Utility Infrastructure Upgrades Planned for 2019
Many regional utility companies are planning utility infrastructure upgrades in 2019, not surprising considering the last couple of years have been extremely unkind to the utility industry. The California forest fires, system hacking, hurricanes, and other emergency situations have permeated the utility industry landscape in recent years. Making matter worse is the reality that much of our nation’s utility infrastructure is severely outdated.
Examples of Utility Infrastructure Upgrades
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), over 70% of the nation’s transformers are over 25 years old. Other components of the electrical system are even older. Thus, utility infrastructure upgrades are definitely a top priority. Here are some examples of planned upgrades for 2019:
- USDA will invest $1.6 billion covering 46 rural electrical infrastructure upgrades.
- Austin, TX will begin a “100-year” project to fortify the city’s water system by developing new reservoirs, wells, and storm water systems.
- Santa Maria, CA is launching a massive project to upgrade wastewater plants and develop new renewable energy sources.
- Albuquerque, NM is developing a large solar generating station, with the 3-year construction project beginning in 2019.
- Decatur, IL is investing $4 million of a total $48 million project next year to replace its outdated water mains.
- Michigan’s Public Service Commission (PSC) is spearheading an initiative to replace the state’s aging gas lines, at a cost of approximately $1 million per mile. In total, 2,200 pipes will be replaced over the next 20 years.
I, for one, love the fact that these utility infrastructure upgrades are happening. It can only help utility emergency preparedness. Hopefully, the trend will continue into the long run.
