After showing positive momentum during the fourth quarter of 2010, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) slipped almost four points in January. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. Washington, D.C.-based American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the January ABI score was 50.0, down from a reading of 53.9 the previous month. This score reflects stable demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.5, down sharply from a mark of 61.6 in December. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions climbed to 69.6 in February, up 6 points from January’s reading of 63.6. The index has topped 60 points in each of the last four months, indicating a sustained improvement in the economic environment facing a broad cross-section of electrical equipment manufacturers. A reading above 50 indicates more panelists reported better conditions compared to the previous month than reported worse conditions. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
The governing board of the public-private Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) has voted in favor of a new standard important for two-way data communications between utilities and their customers, bringing the next-generation smart electrical power grid a step closer to reality. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
Recently signed by San Francisco’s mayor, Edwin Lee, the Existing Commercial Building Energy Performance Ordinance will require non-residential buildings to make annual energy-usage reports available to the public. In addition, the new city code mandates that buildings over 10,000 sq ft. complete an energy efficiency audit every five years. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
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The City of Lake Forest, Calif., is requesting bids for Phase 2 of its street light improvements project. The deadline for bids is 2 p.m. PST on March 1. For more information, visit the Lake Forest website.
The New Jersey Water Supply Authority, Clinton, N.J., is accepting sealed bids for construction of a building structure over the intake pump station at the Manasquan Reservoir System, Monmouth County, N.J., including installation of new controls, such as a new 480/277V motor control center and electrical distribution panels for 480/277V and 208/120V loads in the existing electrical room. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10 a.m. EST on March 16. The deadline for bids is 2 p.m. EST on April 7. For more information, visit NJ.com.
The Design-Build Institute of America has expanded the reach of its certification program. Associate DBIA now recognizes design-build expertise for pre-award professionals, emerging professionals, and experienced practitioners new to design-build. For more Industry News, visit the EC&M website.
December U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $446.76 million, according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (AMTDA). This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was up 40.9% from November and up 104.8% when compared with the total of $218.16 million reported for December 2009. With a year-to-date total of $3.24 million, 2010 is up 85.3% compared with 2009. To read more about U.S. manufacturing technology consumption, visit the EC&M website.
Albertville, Ala.-based FABCO Equipment Co., manufacturers of custom conveyors and material handling equipment, was recently issued 19 safety and health citations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). According to OSHA, FABCO received citations for electrical deficiency as well as failure to use lockout/tagout procedures. Estimated penalties total $71,764. According to the agency, FABCO has 15 business days from the time violations were issued to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings.
The International Security Conference (ISC) West will take place from April 5-8 in Las Vegas. Tracks at this year's education sessions include dealer, installer, integrator technology; security, and access control. For more information and to register, visit the conference website.
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