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Polywater® products can play an important role in helping utilities across the globe with arguably their largest challenge in modern times: Storm Hardening. A recent Associated Press article, Extreme Weather Poses Increasing Threat to US Power Grid, highlights the effects of storm damage on service reliability and the costs of repair: According to an Associated Press analysis of industry data, "Severe weather is the leading cause of major outages on the nation's power grid. The number of weather-related power outages has climbed over the last decade, with the greatest spikes in 2008 and 2011." Another article headline from Energy & Environment, "U.S. DOE Urges NJ, Other States to Spend Big on Hardening Power Grid," shows the nature of industry and governmental response to that threat. Massive spending to the tune of billions of dollars is underway to protect the grid. Most of Polywater's focus on storm hardening has been on the obvious advantages of FST Duct Sealant, which can seal conduits and prevent extensive damage from storm water. But other Polywater products can play a role as well. For example, UPR can repair and protect utility poles weakened by woodpecker damage and prevent breakage that might otherwise occur in a storm. PowerPatch, PedFloor, Pad N Pole, and InstaGrout all repair deficiencies in transformers and enclosures and harden them, improving their odds of survival in adverse weather conditions. Polywater will emphasize storm hardening in 2016. Be sure to discuss storm hardening projects and procedures with customers regularly to uncover opportunities where our products can assist. |
