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July 2008 |  |
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Aging Infrastructure
"More demand, limited transmission capacity means brownouts, or worse."
With America's power transmission system aging, it will be a challenge to keep up with the rising need for electricity.Demand for electrical power has increased 25 percent since 1990 while construction of utility transmission facilities dropped every year between 1975 and 2004, creating bottlenecks in the system.
And since power companies can't exceed transmission capacity without risking extensive damage, there is a greater risk of brownouts and blackouts, especially at peak periods.
HSB has played a role in quantifying the problem of aging electric utility transformers. Our studies predict a dramatic rise in transformer breakdowns in coming years - unless preventive action is taken.
Our equipment specialists have published action plans for transformer owners. HSB offers transformer oil testing, information about electrical preventive maintenance, and other services to help protect many types of electrical equipment.
We will continue to monitor the condition of key electrical infrastructure and work to extend the operating life and improve the efficiency of equipment.
