Trends in the Powerline Technician trade
Communication within the trade is crucial. Evolutions in technology, such as mobile information systems and global positioning systems (GPS), allow all parties to keep in touch, helping to improve safety, responsiveness in emergencies, and effectiveness in following work procedures.
There is an increase in safety and environmental regulations across jurisdictions, which requires more administrative controls, preparation time and training for powerline technicians. Safety concerns have also led to an increase in the use of aerial work platforms (AWP).
Transmission systems are being constructed with direct current (DC) lines in some parts of the country due to greater efficiency and energy savings.
Metering devices are moving towards digital and smart meters. Radio frequency meters and cellular chip meters are being installed to aid in reading meters and troubleshooting.
New technology in auxiliary equipment is creating much smaller components with greater fault interrupting capabilities.
An increase in the development of the renewable energy sectors (solar, wind, tidal) will require powerline technicians to facilitate the distribution and transmission of electricity generated by these systems.
More and more, utilities are sharing infrastructure with digital and wireless communication companies. As a result, cellular antennas are being installed on electrical structures. Because of the proximity to energized conductors they can only be accessed and installed by qualified powerline technicians.
There is an increase in the use of technology-based equipment such as digital reclosers, robotic devices, drones, computers and tablets to facilitate more reliable and efficient operation, maintenance and repair of systems. Devices used for system protection and control are increasingly remotely controlled rather than manually controlled.
More environmentally friendly materials (such as plant-based oils in transformers) are always being introduced in distribution and transmission systems.