Onsite Power: What's the Buzz?

Feb. 1, 2001
The rising demand for power, the effects of electric-utility deregulation, and power disruptions that range from short-duration sags to rolling blackouts may seem like predictions for a downturn. But for members of the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA), these factors make for an upbeat market forecast.The 2001 Annual Spring Convention will be held March 25 to 27 at the Hyatt Regency

The rising demand for power, the effects of electric-utility deregulation, and power disruptions that range from short-duration sags to rolling blackouts may seem like predictions for a downturn. But for members of the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA), these factors make for an upbeat market forecast.

The 2001 Annual Spring Convention will be held March 25 to 27 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in Bernalillo, N.M. - just 30 min from Albuquerque International Airport and 40 min from Santa Fe.

"As technology advances and uncertainty of utility service creeps into their minds, commercial and industrial firms increasingly require a dependable power supply for smooth operations," says David Kellough, executive director of EGSA. "That's why more and more companies are looking to onsite power to safeguard their facilities. We're looking forward to the upcoming spring convention in New Mexico with great anticipation, being able to present timely subjects relating on power generation and associated topics."

The association recently launched many new programs, all bearing on the future of onsite power activities. For example, EGSA is now in the process of revising its standards and publishing them as ANSI/EGSA documents. This is just one of many projects that attendees can learn about at the convention.

Industry experts will discuss many pertinent issues at this conference. For example, Jim Fredrickson, manager of environmental products, GE Energy Systems, will speak about emissions and other related matters impacting onsite power generation. Don Blackman, vice president of marketing and strategic business development for Automatic Switch Co., will speak about the growing use of distributed generation. Richard DeBlasio, of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, will deliver an "Interconnect Update" and review some of the latest technology available. Other educational sessions will cover fuel technology/fuel polishing, power-plant turnkey projects, and independent system operators.

Through committees focusing on education, standards, statistics, and other topics, attendees contribute ideas, comments, and recommendations while gaining a better insight of matters relating to onsite power.

Registration information is available from EGSA Headquarters by calling (561) 750-5575 or by visiting www.egsa.org.

About the Author

Robert B. Morgan

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