Comverge Launches First ZigBee-Enabled Demand Response System
East Hanover, N.J.-based Comverge, Inc., recently launched the nation's first ZigbBee-enabled demand response program as part of a pilot sponsored by the Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies (CCET), Austin, Texas. Using ZigBee-enabled demand response thermostats, SuperStat, and digital control units (DCUs), Comverge successfully executed load control operations from its hosted data center in Atlanta to selected residents in Houston. The CCET pilot is designed to integrate demand response systems with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology. The Houston pilot is being conducted across 500 homes within the CenterPoint Energy, Houston, service territory and includes retail electric provider participation from Houston-based Reliant Energy, Dallas-based TXU Energy, and Houston-based Direct Energy.

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Design-Build Bills Signed into Law
Design-bid bills were signed into law in California, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas, according to the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), Washington, D.C. In addition, the fiscal year 2007 Bond Bill was amended by DE SB 148 to eliminate certain ambiguities in the provisions permitting the Dept. of Transportation to use the design-build procurement method on an experimental basis. The new language defines how a design-build procurement system works and applies federal standards for such contracts.

To read more on this topic, visit EC&M's Web site.

Report Predicts Bright Future
for OLEDs
In a recent report, Glen Allen, Va.-based NanoMarkets, LC, is predicting that organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) will "play a major role in lighting applications in the future." However, the organization is uncertain as to how soon this future will arrive and how deeply the devices will penetrate the market. In "Emerging Markets for OLED and Printed Lighting," NanoMarkets is estimating that the current $135.8 million OLED market will grow to almost $174 million in 2008 before increasing in 2009 and 2010 to $304 million and $619 million, respectively.

For more information on this story, visit EC&M's Web site.

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New Flip Clip from Cooper B-Line
The fastest, most inexpensive way to securely hang and level wire basket tray, saving installers time and money. The Flip Clip^™ can be used with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threaded rods, eliminating the need for multiple hanger sizes. The Flip Clip requires only one nut and one tool for installation. www.cooperbline.com/flipclip

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Electrical Construction Project in Pennsylvania
The Moon Area School District, Moon Township, Pa., will receive sealed proposals for electrical construction contract 076600-01 until 3 p.m. on January 15. For more information, contact Tim Brown, Eckles Architecture and Engineering, by fax at (724) 652-0751 or by email at tjb@ecklesgroup.com.

Energy-Efficiency Design Services
in Wisconsin
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College. Hayward, Wis., is seeking qualified providers of architectural and engineering services for holistic space planning and design and construction administration for several small renovation projects. Scope of work includes electrical design, along with a proposal for energy-saving mechanisms. Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m. on January 11. For more information, visit the college's Web site.

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Work Boots
You rely on a lot of things to get the job done. And now, you can add NES Rentals to that list. From scissor lifts to articulated booms, we've got the reliable aerial equipment you need. Call 800-NES-RENT or visit our site to learn more. www.NESRentals.com

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Web Exclusives
Business Brief
Philadelphia-based Lowry Electric, Heating & Cooling recently received a top 2007 international best practices award. Lowry was selected as the highest achiever in the Nexstar Select Service recognition program. More than 400 electrical, HVAC, and plumbing contractors comprise Nexstar, a business-development and best practices organization.

For more Business Briefs, visit EC&M's Web site.

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Mountable Nimbus
The NIMBUS offering from ILSCO contains a mountable version of the dual-sided configuration for use in troughs, wire ways, or panels. NIMBUS mountable connectors are available in up to 12 ports with a wire range of 750kcmil -- 6. Dual rated for copper or aluminum conductors. UL Listed through 500kcmil. NIMBUS features removable plugs for entry port closure that display both the ILSCO and NIMBUS names along with the largest conductor size each port will accept. www.ilsco.com

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Eye on Safety
Tamper-Resistant Electrical Outlets Required by 2008 NEC for New Home Construction in 2008
Effective Jan. 1, all 125V, 15A and 20A electrical receptacles in new residential construction must be tamper-resistant receptacles. These devices have built-in shutter systems that prevent foreign objects from touching electrically live components when they're inserted into the slots. The shutters protect against electrical burns without impairing normal plug insertion, removal, or function.

The move comes in an effort to better protect small children from suffering electrical burns when they accidentally insert items into conventional outlets. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data, approximately 2,400 children suffer electrical injuries each year from incidents involving electrical outlets or receptacles.

To educate the public about the change, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has developed an educational campaign to generate awareness. Videos, posters, bulletins and a public relations program are part of the program. NEMA estimates that tamper-resistant receptacles will add less than $50 to the cost of a new home's electrical system.


Shows and Events
Electric West
Year after year, electrical contractors, consultants, engineers, plant managers, and other electrical professionals make it their business to stay on top of the latest industry developments by attending the Electric West Conference, scheduled to be held in Las Vegas from Feb. 27-29. It provides the tools you need to become more efficient, work faster, more profitably and stay ahead of the competition. Categories include:

• Code changes & standards


• Safety


• Lighting


• Residential applications


• Industrial applications


• Business practices


• Home automation

For 2008, the Power Quality segment will be expanded into its own separate conference. For more information and to register, visit the Electric West Web site.