T&D World•February 05, 2026•1 min read
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation’s, an energy delivery company, subsidiaries Florida City Gas and
Florida Public Utilities
have been recognized as 2025 Utility Customer Champions by Escalent, a data analytics and advisory firm serving the energy and utility industry.
The two utilities are among 36 providers nationwide honored for delivering exceptional service and demonstrating a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
The Utility Customer Champion designation is based on Escalent's complete research and analysis of customer experiences across the industry.
Both Florida City Gas and Florida Public Utilities achieved scores of 769 under Escalent's Engaged Customer Relationship Index.
Florida Public Utilities received the Customer Champion designation for the first time, while Florida City Gas was recognized for fourth time by Escalent. Florida City Gas was named a 2024 Customer Champion, 2023 Easiest to Do Business With Brand, and 2022 Most Trusted Utility Brand among residential customers

T&D World2 min readWhen Winter Storm Fern knocked out power and caused damage throughout the Southwest, the Mid-Atlantic, and into the Northeast, line crews packed their bags, stocked their trucks, and hit the road. According to the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), more than 65,000 mutual assistance workers from 44 states responded to the storm. As of Jan. 31, EEI reported that power had been restored to more than 865,000 customers through around-the-clock restoration efforts. "Industry crews continue working through challenging conditions to restore power safely and as quickly as possible to every customer who is able to receive it," said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney. "The massive mutual assistance mobilization, strong cross-industry coordination, and industry-government partnership have enabled this effective response, as have our companies' grid strengthening investments." Challenges, however, still remain. For example, lineworkers faced dangerously cold temperatures, treacherous roads and falli


T&D World4 min readAmid a genuine energy affordability crisis, U.S. utilities appear largely committed to business as usual. Consumer electric bills are rising faster than inflation during a period of widespread economic uncertainty , and energy costs were a ballot issue in last fall’s gubernatorial races. Meanwhile, surging demands for power and a more resilient grid are pushing the system toward expensive overbuild, with utilities seeking $31 billion in rate hikes in the past 12 months. Utilities should draw on decades of pilot programs on demand flexibility and grid enhancing technologies to help solve the affordability crisis. If they do, they’ll earn well-deserved credit — and if not, they will most certainly deserve the blame. Utilities are vital to scaling the AI industry, whose electricity needs are driving the sharp increase in U.S. demand forecasts. Governors want the expanded tax base that comes with data centers, but only if ratepayers are shielded from unnecessary spending. Similarly, the fe


Following its recognition as Best Active Fire Safety Product at the Intersec Awards 2026, Hochiki Europe’s ACD multi sensor with CO is gaining momentum across the fire safety sector. The award-winning device is being adopted in live environments where accurate early detection, reduced false alarms and operational resilience are essential. The ACD multi sensor with CO combines smoke, heat and carbon monoxide sensing within a single intelligent detector. By assessing multiple indicators of combustion, it can provide faster, more reliable detection than traditional single- or dual-technology devices, while minimising unwanted activations caused by non-threatening conditions. This capability is increasingly important as buildings become more complex in design and use, with spaces that vary widely in layout and occupancy patterns. Built for flexibility, the sensor offers 24 EN-approved configurable operating modes, allowing system designers to tailor detection behaviour to specific risk pro


T&D World1 min readChesapeake Utilities Corporation’s, an energy delivery company, subsidiaries Florida City Gas and Florida Public Utilities have been recognized as 2025 Utility Customer Champions by Escalent, a data analytics and advisory firm serving the energy and utility industry. The two utilities are among 36 providers nationwide honored for delivering exceptional service and demonstrating a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. The Utility Customer Champion designation is based on Escalent's complete research and analysis of customer experiences across the industry. Both Florida City Gas and Florida Public Utilities achieved scores of 769 under Escalent's Engaged Customer Relationship Index. Florida Public Utilities received the Customer Champion designation for the first time, while Florida City Gas was recognized for fourth time by Escalent. Florida City Gas was named a 2024 Customer Champion, 2023 Easiest to Do Business With Brand, and 2022 Most Trusted Utility Brand among residential cu


IONITY has opened a new high-power EV charging hub in Birmingham, which it describes as its most urban UK location to date. The site, on the A4540 in Aston, provides 12 ultra-rapid chargers offering up to 400 kW – and it’s all powered using renewable energy, ensuring a clean charging experience. While there aren’t many EVs that can top out at 400 kW, with just the Lotus Emeya and BMW iX3 capable of such feats, it theoretically means that those vehicles can charge from 10 to 80% in around 15 minutes. In real world conditions, especially in the cold winter, it’s unlikely that many will actually enjoy those speeds – but it should still be a welcome option for those looking for a rapid charger. That’s especially important as rapid chargers aren’t always selected for city centre locations. Instead, you’ll more commonly find destination chargers in urban locations, with rapid chargers typically selected for sites such as motorway service stations. So, why did IONITY choose to install its lat


T&D World2 min readErgodyne launched a redesigned hi-vis collection shaped directly by the voices of the people who wear it every day. “We listened closely to what workers had to say about our existing line as well as other options on the market," said Ergodyne Product Manager Kris Wolle-Wayne. "Fit issues really led the way across the board and became our focal point for re-imagining the entire collection." Industry reporting highlights that the challenges of ill-fitting PPE go far beyond discomfort: poor fit can increase hazard exposure and reduce performance on the job . The challenges are particularly pronounced for women in the trades. Studies show a significant portion of tradeswomen have struggled to find properly fitting PPE , with many reporting exposure to hazards due to poor fit. These experiences underscore the fact that fit influences not only comfort and productivity but real safety outcomes. New Women's Hi-Vis Collection The cornerstone of the launch is Ergodyne’s new women’s line of hi-vi


T&D World2 min readGE Vernova Inc. has completed its acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Prolec GE, its former joint venture with Xignux. The transaction, first announced in October 2025, closed after receiving required regulatory approvals. The purchase price was $5.275 billion, funded with a mix of cash and debt. Prolec GE is an electrical equipment supplier in North America with approximately 10,000 employees and seven manufacturing sites in the Americas, including five in the United States. The company manufactures transformers and transformer components for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution and provides related services. The acquisition consolidates Prolec GE following three decades as a joint venture. GE Vernova Chief Executive Officer Scott Strazik said, “We’re excited to reach this important milestone with our first sizable acquisition as a standalone public company and welcome the Prolec GE team into GE Vernova. We are building on a decades-long partnership and combini


T&D World2 min readSuper Bowl LX will take place on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, bringing significant national and international attention to the Bay Area. In advance of the game and related events, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has been conducting preparations to support safe and reliable electric and gas service for customers throughout Super Bowl week. PG&E’s planning efforts began in September, ahead of the announcement of the participating teams. Crews have focused on readiness for event venues across the Bay Area to help ensure continuity of service during Super Bowl-related activities. Levi’s Stadium is served primarily by Silicon Valley Power (SVP). PG&E supports SVP as a transmission service provider, including delivering power to the stadium’s substation. Across the broader Bay Area, PG&E has coordinated with local governments and public safety partners to support preparedness and safety efforts associated with Super Bowl events. “This week is abou


Australian households installed almost as many home batteries in the six months to the end of 2025 as they did in the previous five years combined, setting a new national record as families and businesses look to cut power bills and boost energy independence. The Clean Energy Council’s bi-annual Rooftop Solar and Storage Report (July–December 2025) shows more than 183,245 battery units were sold in the second half of last year, a four-fold increase on the same period in 2024. That figure represents 99% of all battery sales made between 2020 and 2024 and brings total household battery installations to 454,753 nationwide. ADVERTISEMENT Rooftop solar uptake remained strong, with more than 139,080 systems installed in the latter half of 2025. While overall solar installations eased slightly across the year, falling to 254,664 systems from 300,375 in 2024, rooftop solar continues to expand its contribution to the grid, supplying 14.2% of Australia’s electricity in 2025, almost double its sh


Exus Renewables has entered the UK and Irish renewable energy markets, opening a new regional office in Cambridge as part of its international expansion. The move follows the appointment of Declan Keiley as UK & Ireland Country Manager, with a local team now being established to develop partnerships and identify investment and service opportunities. Exus Renewables, which is headquartered in Madrid, works across the development, acquisition and long-term management of renewable energy assets. The firm said it intends to work with local developers in the UK and Ireland, as well as offer services to third-party assets, as it builds a presence in both markets. Declan Keiley, UK and Ireland Country Manager for Exus Renewables, noted, “We are extremely pleased to enter the UK and Ireland markets at such an exciting time in their renewable energy transitions. As the dust settles on grid reform, we are keen to establish long-term development partnerships and extend our proven asset manage


The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water has opened an inquiry into the reuse and recycling of solar panels, seeking written submissions from industry, researchers and the public. The inquiry will examine how Australia currently manages ageing and decommissioned solar panels, the scale of the waste challenge and projected future impacts. It will assess the environmental and economic benefits of reuse versus recycling and the risks of landfill disposal, while exploring opportunities to recover valuable materials from end-of-life panels. ADVERTISEMENT “As the amount of solar generation installed across the nation continues to grow, it is critical to examine the end-of-life plan for solar infrastructure. This inquiry will examine the current and future impacts of solar waste and the state of Australia’s solar panel reuse and recycling capabilities,” House of Representatives Standing Committee chair Anne Urquhart says. “To progress Au


T&D World3 min readGreat River Energy , ITC Midwest and Xcel Energy announced that they have submitted an application for a Certificate of Need to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a group of proposed electric transmission lines known as PowerOn Midwest. The project includes a new 765-kilovolt (kV) backbone transmission line and related upgrades intended to support electricity delivery and connect new sources of power to the regional grid. PowerOn Midwest consists of a series of new transmission projects centered on a 765 kV line that would connect to the existing grid in eastern South Dakota, extend across southern Minnesota and link to the broader regional system. In Minnesota, the transmission line is proposed to connect the Lakefield, Pleasant Valley and North Rochester substations in Jackson, Mower and Olmstead counties. “PowerOn Midwest is a vital investment for Minnesota and the entire Upper Midwest,” the utility partners stated. “By strengthening the transmission system, these transmi


National Grid has teamed up with Atos to launch a new digital twin and data visualisation tool intended to speed up electricity network planning as demand grows to meet decarbonisation targets across the UK. The tool, dubbed Triton, provides a long-term view of expected electricity demand growth across the network by mapping forecasts at grid supply points and transmission substations. This, the companies argue, should help target investment and reinforcement to the areas most likely to need upgrades. It works by creating a digital replica of National Grid’s physical infrastructure, using the underlying data to run network scenarios. It’s claimed that the approach can reduce the time required to analyse options and decide where to reinforce the network by 70%. At a time when the grid is under pressure from electrification – including electric vehicles, heat pumps, large industrial loads and the rapid growth of data centres – tools that can reduce planning friction are increasingly bein


Pulse Clean Energy has announced that its 30MW/60MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at Town Lane, Charnock Richard, near Chorley in Lancashire, is now operational. The site becomes Pulse Clean Energy’s eighth operational project since 2023, as battery storage continues to be positioned as a key tool for maintaining grid stability while renewable generation expands. Located on a former scrapyard, the brownfield site has been redeveloped into an energy storage facility designed to support the national power network by absorbing surplus electricity when generation is high and exporting it back to the grid during periods of higher demand. Pulse Clean Energy says the project will provide balancing services for the network as wind and solar deployment grows across the North West. The company claims the two-hour duration site can ‘power over 65,000 homes for an hour’, and that it will help prevent around 2,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year – figures it equates to removing 700 diesel


T&D World2 min readNational Grid has introduced Triton, a new digital twin and data visualization tool designed to support electricity network planning. The tool was developed in collaboration with Atos and is intended to help National Grid plan for future electricity demand as part of efforts to meet Great Britain’s decarbonization objectives. Triton provides a visual platform that shows projections of electricity demand across the network by mapping expected growth at grid supply points and transmission substations. The platform creates a digital replica of the physical network and can process and manage extensive datasets. According to National Grid, this capability is expected to support network scenario analysis and planning and could reduce the time needed to analyze and make reinforcement decisions by up to 70%. The tool consolidates data from distribution network operators and transmission owners and automates complex processes to enable scenario modelling. Triton is designed to integrate with Na


T&D World4 min readLooq AI, an exhibitor at Distributech in Booth #UL423, today announced the launch of qPole. This AI-enabled solution is designed to make the power grid more reliable and resilient by training AI models to understand utility poles the same way experienced engineers do, based on physical structure, geometry, materials and real-world context. About the Technology The U.S. power grid consists of an estimated 180 million to 200 million distribution poles — some aging, some in areas with extreme weather. Utilities face growing pressure to comply with state mandates for wildfire risk reduction and storm hardening. Accurate pole data has become a critical foundation for grid reliability, yet it is still largely collected and processed using a slow, manual and inconsistent workflow. Currently, thousands of utility contract companies work around the clock to complete detailed Pole Load Analysis (PLA). Geophysical reasoning is a way to understand physical objects, such as poles, in both 2D and 3D


National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) has secured what it says is its biggest long-term flexibility portfolio to date, awarding 196GWh of flexibility availability through its latest annual tender. The tender round, which National Grid DSO said closed in November, expands the volume of flexibility it has contracted to help manage constraints on the distribution network – a role that is becoming more important as electrification increases and more renewable generation connects at local level. Cathy McClay, Managing Director of National Grid DSO, noted, “This year’s results show real momentum behind flexibility as a smarter, more efficient way to operate the electricity network and ultimately drive down costs for consumers. “We’re delighted to have delivered our largest long-term tender yet and to see such a positive response to our new Flex Up service. It’s a strong foundation as we continue to expand and evolve our local flexibility markets.” National Grid DSO said the 2025


The UK could unlock £22.55 billion of economic benefits by 2035 if it were to accelerate the decarbonisation of residential heating, according to a new report from Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK). The report, dubbed From Carbon to Competitiveness: The UK Opportunity Associated with Decarbonising Residential Heating , comes amid the backdrop of the recently-released Warm Homes Plan. That plan pledged new money towards continued financing towards heat pumps, as well as new funding for solar and batteries , but stopped short of banning gas boilers – which could impact sales of heat pumps. Despite not receiving the boost that could help supercharge the installation of heat pumps, HPA UK is keen to stress that installing the technology could have huge economic benefits – on top of the already well-established decarbonisation benefits. That’s because, according to its report, electrifying home heating – “primarily through hydronic heat pumps” – could increase total Gross Value Added (GVA)


Australian construction workers are returning to safer sites, according to new work-related fatality data from Safe Work Australia , but industry leaders are being warned that progress must not lead to complacency. Figures show 167 workplace-related fatalities were recorded in 2025, down from 188 the previous year. Construction was among several traditionally high-risk industries to record an improvement, alongside transport, agriculture and manufacturing. ADVERTISEMENT The Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) says the decline reflects stronger safety leadership, better training and greater worker involvement across sectors like building and construction, but stresses that the risks on worksites remain significant. AIHS chair Celia Antonovsky says every fatality is one too many, particularly in industries where workers are exposed to complex, high-risk environments every day: “Construction sites are dynamic, fast-moving workplaces and while it’s encouraging to see fatalit


T&D World2 min readThe Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, has directed the Ontario Energy Board to designate Hydro One Networks to develop and construct a new priority transmission line in the Greenstone region. The transmission line, expected to be operational in 2032, will provide additional capacity to the area and improve reliability for northern communities once completed. The line is also expected to drive economic development and support Indigenous community growth. The proposed project is a single-circuit 230 kV transmission line, designed to support a future second circuit and will be connected to the existing 230-kV infrastructure (the East-West Tie) near Nipigon Bay. The line will extend to Longlac Transformer Station where a new 230-kV station will connect to the existing 115-kV circuit and continue to or near Aroland First Nation, terminating at a new 230-kV switching station with associated station facilities. Through Hydro One's First Nation 50-50 Equity Partnership Mo
