Microgrids Explained: Benefits, Challenges, and the Path Forward

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Microgrids Explained: Benefits, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Microgrids are becoming increasingly more popular and important when it comes to supplying power.

Microgrids are local power grids that operate independently from the main (usually larger) power grid. They are integrated energy systems consisting of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources (DERs). They can operate as a singular entity or work in tandem with a grid, generating and storing their energy by way of renewable sources such as wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, and water.

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Arc Flash Incidents Don't Give Second Chances

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Arc Flash Incidents Don't Give Second Chances

With arc flashes being one of the most dangerous events in electrical systems, it’s important to know what you can do to prevent them from happening. The workplace is meant to be a safe environment. Arc flash assessments, which identify hazards and calculate risks, are the key to this safety. An arc flash assessment is conducted to determine the arc flash boundary. In turn, this boundary determines the PPE category needed to keep a worker safe when dealing with electrical hazards to reduce the risk of injury in case of an arc flash or shock. There are four categories of PPE. The farther from the electrical hazard you can be to sustain second-degree burns, the higher PPE category must be selected. The selected PPE must meet or exceed the potential incident energy level determined by the assessment. 

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New Round of State Grants Opens for Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Systems

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New Round of State Grants Opens for Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Systems

A new round of funding for the PA Small Water and Sewer Program is open for applications through April 30, 2025, to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, rehabilitation, or repair of water supply systems, sanitary sewer systems, and stormwater systems projects. The SSM team has acquired nearly $3,000,000 in the last few years in project funding from this exact loan distribution. We’re well-versed in assisting our clients with acquiring grant funds for their projects.

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Ensure Compliance with BEPP and Avoid Penalties

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Ensure Compliance with BEPP and Avoid Penalties

If you are a commercial building owner in the City of Philadelphia, you may be required to comply with a recent regulation called the Building Energy Performance Program (§9-3404Building Energy Performance Policy). This ordinance mandates that owners of buildings larger than 50,000 square feet complete a “Building Tune-Up” every five years. The deadline for compliance has passed. If you have not yet addressed this requirement, now is the time to act! Non-compliance may result in violation notices and monthly fines from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

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PA Department of Environmental Protection Launches Energy Efficiency Grant and Loan Program

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PA Department of Environmental Protection Launches Energy Efficiency Grant and Loan Program

The PA Department. of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) launched a new program to help local governments develop and implement energy efficiency upgrades for their buildings. The Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency (MORE) program offers grants to $50,000 each and loans to PA municipalities and municipal authorities that are ineligible for direct EECBG allocations. Applications are open now, and awards are first come, first served.

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Case Study: Radnor Township

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Case Study: Radnor Township

Developed a plan to achieve The Green Team of Radnor Township’s Ready for 100 commitments to transition township-wide to 100% clean energy for electricity by 2030 and for heat and transportation by 2050.

In addition, we provided engineering services to the Township for three main facilities in a feasibility study to identify the potential financial impact and set priorities for moving into design and implementation of improvements in accordance with the Township’s Ready for 100 goals, pursuant to the Renewable Energy and Conservation Plan.

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Enhancing Piping System Longevity: The Role of Nitrogen in Fire Sprinkler Systems

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Enhancing Piping System Longevity: The Role of Nitrogen in Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems play a crucial role in safeguarding facilities from the devastating effects of fires. For building owners who rely on dry pipe or pre-action sprinkler systems, a strategic switch from compressed air to nitrogen proves to be a functional solution for maximizing the lifespan of their piping systems.

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Tips for Oil Water Separators (OWS)

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Oil water separators (OWS) are a vital part of protecting the environment from hydrocarbon releases. Although typically out of sight and mind, they quietly do their part when properly maintained. The coalescing media is the essential element for attaining acceptable oil discharge limits. However, the coalescing media is also most susceptible to solids obstructing proper oil separation. When solids and hydrocarbons are not removed regularly, they can cause unwanted sludge buildup in the system and poor effluent characteristics.

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