high visibility clothing:Use fluorescent colors: (yellow-green, orange-red, or red) should be chosen to contrast with the color of the work environment.Vests and jackets should be kept closed on front and sides to ensure visibility from 360 degrees.No other clothing should cover the high visibility clothing.Garments should be kept in good, clean condition.Replace when worn or dirty.Always adhere to OSHA standards, ANSI standards, MUTCD standards, and client-specific standards.Using properly maintained high visibility clothing is one of the most important strategies in reducing accidents on construction sites. When driving this winter, be extra vigilant of work zones and crews working in them. These men and women serve our communities and deserve a safe work environment. Fri, 25 Jan 2019 07:27:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/october-2019-tva-wholesale-rate-change-for-those-lpcs-who-deferredhttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/october-2019-tva-wholesale-rate-change-for-those-lpcs-who-deferred In October 2018 TVA implemented a Wholesale Rate Change which introduced a new rate component on the wholesale invoice known as the Grid Access Charge (GAC). The GAC is a fixed dollar amount based on a 5-year historical average of standard service kWh purchases from TVA. The purpose of the GAC was for TVA to start collecting some of their fixed costs through a fixed rate component rather than the traditional volumetric demand and energy rates. In addition to the GAC, TVA lowered their wholesale onpeak and offpeak energy rates to make the Rate Change revenue neutral.Prior to the Wholesale Rate Change going into effect, TVA gave each Local Power Company (LPC) the option to implement the GAC in October 2018 or defer it until October 2019. For those LPCs who deferred until October 2019, a new rate election form will need to be completed and returned to TVA by April 2019. The rate election form will indicate to TVA how each LPC would like to adjust their respective retail rate structures in order to acknowledge the changes taking place at wholesale.PCA has been working with our clients since last year to calculate and discuss the impact of the wholesale GAC to their respective systems. In addition, we look at potential retail rate designs to ensure each LPC is collecting the GAC appropriately. For those LPCs who deferred, PCA will continue to work with you and provide guidance on the options available for October 2019. We will also assist with finalizing the rate election form due to TVA in April 2019.If your LPC is waiting for the perfect time to learn more about this change, now is a great time to contact Seth Daniels @ seth.daniels@pca-llc.biz to discuss it more in depth.Tue, 22 Jan 2019 08:59:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/looking-back-on-giving-in-2018http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/looking-back-on-giving-in-2018 PCA has a long-standing history of giving back to the community. In addition to allowing our employees the opportunity to serve individually on boards and committees of professional societies and other non-profits, the company also sponsors a Social Responsibility Committee. This committee is dedicated to making a difference in the community through donations, and service activities involving PCA employees.A look back at 2018In 2018, PCA employees participated in a variety of service activities, including preparation of Food Packs, a coat drive, a day of service at the Salvation Army Angel Tree Warehouse, and provided a scholarship to a local Civil Engineering student. For the Food Packs, we team with the nearby Berry Hill Head Start Program to prepare Food Packs for their students to take home and consume during Spring and Fall breaks that provides some relief from the food insecurity that many of these families face. The Coat Drive was also dedicated to the Head Start Program. Over 30 coats were purchased for individual students within the program. The Coats were delivered prior to the commencement of the December Break to ensure students without a warm coat would have one during the upcoming cold weather. Finally, employees volunteered at the Salvation Army Angel Tree Warehouse. Employees had the opportunity to unload, sort, and prepare gifts for pick-up by families in time for Christmas.A look ahead to 2019In 2019, the Social Responsibility Committee hopes to reach even further into our communities through activities involving employees and sponsorship of scholarships to local universities. Some of the planned activities include; sponsorship of Middle School Students to participate in an engineering day with Hidden Figures author Margot Lee Shetterly, Food Packs for Berry Hill Head Start, volunteering at a local Food bank, sponsorship of 2 scholarships, and other Holiday Volunteer Activities.A sincere thanks to our employees and friends that help make a positive impact on the communities where we reside. Our work isn’t possible without you. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year with the hope that you will have many blessings in the year to come.Power Consulting AssociatesFri, 04 Jan 2019 07:23:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/12-tips-for-a-safe-holiday-seasonhttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/12-tips-for-a-safe-holiday-season May this Christmas season bring you closer to all those you treasure in your heart.As families come together and the excitement builds, be cautious and safe with electricity. This is the time of year when most household accidents and fires occur.The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is once again encouraging homeowners to give the gift of safety to friends and family by creating a hazard-free environment for the holidays. These tips provided by the ESFI will safeguard your home, property, and workplace from accidents.1. Keep decorations at least three feet away from heat sources – especially those with an open flame, like fireplaces and candles. And remember to blow out your candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.2. The best decorations are safe decorations, so when you are decorating, make sure not to run cords under rugs or furniture, out of windows, or across walkways and sidewalks.3. If you have a natural Christmas tree water it to keep it fresh and safe. Real trees can dry up and turn into kindling in no time at all. Get rid of the tree after Christmas. Dried out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage.4. Always turn off your decorations when you leave your home and when you’re sleeping. Most deadly fires happen while people are asleep.5. Be mindful of how you are using electrical outlets. If you’re using extension cords or adapters that add receptacles, consider having a qualified electrician add more outlets to your home. Extension cords are a common cause of home fires.6. Only use electronics in dry areas. As tempting as it is, you just can’t decorate your aquarium with icicle lights.7. Remember that phones and tablets should stay on your nightstand. We all love falling asleep to the muffled crooning of Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé, but overheated electronics under pillows and blankets are dangerous.8. Need a perfect gift idea? How about a smoke alarm? Every home needs a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level, including the basement. And remember to test your own to make sure they’re working.9. If you’re using a space heater, switch it off before leaving the room. It only takes seconds for a fire to start if a space heater tips over or comes in contact with something combustible, like a blanket or curtains.10. Inspect your decorations and discard any that are damaged or worn out. Talk to your aunt about that life-sized Elvis-dressed-as-Santa statue. It’s falling apart, it’s creepy it’s got to go.11. Keep batteries stored safely in their packaging and out of reach of anything that might try to eat them, like small children and pets. Eating a battery can be deadly.12. The best gift for your family is to upgrade to Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers or outlets. It is estimated that half of the electrical fires that occur every year could be prevented by AFCIs. All upgrades should be completed by a qualified electrician.We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season.Power Consulting AssociatesThu, 20 Dec 2018 12:42:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/broadband-for-tennessees-rural--suburban-communitieshttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/broadband-for-tennessees-rural--suburban-communities A Short Recap from the 2018 TECA Annual Meeting...One of the hottest topics in the electric cooperative industry at this time is broadband access and connectivity. Historically, electric cooperatives were not able to provide broadband service to their members. That all change with the passing of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act in 2017. Now, electric cooperatives can provide this service to their members if they choose to do so.At the TECA annual meeting, a panel of three board members from different electric cooperatives spoke about their experience with providing broadband access to their members. They all explained the “why” portion of providing this service in the same context. However, it was the “how” portion that demonstrated there is not one absolute correct way to do it. At the beginning of the discussion the moderator explained there were five things a co-op could do when it comes to providing broadband services to their members: 1) build the fiber and provide the service yourself, 2) build the fiber and lease the assets, 3) purchase an existing internet provider, 4) merge with an existing internet provider, or 5) do nothing.Each speaker first explained that their members were in need of and wanted broadband services from their utility. They all reach out to their members through different marketing campaigns trying to gauge the interest level. Once that was completed, they each had a firm run a feasibility study to see if making the investment in broadband made sense for them and their members. From there each co-op took a different approach to providing broadband services.The first speaker was Jessie Wallace from Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative (MLEC). He explained that MLEC decided that building fiber to the home platform was the best thing for the co-op and their members. They created a non-profit, wholly-owned subsidiary of MLEC known as ML Connect. ML Connect will offer telephone and internet services to their 43,000 existing electric members. They are currently building out fiber and hope to have it all completed within a few years.The next speaker was Dale Fain from Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC). Dale stated AEC ultimately decided to take on a partnership approach instead of a do-it-yourself approach. AEC would build the fiber and lease the assets to another company which would offer services for the delivery and retail sale of broadband services. They have decided to partner with an existing telephone co-op and negotiations are expected to continue over the coming months to finalize their partnership. AEC has started building out the fiber backbone and plans to have 150 miles installed by the end of 2018.The final speaker was Steve Seger from Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation(MTEMC). In contrast to the other speakers, MTEMC identified an existing broadband company within their service territory. The company is known as United Communications and they already had 1,000 miles of fiber in place. MTEMC and United Communications perused a partnership and MTECM begin to leverage their existing fiber infrastructure. They have already begun offering broadband services to some of their members and plan to build out the rest of the infrastructure over a multi-year process.All three speakers agreed that there is no “one size fits all” approach to providing broadband. It was stated that each co-op is different and different approaches could be taken. It may make sense for some not to provide the broadband service at all. An interesting comment was made at the very end of the session. It was stated that the co-op was established to serve its members, and they saw the same need of service for broadband as was needed for electricity 80 years ago.Written by Seth Daniels- PCA Rates Consultant Wed, 21 Nov 2018 11:07:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/pca-awarded-2018-engineering-excellence-grand-awardhttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/pca-awarded-2018-engineering-excellence-grand-award The American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee (ACEC Tennessee) recently recognized our engineering design team for outstanding performance by awarding PCA the 2018 Engineering Excellence Grand Award in the energy category at their 50th Anniversary Gala.The award, received by David Grooms, Monica Sartain, and Branden Cadavid, was presented for the team’s work in providing civil engineering design services for Entergy’s Vicksburg 115 kV Improvement Project. The project, which crosses Warren and Hinds Counties in Mississippi, was a 29 mile transmission line design build completed in 4 phases. The line design included significant challenges in each phase: crossing of a 500 kV transmission line, crossing the Natchez Trace Parkway and Big Black River, and its proximity to John Bell Williams Airport. The final phase of the project included connecting the new Beech Grove Substation, including lattice tower replacement, tie-in work, and 2 new line sections built to reroute an existing transmission line.ACEC Tennessee which was created in 1968 by eight consulting engineers has grown to include more than 100 engineering firms. The annual awards banquet celebrates the best engineering firms in Tennessee. The award winners are voted on by a distinguished panel of judges from a variety of professions. In selecting winners, the judges are looking for uniqueness, originality and the overall value each project brings to the community.As a team, we are honored to accept this award, proud of our engineering design team and grateful for our clients’ continued trust. Mon, 12 Nov 2018 09:23:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/we-care-and-give-back-fall-break-berry-hill-head-start-programhttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/we-care-and-give-back-fall-break-berry-hill-head-start-program Like John Haskin once said, “give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back.” This is a powerful phrase, and our team understands how moving it is. An overall sense of wellbeing is felt when you become a giver of time and resources while giving back to society, especially to children.When the children at our neighboring Metro Nashville Berry Hill Head start program leave school for one of their many breaks, we try and alleviate some of their worries on figuring out how they will get their next meal. Our concept is simple, but extremely rewarding. For the last few years, we have provided each student with a food pack that is child-friendly, nutritious, and easy to eat during spring and fall breaks.Preparing for this year’s Fall Break was not any different. Last week started off by spending a couple of hours on Tuesday going through the aisles of Costco picking out meals, snacks, and drinks for the children. That afternoon, it was all hands-on deck as we began to assemble the food packs. With all the hard work of our team members, we filled just over 220 food packs by Wednesday afternoon.Thursday was the big day! The team assembled outside the office and loaded up a couple of our trucks with food packs and headed over to the school to drop them off. Everything went smooth and the head start staff greeted us with open arms. Although we didn’t get to see the kids walk off with their food packs, the smiles and joyous look on the staff’s face said it all. As always, they were thankful that we took the time and effort to help their children out. Our team drove back to the office knowing we had a positive impact on our community. For more information on the Metro Nashville’s Headstart program, feel free to click this link. https://www.nashville.gov/Metro-Action-Commission/Head-Start.aspx. We welcome opportunities to give back and look forward to future initiatives.Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:11:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/equipotential-grounding-is-trendinghttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/equipotential-grounding-is-trending Companies looking to bolster their safety culture should look no further than the grounding methods they currently employ. Those determined to take their grounding process to the next level should consider Equipotential Grounding training.Many contract companies are currently implementing bracket grounding, which means they install grounds on both sides of the work area sometimes some distance apart. Equipotential grounding methods encourage crews to move to single point/worksite grounding, which involves installing one set of grounds equipotentially at the worksite to create an equipotential zone for working. This has been recognized by OSHA and the industry as the method that provides the best possible protection for the worker when working off the pole or from a bucket.How can you effectively prepare your distribution crews for this transition? Make certain all employees understand the difference between the two methods and why the worksite method does provide the best protection.Most of this year, we have been working with distribution contract company MB Haynes in improving their overall safety culture. Part of this process has been to deliver Insulate and Isolate and Equipotential Grounding training to their entire workforce. While this has aided MB Haynes’ crews understanding, the most value comes with a considerable amount of in the field coaching to ensure the concepts of the training have taken hold.An effective Insulate & Isolate and Equipotential Grounding training program includes scaffolded learning opportunities in and out of the classroom setting. It is important to spend multiple days training the concepts and information, but to improve the safety culture, you must also spend the time on site in the field coaching the concepts.Learn more about our work with MB Haynes and how we can help improve your safety culture with training and field coaching from our veteran trainers. Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:54:00 -0700http://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/why-is-a-distribution-cost-of-service-study-importanthttp://www.powerconsultingassociates.com/blog/post/why-is-a-distribution-cost-of-service-study-importantWhat is the total cost of running an electric utility? How much does each customer class contribute to that cost? Do the current rates and rate structure recover that cost appropriately? Do class subsidies exist within the current structure? These are some of the questions that can be answered by performing a distribution cost of service study.The purpose of a distribution cost of service study is to ultimately determine the equitable portion of an electric utility’s distribution costs to allocate to each customer class. It will assign the total distribution cost to each class based on a series of factors such as contribution to peak and number of customers. Once this allocation is determined, it then establishes how to accurately recover those costs through a combination of fixed and variable rates. The results of the study can also be used as a form of justification to making adjustments to the current structure.This study is foundational to rate making. Understanding how much of the total cost is fixed versus variable plays an instrumental part in rate design. If an electric utility recovers the majority of their fixed costs in a variable rate, they run the risk of over collecting when sales are above normal and under collecting when sales are below normal. In addition, if the rates and rate structures do not collect the costs appropriately, the risk of classes subsidizing others increases greatly.As the books close for FY 2018 we encourage you to contact us about running a cost of service study for your electric utility. Our rate consultants will be glad to answer any questions you may have and will walk you through the result of the study once completed.Tue, 21 Aug 2018 08:31:00 -0700