Evan R. Gaddis, President & CEO, NEMA

Rosslyn, VA, U.S.A. --- (METERING.COM) --- March 6, 2013 - The core principal of any major reconstruction effort following a major storm should be to “rebuild smart,” ensuring that reconstruction funds maximize the deployment of technologies to mitigate future power outages, save lives, and protect property, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) advocates in a new report.

Resilient and reliable power is critical for first responders, communications, healthcare, transportation, financial systems, water and wastewater treatment, emergency food and shelter, and other vital services, the report states. When smart technologies are in place, power outages are avoided and lives, homes and businesses are protected.

The report, Storm Reconstruction: Rebuild Smart, prepared following Superstorm Sandy, is aimed to assist federal, state, and local policymakers with solutions to harden the nation’s electric grid, improve its resilience to withstand and recover from severe weather, and improve energy efficiency.

“Severe weather, most recently Superstorm Sandy, coupled with an aging and overstressed electrical infrastructure is having a dramatic impact on the U.S. population. Sixteen states experienced outages during Sandy,” said NEMA president and CEO Evan R. Gaddis. “The core principal of any major reconstruction effort should be to rebuild smart.”

The report says that good examples of smart technologies are self-healing smart grid solutions – information and communications technologies such as smart meters and high-tech sensors to isolate problems and bypass them automatically; microgrids and backup generators that use their own power sources and storage capabilities to support vital services; and wiring, cabling, and electrical components that can stand up to high winds and flooding.

The report concludes stating that the 400-plus member companies of the NEMA and its staff of experienced engineers and electroindustry experts, spanning more than 50 industry sectors, stand ready to assist industry and government officials at all levels involved in storm reconstruction.