Energy and Utilities Blog

As the global demand for electricity soars and our reliance on renewable energy sources increases, optimizing the capacity of electrical grids has become a pressing priority. Maximizing grid capacity ensures a stable, reliable supply of electricity while making the most efficient use of existing infrastructure. In this blog post, we explore various strategies and technological advancements key to boosting grid capacity sustainably.

Today, internet connectivity is synonymous with opportunities. However, there is a digital divide that needs to be addressed. It is now more urgent than ever as about 20% of households across the U.S. — approximately 24 million — still lack access to high-speed broadband. The low broadband coverage limits their ability to participate fully in the digital age.

In the past, American infrastructure projects relied heavily on international products, but BABA is set to change many construction and manufacturing processes. Many companies had already started manufacturing domestically, but BABA backs this up with government regulations, incentivizing the purchase and use of American goods for the country’s long-term benefit.

Reconductoring is the process of replacing cables or wires on an electric circuit to update them to the latest designs. Reconductoring often involves working with high-voltage transmission lines and typically increases transmission capacity and boosts current flow in a way that saves both time and money. At the same time, it reduces challenges with right-of-way and land acquisition. Utilities can also extend the life of transmission lines through effective reconductoring.

Fiber optic cables are advanced and diverse network cables, typically used in modern communication systems for transmitting data through many strands of plastic or glass. While fiber optics is essential for internet service providers to deliver higher bandwidth and faster transmit speeds, there are also many crucial benefits of fiber optics in energy and power.

Electricity demands are increasing significantly in the U.S. However, climate change and the rise in temperatures impact the ability of power utilities to support these demands. With overheating conductors and increased line losses, consumers and businesses face more power outages and shortages. At the same time, utilities scramble to support growing load capacities with declining electrical infrastructure.

In the energy industry, components' safety, longevity and reliability are vital, regardless of the elements or environment. Therefore, telecommunications and energy providers prioritize coating wires and other components to ensure they perform to the expected level. There are various coating options, but Bezinal® coated wire is rapidly becoming a preferred option.

Lashing wire has a vital role to play in the telecom industry, providing structure and support for other kinds of wire, like fiber optic cables and messenger wire. As communications infrastructure expands and evolves, high-quality wire is key to creating dependable installations that power modern technology for years. Choosing the right lashing wire for your application and buying from a trusted lashing wire supplier are essential parts of these projects.

Steel is one of the most used types of metal today. From construction to the telecommunication industry, steel has established itself as a versatile and durable material with many advantages over alternative options. Whether you are working with a galvanized steel cable support or steel lashing wire, the diverse uses of this metal make it a go-to material for numerous applications. The use of steel for conductor materials has transformed over time, and we are exploring all the benefits of choosing this metal over other choices.

Whether you work in telecommunications, electric utilities or another industry, using the right wire is vital. Your job has unique needs, and your materials need to meet them to provide safety and peak performance. When choosing the correct wire for your application, you might consider galvanized steel and annealed steel. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each type can help you make an informed decision.

Metal is frequently used in the construction of modern infrastructures, from bridges to pipelines to electrical wires. Its durability and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for many industries. However, metals are susceptible to the harmful process of corrosion. Corrosion causes refined metals to return to their natural states, which can lead to the degradation of infrastructures and even equipment failure.

Guy wires are popular methods for stabilizing large poles and towers in various industries. From power and telecommunications lines to railway signals and wind turbines, guy wires play a crucial role in holding up many tall structures.

Every utility provider needs to constantly prepare for electricity emergencies. Through planning, training, drilling and amending the preparation response strategy, utilities can prepare their workers for appropriate, rapid response in emergencies. Adequate responses can restore power to the area faster, which is essential for getting locals back to their lives after an emergency.

The telecommunications and electric utility industries pose several types of specific hazards for workers within these sectors. To protect people during their workdays, employers should recognize the risks and develop a culture of safety to prevent accidents. Improving safety for any company is always beneficial, even if the process requires some investments in time and money. The reduction in injuries and damaged materials will overcome any minor costs put toward safety, generating a positive outcome for businesses within these sectors.

A guy wire is a tension cable that contributes to the stability and safety of vertical towers or poles. Without guy wires, construction heights would have much lower limits. The strength of guy wires is essential for keeping tall structures upright, even in high winds or other adverse conditions. With so many vertical structures in use in modern society, they have many more purposes than most people appreciate.

Around the world, professionals use guy wires as supporting elements to help stabilize tall structures. These cable stability structures are necessary throughout various industries, specifically for utility services. It's essential to know key points regarding guy wire installation to ensure you choose the right products for the job. Additionally, you should note which types of hardware are necessary for guy wire installation.

Reducing energy costs and combating climate change are power utilities' two most pressing priorities in a rapidly changing energy landscape. These utilities are under pressure to keep up with increasing power demands, and the current grid often needs significant upgrades to remain viable and combat load reductions, shortages and outages. They must also consider integrating renewable energy sources to work toward the United States' net-zero objectives. Optimizing the grid is essential to overcome these challenges and move toward overall sustainability goals. Advanced steel cores are crucial to the big picture. They act as the heart of transmission lines, transformers and other critical grid infrastructure. Many utilities place them at the center of their overall infrastructural improvements due to their efficiency and resiliency benefits.

You'll find single-wire or 1-wire strands in all types of industries and products, offering everything from conductor cores to lashing wires that keep cables connected. Depending on their design and production, single wires can provide various characteristics. At Bekaert, we use an extensive selection of industry-leading equipment and processes to produce single-wire strands unique to your project's demands. Let's take a closer look at single-wire strands and how the right manufacturer can affect your results.

Transmission and distribution lines depend on high-quality steel wires to offer dependable performance in the face of difficult conditions. From transmitting power across long distances to resisting wind and ice, 19-wire steel strands can provide the necessary support for long-lasting, reliable power installations. Customization and high-quality production allow us to offer an unparalleled selection of steel wire strands for ACSS and ACSR manufacturers. Let's take a look at the 19-wire strand core and what it can do for ACSS and ACSR conductors.

From lashing wire to utility stapes, Bekaert offers everything you need to meet your pole line requirements. Our premium-quality products come in an extensive array of choices with various gauges, finishes and metal compositions. All of our pole line hardware accessories provide long-term protection and are available with protective coatings. If you're looking for a hardware supplier with the fastest lead times in the industry, look no further than Bekaert. We're your one-stop shop for your utility needs.

When you buy steel wire for your company, its value changes based on factors like longevity. Breakage and other damage lead to costly replacements. One of the greatest threats to your steel wire's lifespan is corrosion, which can compromise its structural integrity and lead to breakage. If your company uses unprotected steel wire strand for important applications, you'll likely start experiencing problems in short order. To prevent corrosion, manufacturers use an array of coating methods such as galvanization. Bekaert offers Class A, Class B and Class C zinc coatings for our steel wire, including guy wire, messenger wire, and overhead ground wire.

Seven-wire strand — or messenger strand — is a steel wire strand that is designed for efficient power transmission. It consists of seven galvanized wires twisted together to form a single, high-strength steel cable that has one center wire and six outer wires. Bekaert's high-strength 7 wire strands come in various diameters, but they are always flexible and easy to handle.

Telecommunications technologies have evolved over the years, but the meaning of broadband remains the same. Users associate it with fast and reliable internet connections that enhance their home and business lives. There are 4.49 billion fixed broadband subscriptions worldwide — a number that's likely to grow alongside ever-evolving technology. Businesses and utilities must understand broadband's current and potential capabilities to stay ahead of the curve and shape future infrastructural strategies.

Using fiber-optic ground wire for lightning protection has several advantages. Benefits for the telecommunications industry include reduced line losses and the static shield's ability to act as a solution for special conditions. Lightning strikes can destroy power and data transmission lines. However, by installing an effective form of protection such as static shields, you reduce how many transmission cables incur damage during inclement weather.

Lightning strikes can damage electrical lines. Replacement can be costly as well as inconvenient for your team and electric consumers. A steel static shield is an overhead electrical wire that protects power and data transmission lines from lightning. Static shields prevent damage by directing current away from the transmission cables and sending that energy into the ground. A transmission line overhead ground wire can help extend the longevity of your transmission and distribution system.