Earlier this year, ComEd unveiled what the company calls an emergency roadside charger to support its growing electric vehicle fleet across northern Illinois. The self-contained portable charging system built by Vanair (https://vanair.com/epeq-mobile-support-kit/), a Lincoln Electric Company, can be loaded into any ComEd service truck, providing approximately 30 miles of range during a one-hour charge for […]

An estimated 4,000 roadway safety and transportation professionals are expected to attend the 55th annual ATSSA Convention & Traffic Expo, which will take place February 28 to March 4, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Produced by the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the 2025 show will feature an updated format, […]

Utility fleets have many reasons to implement a safe driving program. Besides the obvious – to reduce the risk of accidents and protect the lives of fleet drivers – lowering crash rates can also save fleets costs related to vehicle repairs, rental costs, decreased productivity, vehicle downtime, insurance premium increases and high-dollar lawsuits. If you’re […]

Is the dream of vehicle electrification dead or just delayed a bit? Earlier this year, legacy auto manufacturers announced they would slash electric vehicle production and pivot toward hybrid vehicles. These dramatic changes were in response to the drop-off in consumer demand for EVs and the Biden administration’s announcement of a new technology-neutral approach based […]

Bucket trucks are a big investment, so when the time comes to purchase a new one, it’s important to get it right. Beyond spec’ing bucket trucks based on the application and operating conditions, it’s also important to spec them for safety. Representatives from two bucket truck manufacturers – Altec and Terex Utilities – recently spoke […]

Insulating aerial devices and digger derricks are used to provide a level of protection to their operators and ground personnel who work around energized power lines. Following established safe work procedures is critical, as is testing and maintaining the equipment so that it continues to provide the insulation users expect. You cannot simply look at […]

Creating and maintaining a comprehensive shop safety policy is essential for any utility fleet. Both James Kuha, transportation operations supervisor at Central Hudson Gas & Electric (CenHud), and Brian Johnson, fleet engineering and technical services manager at Alabama Power Co., emphasize the importance of a robust safety framework that prioritizes employee well-being and operational efficiency. […]

Imagine this scenario: A utility crew heads out to repair a downed power line. As they arrive at the site, the truck’s vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system automatically transmits specific details about the work zone perimeter, the presence of crew members, and even the location of extended bucket trucks and other equipment. Vehicles approaching the area receive […]