The National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA) today published Storm Reconstruction: Rebuild Smart to assist federal, state, and
local policymakers with solutions to harden the nation’s electric grid, improve
its resilience to withstand and recover from severe weather, and improve energy
efficiency.
“Severe weather, most recently
Superstorm Sandy, coupled with an aging and overstressed electrical
infrastructure is having a dramatic impact on the U.S. population. Sixteen
states experienced outages during Sandy,” said NEMA President and CEO Evan R.
Gaddis. “The core principal of any major reconstruction effort should be to
rebuild smart—ensuring that reconstruction funds maximize the deployment of technologies
to mitigate future power outages, protect lives and property, and improve
energy efficiency.”
Resilient and reliable
power is critical for first responders, communications, healthcare,
transportation, financial systems, water and waste water treatment, emergency
food and shelter, and other vital services. When smart technologies are in place, power outages are avoided and
lives, homes, and businesses are protected.
Good
examples of these technologies are self-healing Smart Grid solutions—information
and communications technologies such as smart meters and high-tech sensors to
isolate problems and bypass them automatically; microgrids and backup
generators that use their own power sources and storage capabilities to support
vital services; and wiring, cabling, and electrical components that can stand
up to high winds and flooding.
“The 400-plus member
companies of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and our staff of
experienced engineers and electroindustry experts, spanning more than 50
industry sectors, stand ready to assist industry and government officials at all
levels involved in rebuilding,” said Gaddis.
Storm Reconstruction: Rebuild Smart may be downloaded at no
cost by visiting www.nema.org/storm-reconstruction.
To obtain a hard copy of this publication, contact NEMA Communications by email
at communications@nema.org.
NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.
Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form