The Electric Link June 2023

Southwest Industrial Electric: A 6-Month Recap of Community Work, Tradeshows, and Milestones

It is hard to believe that six months of 2023 have already flown by. As we reflect on the first half of the year, we are thrilled to share with you a recap of the exciting community work, tradeshows, and other events that have taken place at Southwest Industrial Electric (SIE).

Starting with one of our core values, helping others; community involvement has always been a cornerstone of our company's values. Over the past six months, we have actively engaged in various initiatives to give back to the communities that have supported us throughout our journey. From hosting fundraising events and donation campaigns to running a neighborhood cleanup, we have been dedicated to making a positive impact. It has been a fulfilling experience, not only striving to make a difference but also teaming up with others and coming together to serve those in need.

In addition to our community work, we have also been actively participating in tradeshows and industry events. Shows such as ATX, Intersolar, and various ABC events. These gatherings provide us with an invaluable platform to showcase our expertise, connect with industry peers, and stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in our field. It's through these interactions that we continue to expand our knowledge base and ensure that we are always at the forefront of industry innovation. We are grateful for the opportunities these tradeshows have presented, allowing us to strengthen existing relationships and forge new partnerships.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming months and the opportunities they bring. We have several noteworthy projects in the pipeline, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth. As always, we remain committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring that our client's electrical needs are met with precision and efficiency.

This Date in Electrical History

June 16, 1893: The Electrifying Debut of AC Power Transmission

Welcome to "This Date in Electrical History," a new monthly column highlighting significant milestones in the world of electricity. In this edition, we travel back to June 16, 1893, to witness an electrifying event that would forever change the course of electrical power transmission.

In 1893 at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, an event that was created to highlight innovation and captivate visitors, the scientific juggernaut named Nikola Tesla unveiled his revolutionary invention that would reshape the future of electricity. On that day, Tesla, a brilliant electrical engineer and inventor, introduced his creation to the world, the alternating current (AC) power transmission system. This invention was poised to challenge the prevailing direct current (DC) system championed by Thomas Edison.

In front of a captivated audience, Tesla demonstrated the superior efficiency and range of AC power. With his high-frequency generators, he transmitted electrical energy across the exhibition hall, lighting up a series of incandescent bulbs, motors, and other electrical devices. The crowd marveled as they witnessed the power of AC in action, illuminating the potential of this remarkable innovation.

Tesla's AC system offered a groundbreaking solution for transmitting electricity over long distances. Unlike DC, which suffered from significant power loss over extended transmission lines, AC could be efficiently distributed across vast networks. This meant that electricity could be generated at power stations and transmitted to homes, businesses, and industries, revolutionizing the way we harness and utilize electrical energy.

The successful demonstration at the World's Columbian Exposition was a turning point in the battle between AC and DC systems. Tesla's AC power transmission gained recognition and support, ultimately leading to the widespread adoption of AC as the standard for electrical power distribution worldwide.

Today, we benefit immensely from Tesla's visionary contributions to electrical engineering. Our modern electrical grids, powering cities, factories, and homes, rely on the efficient transmission and distribution of AC power.

So on this significant date in electrical history, let's pause and acknowledge Nikola Tesla's remarkable achievement. His AC power transmission system revolutionized our lives, lighting the path for progress and powering the modern world.

Join us next month for another captivating story from electrical history.

Embracing Renewable Energy Solutions

At Southwest, we are committed to staying at the forefront of the electrical industry and ensuring that we deliver the highest quality services to meet your commercial and industrial needs.

As the demand for sustainable practices continues to grow, businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to power their operations. This can be solar power, wind energy, or other clean technologies that are becoming more accessible and affordable for commercial and industrial applications. As experienced, we are equipped to design and install renewable energy systems, helping your business reduce its environmental impact while saving on energy costs.

Advancements in Energy Storage Solutions

Energy storage is a key component of an efficient electrical system, enabling businesses to store excess energy during off-peak hours and use it during peak demand periods. Recent developments in battery technology have made energy storage more reliable and cost-effective. Lithium-ion batteries, for instance, offer high energy density and longer cycle life, making them ideal for commercial and industrial applications. At Southwest Industrial Electric, we specialize in designing and integrating cutting-edge battery energy storage solutions into your facility, allowing you to optimize energy usage, reduce utility expenses, and ensure a reliable power supply.

Did you know that during the summer, energy consumption tends to reach its peak due to increased cooling demands? Air conditioning systems, lighting, and other electrical equipment contribute to the surge in power usage, placing a strain on the grid and potentially leading to higher utility bills. This is where battery energy storage systems can play a significant role in mitigating these challenges.

By utilizing battery energy storage, you can strategically manage your energy consumption during peak hours. During off-peak periods, excess energy generated or obtained from renewable sources can be stored in batteries. Then, during peak demand hours, when electricity rates tend to be higher, the stored energy can be utilized, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering your overall energy costs.

Battery energy storage systems not only provide financial benefits but also enhance the resilience and reliability of your electrical infrastructure. They act as a backup power source during grid outages or unexpected disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted operation of critical equipment and minimizing downtime. This reliability can be particularly crucial for industries where even a momentary loss of power can lead to significant financial losses.

At Southwest, we understand the importance of effectively managing energy consumption, especially during peak demand periods. Our team of experts will work closely with you to assess your energy needs, design a customized battery energy storage solution, and seamlessly integrate it into your existing electrical system. By incorporating battery energy storage, you can take control of your energy usage, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Remember, proactive energy management is not only financially beneficial but also aligns with your commitment to environmental responsibility. Together, let's embrace the advancements in battery energy storage and create a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape.

If you have any questions or would like to explore how battery energy storage can benefit your business, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you in powering your success.

Meet the Team: Virginia Lindskog

Meet a member of our administrative staff, Virginia Lindskog. She is the Director of Tech Services. What that means is that she manages and coordinates all of the projects in production and helps ensure all customers are informed of all ongoing projects with updates on any engineering steps or specialty material purchases. She also helps take care of all the scheduling for our technicians out in the field.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“One thing I enjoy the most in my role is the contact with our customers. After working with some customers for over 5 years it makes me happy that they still call us and that we still are able to help resolve any of their electrical and machine issues, especially if their machines are down and production is at a standstill. It is especially rewarding to be able to re-direct a Foreman to help resolve those issues the same day, so that their production is minimally affected.”

Testimonials From Our Recent Work

“Both of your technicians, Doug and Jorge, worked on this project. Their service was and continues to be excellent. Both go above and beyond to ensure every job is completed to a high standard. We really appreciate their thoughtful approach. Also, customer service is great as well, from the scheduling side Virginia is great about communicating availability and working around our schedule.” – Steve

We are Full Service Industrial and Commercial Electrical Contractors. We can help with any electrical needs including Machine Service & Repair, Control Systems, Industrial Automation, Power Distribution, PV, EVC and BESS installation. We have managed thousands of projects for over 40 years, earning the trust of our clients and community through excellent execution and results.