Webinars
PDi2 sponsors a range of webinars every year on topics that impact how we look at infrastructure decisions.
Please feel free to suggest topics that are of interest to you. Check this page frequently for new content.
Your Mileage May Vary-Undergrounding Distribution Lines – Aug. 30, 2023
The ever-evolving energy landscape that includes widespread electrification, changing customer needs and a need to weatherize existing assets on the power grid calls for proactive investment across all grid components. Successful grid investment plans that aim to make the grid adaptable and resilient in the face of both low and high impact events often include the diversification of power delivery assets, especially between overhead and underground facilities. While large scale multi-year distribution grid reliability or resiliency programs that involve the installation of underground facilities are commonplace, it is not easy to find a playbook for successful implementation of these programs. Lessons learned and observed trends should continually inform and improve any large project or program. This seminar aims to discuss risks and potential mitigation strategies across different stages of the lifecycle of a distribution project involving the installation of underground lines. While a sound engineering design is one of the critical components, practical knowledge of potential issues is imperative to execute each project successfully.
NOT Your Grandparents’ Grid – Jun. 20, 2023
Massive electrification and the coming DER integration demands of FERC 2222 require a stronger, more robust, reliable, and resilient electric grid. Not your grandparents’ grid that was designed in the 1950s and 60s. So, why are you still using decades-old standards and specifications?
This webinar challenges the antiquated, “old school” means and methods of underground design and construction, with new ideas for a 21st-century grid that will improve your projects and advance your career.
Driving Down O&M Costs with Underground Line Sensors – Nov. 10, 2022
Monitoring underground distribution feeders with line sensors is a proven way to improve reliability metrics such as outage duration. In addition, there are significant O&M cost savings to consider.
Plasma Drilling for Rapid Electric Underground – Sept. 7, 2022
EarthGrid is developing a patented plasma drill that will significantly change how underground electric T&D systems are planned, designed and constructed. Learn how plasma drilling works, cost projections for underground utility tunnels, and the revolutionary vision that EarthGrid has for the future of our industry.
Underground Cable Installation and Conduit Design – Aug. 4, 2022
Advancements in Underground Equipment Technologies – June 29, 2022
On-Demand Webinar: Commissioning Test Best Practices to Ensure 21st Century Cable System Reliability & Longevity – May 24, 2022
Reimagined Microgrids – March 24, 2022
This webinar series with T&D World explores the 21st-Century Costs of Undergrounding. Each webinar is co-sponsored by one of our member companies. Find a list of dates and topics below. Check back for updates, registration links, and access to archived webinars.
Underground Construction Strategies – May 26, 2021
Co-sponsor: Haugland Energy
Description: Once papers are signed, life is given to a project. From there, the process from engineering to construction is a long road; often the two are viewed as separate paths, but coordination and communication throughout them is key to a project’s success.
Thinking Ahead for the Next 100 Years: Underground Solutions – June 30, 2021
Co-sponsor: Centuri
Description: Utility companies are challenged with the ever-present need for continuous preparation and response requirements to high-impact and low-probability events, mostly weather-related. Historically, these events have increased for the past fifteen years. Specific to the past five years, there has been a sharp increase, and 2020 was a record events/costly year.
Centuri invites you to “think ahead” about how to dramatically improve electric system reliability and resiliency by driving the cost out of underground solutions. We will discuss how effective resiliency programs are able to proactively harden the system power grid in a capitalized, strategic, cost-effective manner.
Learn about the opportunity to be proactive and reduce total time to restoration for customer outages, while improving regulatory performance metrics and enhancing the public image. Explore the practical applications that deliver value…every day.
Reliable Underground Insulation Systems for Cost Effective Transmission, Distribution, and Renewable Energy Connections – July 28, 2021
Co-sponsor: Borealis
Description: Strategic undergrounding offers a solution for increased reliability and resiliency of transmission and distribution systems. Join this webinar on July 28 to discuss insulation materials from Borealis with proven in-service track records to enable reliable solutions for applications of distribution and transmission voltages through 500 kV, as well as offshore wind generation and HVDC transmission.
Cable Systems for the Future of Underground Transmission in North America – August 25, 2021
One innovative approach to integrate extruded cable technology in existing pipe-type cable infrastructure.
Co-sponsor: Southwire, G&W Electric
Description: 69 kV through 345 kV class high-pressure fluid-filled cable systems – also known as pipe-type cable systems – have reliably delivered power to North American metropolitan areas for decades. As an estimated 3,000 – 3,600 circuit miles of this oil-filled underground infrastructure reach end-of-life, stakeholders – asset managers, manufacturers, construction companies, and the public – are looking for different options to maintain reliable power delivery at a reasonable cost while mitigating any negative aspects of maintenance and conversion activities.
You will learn about one emerging solution – the development of novel cable systems which combine well-known and reliable pipe-type components with customized extruded insulation systems and elastomeric stress control parts for joints and terminations.
The webinar is co-sponsored and moderated by PDi2, an organization of suppliers, consultants and stakeholders promoting the long-term value of undergrounding the electric grid.