Knowledge is Power — Are You Ready for the Future?

Some four centuries ago, English author and philosopher Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.” While his observation might be a cliché today, it is no less true. The question I want to pose is this: Do you have the knowledge and therefore the power, you need to prepare successfully for the future?

Upon my return from Utility Construction EXPO’09 in Phoenix, where I was sworn in as NUCA’s President, I began to think about all the knowledge I gained during the educational sessions. Led this year by NUCA associate members and exhibitors, the sessions were some of the most informative and timely that I’ve attended. This kind of professional education is truly one of the great benefits of EXPO attendance and one that more NUCA members should take advantage of.

What we had this year were some of the brightest people in their fields who were able to explain clearly and in depth the issues related to such things as biofuel quality. Why is something like that important? The successful utility contractor 10 years from now will be operating equipment that is different from that being used today. The changes will be the result of new technology combined with changing regulations.

Take for example California’s In-Use Rule covering off-road mobile diesel fleets. While the goals of reducing both particulate mater (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) may be beneficial to our planet, the reality is that contractors will have to switch to newer equipment in order to comply with the anticipated fleet reporting requirements. While there are efforts to delay these requirements, the delay may or may not happen; eventually these requirements will become a fact of life. It is also quite possible that once California’s requirements for emissions go into effect in 2010 other states will begin to adopt the new standards. Are you ready to report your emissions? If you are like me, the answer is no. However, I am now in a better position to prepare myself to report them simply because I spent an hour listening to an expert in Phoenix.

The aforementioned changes and others like them in our industry are fast becoming a reality and to survive we must be prepared. The first step to take is the one I took in Phoenix. I took the time to educate myself on both new equipment technology and upcoming regulations. It was in my opinion time well spent because it was time invested in the future of my company and the future of everyone and everything dependent upon it.

Don’t end up being unprepared. Find out what you need to know now. NUCA is here to help.

Regards,


     Lyle Schellenberg