A looming crisis? [HV engineering skills competency]

This article addresses an analysis of electric power disruptions from "inside the fence" causes over a four-year period in the global operations of a large chemical company. The underlying causes suggest problems in maintaining knowledge, skills, and experience in engineering, technical, and risk-management disciplines essential to power system operations. The authors have surveyed other large industrial companies to validate these findings and to project trends that could impact our industry. Survey results indicate that many of the respondents are heading down the same path. Industry procedures for performing electrical tasks are in need of improvement.