Which Generator Parts Need Regular Replacement?
Power outages are unpredictable and knowing how long it will take for power to be restored is an even greater mystery. Generators are useful pieces of equipment that can help reduce the damage and inconvenience that occurs when you lose power at your home or commercial building.
Although they are a useful tool to have, residential and commercial generators are only reliable if properly functioning. Knowing how to take care of your generator and which parts require regular replacement can help you properly maintain your alternative power source. Here, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. details which generator components require the most frequent replacement.
Generator Parts and When They Should Be Replaced
As the name implies, a power generator is a device that is capable of generating alternative energy. In a gas-powered generator, an internal combustion engine provides the mechanical force needed to generate a current. It accomplishes this by spinning a shaft inside a stationary magnetic field to produce electrical power through copper wiring.
For a generator, performing such a task requires multiple components to work at once. Over time, these critical components can wear down, requiring them to be replaced to sustain optimal performance. The most common parts that typically need to be replaced on a commercial generator are as follows:
Oil Filter
Oil is crucial for the smooth operation of a generator. Because of this, the oil filter is equally as important. The oil filter extracts the soot from the oil breakdown and extracts any metal contaminants. Without an effective filter, contaminants can build up, restrict flow, and create low oil pressure, resulting in engine hot spots and damage. It is recommended that oil filters be replaced annually.
Fuel Filter
Generators require adequate fuel for efficient operation. As such, the fuel filter is essential. This component filters out impurities and moisture to ensure that the fuel entering the high-pressure system of the engine is clean and meets supply requirements. The fuel filter should be replaced annually to ensure it sufficiently filters out all contaminants.
Belts
Just like with an internal combustion engine, belts play a significant role in how well the generator runs. The purpose of a belt is to ensure moving parts of the generator’s engine are rotating at the same time, eliminating the risk of components hitting one another. Belts should be inspected annually and replaced when needed, or after every 36 months.
Generator Maintenance and Repairs
To make certain your generator is working properly every year, we advise having it serviced routinely. As certified experts in generator maintenance, the team at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. is proud to offer preventative maintenance programs, which allow our skilled technicians to ensure your generator stays reliable during utility power outages.
The quality generator maintenance we perform can be essential to the proper functioning of a system while also minimizing the risk of accidents, damage, and more costly repairs. The benefits of our generator maintenance program include the following:
- Priority scheduling: Take advantage of priority scheduling to get your generator serviced at a time convenient for your needs.
- Regularly scheduled visits: Clients can enjoy peace of mind with regularly scheduled visits, where our technicians will arrive at the agreed-upon time and date.
- Industry-leading expertise: Our factory-certified mechanics are trained to successfully perform a variety of maintenance tasks at the highest level of service.
Have Your Generator Serviced By Our Experts
Prepare for the next power outage by investing in generator replacement parts and utilizing the maintenance and repair services offered at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. Serving clients throughout the New Jersey area, our trained technicians will perform the necessary inspections and repairs needed to ensure your generator functions at maximum potential. Should the need for a new generator ever arise, we also offer professional installation services. To learn more about our offerings, simply contact us today at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
Using Your Generator in Extended Blackouts
During power outages, generators provide peace of mind. Purchasing a generator can provide families with much-needed power during an electrical outage. However, there are risks if used improperly. Incorrectly using your generator can lead to a host of serious consequences. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. details how to safely use a residential generator for an extended period in the event of a severe blackout.
Safety Tips for Extended Use
Most households rely heavily on electricity for daily needs. Power outages can drastically disrupt how households function. Backup generators are an important defense against power outages in the event of a storm, accident, or other cause of power failure. With a blackout generator, a household can have the power supply it needs for as long as the outage lasts.
Even though a generator is a safe piece of equipment, users must take the proper safety precautions. Some safety tips when using your generator for an extended period to consider include:
Read Operating Manual Before Using
Some users believe that all generators are alike. While they all may perform a similar task in providing power during an outage, many of them have different components. Understanding how these components work together can be crucial for users who intend on running their generators for a longer period. Before operating your generator, make sure to read through the manufacturer’s manual to ensure your generator can handle extended hours of use.
Never Refuel the Generator While Running
Power outages can sometimes last a while. That means your generator is in it for the long haul and may require refueling. The amount of additional fuel a blackout generator needs depends on its size, the size of its tank, and how much power it generates.
When attempting to refuel your generator, you should never do it mid-operation. Also, users should disconnect the generator from the power grid before refueling. You may wish to have a portable fire extinguisher on hand for extra precaution.
Verify Your Generator’s Maximum Power Load
Depending on your household, your generator may be tasked with producing enough power to supply a variety of appliances and other electronics. If you are going to operate your generator for an extended time during a severe blackout, you should verify its maximum power load. Doing so can save your generator from malfunctioning at inconvenient times.
Try To Keep Your Generator Dry
If the power is down due to a storm, a fair amount of water may be present near your generator. It is important to try and keep your generator dry, as flooding can severely hinder its ability to operate.
Generators at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.
To help clients prepare for the unexpected, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers a line of reliable and efficient generators. With an emphasis on quality, we offer a wide range of the most popular generator models. Committed to our clients, the knowledgeable professionals at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. can help customers select the correct product for their property, whether it is a residential or commercial generator.
Generators are intended to provide power in a crisis, making reliability key. Routine maintenance is essential to ensure generators are prepared to run for extended hours during a severe blackout. At Corbin Electrical Services, Inc., our extensive generator maintenance services involve the following:
- Inspecting the generator to detect any signs of damage
- Changing engine oil and filter if needed
- Checking the air filter and replace it if damaged or dirty
- Inspecting the spark plug for wear or damage, replacing it if needed
- Ensuring all bolts are tightly secured
- Properly cleaning all electrical connections
- Looking for any leaks and making repairs
- Performing necessary tests to ensure the generator is working correctly
Homeowners and business owners located throughout the New Jersey area who desire added peace of mind about their energy resources should consider adding a reliable blackout generator from Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
JCP&L High-Voltage Substation Outage Reported In Neptune
NEPTUNE, NJ — At about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, a JCP&L high-voltage substation in Neptune went out, causing outages in satellite substations, a company spokesman said.
By 6 p.m. power was restored in seven satellite substations, Chris Hoenig, the spokesman said.
But customers in eastern and northern Monmouth County would have been affected. Hoenig did not have an estimate on the number of customers affected.
There is no cause known yet for the main substation outage, he said, which is still being repaired.
He said the satellite substations were restored within 40 minutes of the main outage.
Patch will update the information as the company updates the situation.
The article JCP&L High-Voltage Substation Outage Reported In Neptune appeared first on Asbury Park Patch.
What the EV Charging Action Plan Means for Us
Many agree the future of transportation is electric, including President Biden. In an effort to drive American leadership toward the concept of clean cars, the President of the United States has set a goal of 50% of electric vehicle sale shares in the U.S. by 2030.
To prepare for this unprecedented wave of electric vehicles, the Biden-Harris Administration released the EV Charging Action Plan, outlining the necessary steps being taken to develop and deploy electric vehicle chargers in American communities across the country. In this blog, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. dives deeper into the major points outlined in the EV Charging Action Plan and what it all means for the average consumer.
Main Points of the Action Plan
The electric car future is cleaner, more equitable, and more affordable. The Biden-Harris Administration is making the necessary steps to establish 500,000 electric vehicle chargers, ensuring Americans have sufficient access for both local and long-distance trips. The main points of the action plan focus on the following:
New Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
A joint office has been created, bringing together the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation to ensure the agencies can successfully work together in implementing the EV charging network. This new joint office will serve as a contact point for states, communities, industry, labor, and consumer groups with EV charging questions and related topics.
Stakeholder Input
Stakeholder meetings will be held addressing topics including:
- Partnerships with state and local government
- Domestic manufacturing
- Equity and environmental justice
- Civil rights
- Partnering with tribal communities
- Maximizing environmental benefits
Guidance and Standards for States and Cities
Standards and guidelines will be published for states and cities on how to deploy EV charging stations strategically, with a goal to build out a national network along the highway system. This guidance will examine where current charging stations are located, as well as where they are most needed.
Working Closely with Domestic Manufacturers
To get a better understanding of the current infrastructure and to learn ways it can be improved, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy are working directly with manufacturers and automakers to understand what domestic sourcing is currently available along with predictions for the future.
What It All Means
Currently, the network of over 100,000 public chargers operates with various plug types, payment options, hardware hookups, and data availability. The EV Charging Action Plan is designed to eliminate such discrepancies, creating a more uniform approach to electric vehicle charging. Its purpose is to create greater convenience for consumers and provide increased confidence in the EV industry.
Additionally, the federal programs listed in the EV Charging Action Plan are intended to help encourage added private sector investments and roll out a national network of chargers, which are user-friendly, cost-effective, and financially sustainable.
EV Chargers from Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.
Even with the national rollout of over 500,000 electric car chargers, there will still be a need for conveniently located chargers. There is no location more convenient than at home. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. provides electric car charger installation for customers throughout New Jersey. Our qualified installation team has the knowledge and expertise to safely install an electric vehicle charger in a customer’s garage, complete with a dedicated 240-volt line. Choosing to have your own EV car charger installed at your home can provide a variety of benefits, including:
- Less expensive: Because you are relying on your home’s electricity, opting to have an electric car charger installed at your home can be less expensive when compared to charging stations throughout the community.
- More predictable: With an at-home car charger, there is no threat of waiting in line to get your electric vehicle recharged.
- Increase property value: As the entire country begins to make the transition to an all-electric vehicle network, having a charger at home can potentially increase the property value.
- Tax incentives: The state of New Jersey offers a residential federal tax credit for residents who purchase an EV charger and have it installed in their homes.
Contact us today to learn more about our work and the reasons why you should consider having an EV charger installed at your home by experts at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.
Corbin Electrical Services – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
Businesses that Benefit Most from Commercial Generators
The commercial generator is an essential aspect for multiple companies across several industries. Having an on-site generator can be a lifesaver amidst power outages or blackouts. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. supplies commercial generators to businesses throughout New Jersey and here describes which organizations will find this equipment most advantageous to their daily operations.
Which Business Should Consider a Commercial Generator?
From food to healthcare, businesses in many sectors should consider investing in a generator to safeguard their electrical power and performance. These systems also help decrease the chances of long-term electrical outages. The following are some specific industries that often rely on commercial generators for power:
Medical and Health Facilities
Power access is fundamental at medical and healthcare facilities. As power grids age in the United States and fail against increasingly severe weather, it is critical that medical buildings, such as hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, and emergency response centers have a commercial generator for reliable power, 24/7.
Medical practitioners depend on resuscitators, X-ray machines, and lights to take care of their patients, and all these tools require electricity. A permanent generator can prevent any gaps in power access.
Food and Beverage Facilities and Factories
No one likes spoiled food or losing money. However, when a power outage hits a restaurant, food processing plant, or even a corner store, these could be adverse effects. Billions of dollars in perishable food and beverages, sales, and productivity are lost when food and agriculture facilities lose power, even for a short time.
These industries can benefit significantly from permanent generators. Some government agencies even recommend that restaurants install a commercial generator to prevent catastrophic spoilage during an outage.
Heavy Industry Factories
Factories can quickly lose millions of dollars in productivity when their power goes out. In addition, factory power outages can cause major health problems for employees on-site and in surrounding communities. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that about 240 chemical-related incidents occurred in the United States due to factory power outages in the year 2000.
A single situation in Louisiana left 29 employees with chemical injuries during the start-up phase of an unexpected electrical outage. In California, nearly 100 community members had to seek medical attention when another chemical factory rebooted after a rolling blackout. On-site commercial generators provide default energy and electricity to lessen these health risks.
Commercial Properties
Commercial properties, from condominiums to offices and megastores, can greatly benefit from an on-site generator. Tenants living and working in these spaces require 24/7 energy and air quality control. Generators provide this reliable service and peace of mind in case of inclement weather or natural disaster. They also enhance a property owner’s reputation for maintaining their buildings and protecting their investments.
Mass Transit
Increasingly, climate change is creating severe and volatile weather patterns. Mass transit hubs and stations, such as airports, and bus and train stations, are some of the first facilities affected by power outages caused by major storms and natural disasters.
As a result, permanent generators are becoming critical to public transit, especially air operations. Without generators at these transportation hubs, thousands of people can become stuck or stranded, affecting everything from their business to personal appointments. In addition, bus and train terminals are becoming more dependent on electric vehicles and also need a strong electrical backup when the power goes out.
Ask Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. about Commercial Generators
If you think your business could benefit from having a commercial generator, turn to Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. for assistance. We have over 40 years of experience installing and maintaining permanent commercial generators for a wide range of organizations and industries throughout New Jersey. We carry a full line of Generac electrical generators and also offer additional services, such as generator maintenance. For more information about how your business can benefit from an on-site generator, or learn more about other services we offer, simply contact us today.
Corbin Electrical Services – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
Why Use a Home Standby Generator instead of a Portable Generator?
A generator is a highly convenient asset for any homeowner. Whether you work from home or enjoy the peace of mind that continuous power brings, this equipment can keep your house running smoothly. But should you buy a portable generator or a standby generator? Here, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. discusses the differences between the two and why having a reliable home standby generator is best.
Portable Generator Pros and Cons
At a glance, a portable generator may sound great for a variety of applications on the job and on your property. They provide temporary, on-the-go power on an as-needed basis. Compact generators with wheels are easy to take with you wherever you need power, and they’re often cheaper to buy and install. Many models have outlets, so you can expand their reach by connecting an extension cord. These models are ideal for the following purposes and others:
- Special events and other recreational activities
- Disaster preparedness for unforeseen circumstances
- Tailgating at sports facilities
- Camping in the great outdoors
- Construction sites
Before purchasing, consumers must first consider the long-term value of a prospective generator. Will it be cost-efficient to run for extended periods, if needed? Those looking for full-home support may find a more permanent solution to be the better option. A few disadvantages of a portable generator include:
- Fuel: Many portable generators require gasoline, which adds to the cost of usage in the long run.
- Sound: Portable generators can be quite noisy.
- Power: Many models produce less power than standby models, which may not be ideal for a household.
- Safety: Users must keep safety in mind at all times – it’s best to run a portable generator outdoors and at least 20 ft. away from the home.
- Weather: Since many power outages happen in inclement weather, you’ll likely need to shield your generator in a storm with a durable canopy or cover.
Home Standby Generators
While residential generators may seem like interchangeable power sources, there’s a clear frontrunner for whole-house power. Home standby generators, or stationary generators, are a permanent fixture on your property. They’re designed to automatically kick on when the electricity goes out, creating a seamless power experience. You don’t have to worry about setting up or fueling up – it’s always at the ready when you need it most. Some of the advantages of a home standby generator include:
- Reliable performance: Standby generators are connected directly to the gas line on your property, so they can operate continuously for days or weeks at a time.
- Automatic connectivity: You don’t have to waste time managing manual connections.
- Power output: More powerful than portable options, these models provide automatic backup power to either the whole house or only the essential parts of your home.
- Comfort: Standby generators are powerful enough to run HVAC systems, so your household feels comfortable in any weather.
It’s also worth noting that partnering with a professional generator installer can help you get the most out of your investment. Companies like Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. work with dependable brands like Generac. They also offer expert generator maintenance and repair services so that your equipment performs well long term.
Do You Work from Home?
Residential generators offer a host of benefits for homeowners and families – but what about professionals? Many workforces operate remotely or on hybrid schedules, making it more important than ever to have reliable power in the home. Having a backup power source on your property means less unnecessary downtime – no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
If you work remotely in your home office throughout the week, a reliable generator helps ensure you can continually deliver to your clients and superiors. When a power outage occurs, simply wait for your generator to turn on and get back to business. What’s more, many modern generators have insulated, weatherproof housing that allows them to run relatively quietly, so you can maintain a peaceful work environment.
Find a Generator for Your Home
At Corbin Electrical Services, Inc., our team is dedicated to helping customers across New Jersey select the ideal generators for their property. We offer continued service after installation, including 24/7 monitoring via our virtual technicians, as well as a generator referral program for additional savings. For more information about installing a home standby generator, contact us today.
Corbin Electrical Services – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
A summer of blackouts? Wheezing power grid leaves states at risk.
Why the grid could buckle in large areas of the country as temperatures rise
The nation’s power grid is under stress like never before, with regulators warning that the kind of rolling outages that are now familiar to California and Texas could be far more widespread as hot summer weather arrives.
A large swath of the Midwest that has enjoyed stable electricity for decades is now wrestling with forecasts that it lacks the power needed to get through a heat wave. The regional grid is short the amount of energy needed to power 3.7 million homes.
New Mexico’s attorney general is preparing for “worst case scenarios” after a regional utility warned of possible blackouts. North Dakota regulators advised the state to be ready for rolling outages, Arkansas officials are preparing emergency energy conservation measures, and power companies in Arizona are already sounding alarms about next year.
While America’s power grid has been showing signs of distress for years, the sudden warnings have surprised even those who were sounding an alarm. That’s because extreme weather precipitated by climate change and the early retirement of fossil fuel plants has accelerated the destabilization of the grid — a fragile collection of transfer stations and transmission lines already challenged by a lack of investment.
The situation has unnerved energy experts, who caution an unstable grid could set back plans to move rapidly toward a climate-friendlier economy. The plans rely heavily on most of the nation shifting to electric vehicles and plug-in home appliances such as stoves and water heaters, which will increase demands on the power system.
“We’ve been issuing warnings about the grid for a number of years,” said Mark Denzler, chief executive of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “But the swiftness with which this has happened has caught people by surprise. They didn’t think we would be having these issues for a couple of years.” In the event of outages, he said, heavy industrial users are the most likely to experience disruption, as utilities work to avoid cutting off electricity to residences in periods of extreme heat or cold.
The worries of rolling blackouts threaten to compound the stress and anxiety of the shaky economy, the enduring pandemic and energy shortages exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. And it has led to warnings in unexpected places.
Southern Illinois is among the most vulnerable places in the country heading into the summer, according to a newly published forecast by the North American Electric Reliability Corp., a regulatory authority that monitors risks to the grid.
The area, along with large parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and other states linked to the regional grid, has been put on notice in the forecast that it is facing a “high risk of energy emergencies during peak summer conditions.” A major reason is that some of the coal plants that regulators assumed would keep running for another year or two are instead coming offline. Some plant operators are choosing to shut down rather than invest in upgrades for coal plants that do not fit with states’ and the federal government’s long-term goals for clean energy.
“We are seeing these retirements occur at a faster pace than expected,” said Jim Robb, chief executive of the regulatory authority. “The economics aren’t great, so coal plant operators are saying ‘uncle.’”
As demand across the Midwest is increasing, the amount of power available to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator grid that services a large swath of it has dropped, leading regulators to warn that outages could accompany extreme summer weather.
Retiring coal plants are just one of many challenges putting unprecedented stress on the nation’s electricity network.
“It’s a soup of things,” Robb said. “The grid is transforming. We are putting on a lot of new resources and learning how they behave.” That is compounded, Robb said, by prolonged stretches of extreme weather, the inability of utilities to get badly needed transmission lines built as they wrestle with land-use disputes, and difficulties delivering natural gas supplies to the power plants that are a crucial backstop to wind and solar energy when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing.
Some political leaders and utilities in the Midwest are assuring residents that their connections to neighboring grids can provide a backup of energy to avoid blackouts if the Midcontinent system gets overstressed. But energy experts warn those power transfers may not be available in the event of a prolonged heat wave that stretches across many states, as California learned when part of its grid became overwhelmed in the summer of 2020.
“They were counting on transfers,” Robb said. “But it was hot in Seattle, in Vancouver, in Portland. It was hot everywhere. Nobody had extra power to give.”
California has already put its residents on notice that a similar scenario could play out again this summer. State forecasts show that during peak summer periods, California will be short about the amount of electricity it takes to power 1.3 million homes.
How extreme heat is straining California’s electrical grid
Western and Southwestern states are also confronting fresh challenges with their power supply as they head into summer. Among the biggest is a drought already disrupting the hydroelectricity systems that are key to delivering reliable power to large areas of North America. In the event that extreme heat pushes up demand in the West again this summer, a hydroelectricity shortage threatens energy emergencies across the Western Interconnection grid, which serves 80 million people across 14 states and parts of Canada and Mexico. Parched rivers and reservoirs threaten to leave inadequate water flowing through the plants.
Drought is also a worry at nuclear and fossil fuel plants, where low water levels can impede the cooling process that is essential to consistent power generation.
“We are in uncharted territory with respect to water,” said Michael Wara, an energy scholar at Stanford University. “It has all kinds of implications.”
Texas, meanwhile, is still struggling to shore up an embattled power system that the state runs independently of the national grid. The state’s challenge was underscored in May — a relatively temperate month in Texas — when energy officials urged consumers to turn their thermostats up to 78 degrees and avoid the use of large household appliances during a brief period of unseasonably warm weather.
“For such a free-market, capitalist-oriented state, you have to see the irony in this,” said Ed Hirs, an energy economist at the University of Houston. “The last time I was told to turn my thermostat up to 78 degrees it was by Jimmy Carter.”
Drought in Texas threatens to inhibit the operation of steam-generated, or thermal, power plants, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp., potentially triggering power shortages in the event of extreme heat.
“We’ve let our infrastructure decay to the point where we have these failures,” Hirs said. “Somebody has to stand up and start doing something. We have not even addressed what will happen to the grid when every two-car family switches to one plug-in Ford F150 [pickup truck] and one plug-in passenger car. The grid can’t even handle what we have now.”
Plug-in cars are the future. The grid isn’t ready.
The shift to wind and solar power is playing a role in the stability issues, but there is intense debate over whether the underlying problem is that the transition is happening too quickly or too slowly.
“Everybody has a good sense of where we want to go in terms of decarbonizing the fleet,” Midcontinent chief executive John Bear said during a press event hosted by the U.S. Energy Association. “We are moving in that direction. Unfortunately, we are moving in that direction quite quickly and I am worried about the transition.” He said the storage technologies needed to balance deployment of wind and solar energy are still in development, while at the same time the coal and gas plants that can provide more consistent power are either coming offline or not operating as reliably as they once did because their owners are reluctant to invest in upgrades.
But many other energy experts argue that getting reliable backup power in place to facilitate the transition is not a matter of waiting for new technology, but making the proper investments now.
“The problem is there is nobody in charge,” said M. Granger Morgan, a professor of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. The national power grid, he said, is a patchwork of regional systems designed to be guided by market demand in each area. Federal regulators have limited authority over it, and many states have constrained their own power to manage energy resources as part of a deregulation push that took hold in the 1990s.
“We don’t have the national regulatory arrangements and incentives in place to implement this energy transition in a coherent and rapid-enough manner,” Granger said. Energy experts point to transmission lines as an area in which the current system is failing. They are sorely needed to bring power generated at solar and wind farms in rural locations across state lines to energy-thirsty cities. But state regulators have been slow to approve them amid protests from property owners who don’t want the power lines on their land.
The problem is high on the list of priorities at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is working on rules intended to help clear the path for more lines to get built.
Manufacturers in Illinois have been worrying about all of these issues around the grid for some time. Now they face a more immediate challenge: making it through the summer.
“We’re supportive of a cleaner, greener future, but we need to have proper on- and off-ramps,” Denzler said.
Energy experts sound alarm about US electric grid: ‘Not designed to withstand the impacts of climate change’
(CNN)As heat ramps up ahead of what forecasters say will be a hotter than normal summer, electricity experts and officials are warning that states may not have enough power to meet demand in the coming months. And many of the nation’s grid operators are also not taking climate change into account in their planning, even as extreme weather becomes more frequent and more severe.
All of this suggests that more power outages are on the way, not only this summer but in the coming years as well.
Power operators in the Central US, in their summer readiness report, have already predicted “insufficient firm resources to cover summer peak forecasts.” That assessment accounted for historical weather and the latest NOAA outlook that projects for more extreme weather this summer.
But energy experts tell CNN that some power grid operators are not considering how the climate crisis is changing our weather — including more frequent extreme events — and that is a problem if the intent is to build a reliable power grid.
“The reality is the electricity system is old and a lot of the infrastructure was built before we started thinking about climate change,” said Romany Webb, a researcher at Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. “It’s not designed to withstand the impacts of climate change.”
Webb says many power grid operators use historical weather to make investment decisions, rather than the more dire climate projections, simply because they want to avoid the possibility of financial loss for investing in what might happen versus what has already happened. She said it’s the wrong approach and it makes the grid vulnerable.
“We have seen a reluctance on the part of many utilities to factor climate change into their planning processes because they say the science around climate change is too uncertain,” Webb said. “The reality is we know climate change is happening, we know the impact it has in terms of more severe heatwaves, hurricanes, drought, and we know that all of those things affect the electricity system so ignoring those impacts just makes the problems worse.”
An early heatwave knocked six power plants offline in Texas earlier this month. Residents were asked to limit electricity use, keeping thermostats at 78 degrees or higher and avoid using large appliances at peak times. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, in its seasonal reliability report, said the state’s power grid is prepared for the summer and has “sufficient” power for “normal” summer conditions, based on average weather from 2006 to 2020.
But NOAA’s recently released summer outlook forecasts above average temperatures for every county in the nation.
“We are continuing to design and site facilities based on historical weather patterns that we know in the age of climate change are not a good proxy for future conditions,” Webb told CNN.
When asked if the agency is creating a blind spot for itself by not accounting for extreme weather predictions, an ERCOT spokesperson told CNN the report “uses a scenario approach to illustrate a range of resource adequacy outcomes based on extreme system conditions, including some extreme weather scenarios.”
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, or NERC — a regulating authority that oversees the health of the nation’s electrical infrastructure — has a less optimistic projection.
In a recent seasonal reliability report, NERC placed Texas at “elevated risk” for blackouts this summer. It also reported that while much of the nation will have adequate electricity this summer, several markets are at risk of energy emergencies.
California grid operators in its summer reliability report also based its readiness analysis on “the most recent 20 years of historical weather data.” The report also notes the assessment “does not fully reflect more extreme climate induced load and supply uncertainties.”
Compounding the US power grid’s supply and demand problem is drought: NERC tells CNN there’s been a 2% loss of reliable hydropower from the nation’s power-producing dams. Add to that the rapid retirement of many coal power plants — all while nearly everything from toothbrushes to cars are now electrified. Energy experts say adding more renewables into the mix will have the dual impact of cutting climate change inducing greenhouse gas emissions but also increasing the nation’s power supply.
Plan B
One Chicago neighborhood is already making plans for how to keep the lights, air conditioning and heat on when the larger grid fails.
In the Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, solar panels dot the rooftop of a public housing complex. A short drive away, a a giant battery stores energy from the solar panels as well as natural gas generators, creating a micro grid. The state energy company, Commonwealth Eddison, is working with community members to make the neighborhood energy independent.
“Without power we are talking about potential life-threatening situations, so this micro grid provides that backup to be able to deliver power even when the [main] grid isn’t there,” said Paul Pabst, an engineer for Commonwealth Edison.
The project is pending approval but once it’s operating, the micro grid can connect and share power with the main grid. In the event of a blackout, it can disconnect and operate independently, tapping its stored battery energy to power the homes, police station and hospital in the area for four hours.
Yami Newell is a Bronzeville resident and energy advocate. She has seen the cascading effects of an unreliable power grid in Chicago, a place that’s no stranger to weather-related outages from both extreme cold and extreme heat. Losing power in a heatwave can create a dangerous health situation, and for families on a fixed income, losing all of the food in their refrigerator can be financially devastating.
“An energy crisis can become a public health crisis,” Newell told CNN. “It can become a food crisis.”
As communities look for innovative ways to build a more resilient grid, Bronzeville is one possible blueprint. Until states build a more resilient power grid, climate change will force energy companies to continue to take emergency actions, like asking people to limit electricity use or forced rolling blackouts to manage the grid when supply can’t meet demand.
The Art of Landscape Lighting
If you’re looking for a way to enhance your home’s outdoor areas and illuminate your property after dark, landscape lighting is the ideal solution. Landscape lighting is an attractive alternative to more industrial-style fixtures and elevates your yard’s curb appeal. But for it to be done right, landscape lighting installation must be rooted in artistic principles. Here, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. discusses how to take an artistic approach to landscape lighting.
Picking Areas for Landscape Lighting
It all begins by identifying which areas of your residential or commercial property you’d like to illuminate, and the possibilities are truly endless. Some homeowners love the look of lights lining their driveways and pathways, while others desire to create the perfect mood lighting for hosting evening get-togethers in the backyard. Whatever their vision might be, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. is here to help people throughout New Jersey with developing an aesthetically sound plan and executing the installation. Common areas where we add landscape lighting features include:
- Patios and decks
- Pool and grill areas
- Front yards and backyards
- Gardens and shrubbery
- Driveways and pathways
- Any other desired outdoor areas
Choosing Lighting Types
Besides technique, the type of lighting you choose can also influence the ambiance you create in a landscape. Two popular lighting options are LED and color, as each gives outdoors settings a distinct vibe. LED lights illuminate spaces about90% more efficiently than traditional incandescent light bulbs and work well with several indoor and outdoor applications. You can use LED lights with numerous landscaping features, including:
- Decks
- Fences
- Fountains
- Gardens
- Patios
- Ponds
- Statues
- Shrubbery
- Walkways
Color is another crucial aspect of lighting because each hue evokes a distinct emotion. Consider the common associations people make with different colors when designing the lighting arrangement in your landscape:
- Red: Passionate and strong
- Orange: Quirky and energizing
- Yellow: Joyful and tranquil
- Green: Hopeful and renewing
- Blue: Cool and inviting
- Purple: Royal and melancholy
- Brown: Relaxed and wholesome
- White: Innocent and peaceful
- Black: Elegant and sophisticated
Forming an Outdoor Lighting Design
The next phase of the process entails turning to a trusted professional like Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. Our team will consult with the homeowner at their residence to nail down blueprints for the types of lights, their brightness levels, and all of the electrical components needed to bring the design to life. If you’re not sure where to start or need some inspiration, the following landscape lighting techniques are very popular – and for good reason:
- Moonlighting: This involves installing a light fixture somewhere up high, like in a tree or on a flagpole, and angling it downwards, creating a similar effect to natural moonlight.
- Wall washing: For more of a glow, wall washing places spotlights or floodlights near the façade that accentuates your home’s best features and provides an evenly distributed ambiance.
- Highlighting: Using floodlights or spotlights, these fixtures are installed a few feet away from the base of a focal point in your landscape, such as a tree, statue, birdbath, or waterfall. The light points upward at this feature, illuminating it to draw the eye to that area of your yard.
- Silhouetting: Typically done with floodlights, this technique creates a sharp silhouette of the chosen feature, which appears on an adjacent wall of your home, patio, garage, or shed. In this case, the lights are installed behind the feature.
- Shadowing: Though similar to silhouetting, shadowing yields a more dramatic appearance. It involves placing lights in front of the chosen feature. The goal is to focus light on an adjacent wall by letting it shine through the feature.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. also offers landscape lighting fixtures with many styles and features, making it easy to customize your design and ensure you receive the functionality you’re looking for.
Achieve the Artistic Landscape Lighting of Your Dreams
Ready to take on landscape lighting projects of all sizes, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. is here to help homeowners across New Jersey achieve their outdoor aesthetic goals. For more information, contact our team today, and be sure to ask about current specials.
Corbin Electrical Services – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
Is Your Electric Vehicle Not Charging Properly?
Purchasing an electric vehicle comes with numerous advantages. One of those benefits is the ability to save money by driving a car that doesn’t require frequent gasoline fill-ups. According to Consumer Reports, electric vehicle owners can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 per year compared to gas-powered vehicle owners. However, to make the most out of this investment, drivers need to ensure their vehicles and chargers are both working properly.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc., which specializes in installing electric vehicle chargers in residential and commercial locations throughout New Jersey, discusses how you can determine if your vehicle’s charger is working at an optimal level.
How to Identify a Problem with Your Electric Vehicle Charger
Understanding the ins and outs of your vehicle’s charger can be difficult given its complexity. And this can make troubleshooting by yourself a tall order. Luckily, there are a few telltale signs that indicate a problem might be present with your electric vehicle’s socket or your charging station, such as:
- Slow charging speeds: The charger you have on hand typically determines how quickly you can expect a full charge. Customers using AC Level 2 charging stations, like the ones Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. installs, can refuel their vehicles in about five to six hours.
- Not achieving peak charge rate: If you notice your electric car isn’t reaching its maximum charge rate, this may be an indication that a problem needs to be resolved.
- Difficulties reaching your vehicle’s range potential: Every electric vehicle has an estimated maximum range that it can reach on a full charge. This range is dependent on the vehicle manufacturer and its battery. If your car isn’t achieving its projected range consistently, there may be an issue with the charging station or your vehicle’s charging port.
- Intermittent issues when connected to a charger: If your electric vehicle is only having charging issues when connected to your home charging station, this may indicate that the problem lies somewhere within your setup.
Top Reasons for Vehicle Charging Issues
Having a charging unit that is not operating at optimal levels can be very frustrating for drivers who rely on their car, truck, or SUV to get to work, school, and other locations daily. These issues can cause your vehicle’s performance to suffer and can likely result in an inconvenience to you. Common reasons for insufficient refueling include:
- Faulty charging cables: If a charging cable is damaged, it can affect refueling performance. Be sure to inspect your charger’s cables to make sure there are no tears or rips present.
- Using the wrong connector to charge your vehicle: Since there is no universal connector for every model, you may find yourself using the wrong style. Using the incorrect connection may be the reason why your vehicle isn’t charging well.
- Malfunctioning charging stations: If your cords are in pristine condition and you are using the correct connector for your vehicle, the issue may lie within the charging station itself. If this is the case, a professional will need to examine your equipment to accurately diagnose the matter. Keep in mind that if you are experiencing charging issues at a different station, your car or truck’s electric port may be the source of the problem. In this instance, you will need to call your vehicle’s manufacturer to have it serviced.
Regardless of where the issue lies, it is important to trust the expertise of a certified technician. Attempting to correct the problem on your own can be dangerous and may lead to injuries. It can also potentially turn a minor issue into a major repair expense.
Fix Your Electric Vehicle’s Charger with Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.
If you notice a problem regarding your electric vehicle’s charging capabilities, call the professionals at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. Our years of experience have allowed us to secure partnerships with leading brands in the electric car industry, such as Tesla and Qmerit. Also, we sell and install whole-home generator systems to ensure your vehicle stays charged in the most crucial times. For more information about our electric car charger installation services and our services areas throughout New Jersey, contact us today.
Corbin Electrical Services – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
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