Power consumers in the dark

Article Abstract:

Hurricane Bob demonstrated that the Long Island Lighting Co (Lilco) utility company, New York Telephone Co and the news media were unprepared to deal with the public in the event of a natural disaster. Lilco was better prepared for Hurricane Bob in Aug 1991 than it was for Hurricane Gloria in 1985, restoring power to 380,000 customers within six days instead of the projected seven. In that time, 1,041 repair crews fixed 219 transformers, restrung 74 miles of wire and cable, erected 214 utility poles and replaced 2,313 fuses. Customers who tried to call the Lilco emergency number made hundreds of attempts before getting through. Many of the 159,000 who did get through received little useful information. Scores of extra lines to Lilco's emergency call center were set up, but at least one New York Telephone operator did not know that and could not relay the information when queried by a customer. Newspapers failed to report the additional emergency telephone numbers for a few days and radio stations offered little but storm-related information.

Telephone communications, exc. radio, Electric services, Services, Telephone companies, Customer service, Natural disasters, Power failures, Repair, Telecommunications, Telephone Company, Disaster Management, Utilities, Long Island Lighting Co., LIL, New York Telephone Co., Power Failure

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The measurement explosion

Article Abstract:

The explosive growth and advancements in measurement technology offer both advantages and disadvantages. Measurement is the basic tool of scientists and engineers, but improved technologies can result in overdoing measurement activities. Advancements include the ability to capture data at higher speeds and at finer discrimination levels, more sophisticated sensors, increasing availability of low-cost memory and the ability to input and manipulate more massive amounts of data at a faster rate. These advancements can enable the development of new ways to utilize and combine data to the advantage of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, these advancements can result in storing vast amounts of data that may never be processed, overmeasurement just because of the availability of storage and the encouragement of a more conservative engineering and entrepreneurial culture.

Technology, Cost benefit analysis, Measurement, Impact Analysis

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A powerful time

Article Abstract:

The 25th anniversary issue of IEEE Spectrum reviews many of the scientists, engineers, events, and developments that have had a major impact on the engineering profession and electronics industry in the last 25 years. Specific articles and essays cover such topics as milestones in the industry, trends, 'endangered species' and how the media portrays the industry. A survey of engineers reveals how the industry perceives itself.

Electrical engineering, Electronic Industry, Industry Analysis, Image, Professionalism

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