The Publisher's Note

As the energy crisis continues to gather momentum, segments of the electrical industry are in the position to help provide solutions. Others are readying themselves with solutions for when power woes hit their part of the country. Contributing Editor Jack Foster explores the current state of the nation's “Energy Blues” (page 17), visiting with several segments of the electrical industry.

“The type of crisis they're facing in California will be seen everywhere,” says Bill Attardi, Attardi Marketing, Colts Neck, N.J. “In areas where there are large populations and high energy usage coupled with high costs, we will see similar situations.” Susan Bloom, manager of market research and public relations, Advance Transformer Co., Rosemont, Ill., agrees. Of course, this offers increased focus on energy-efficient products and huge potential for manufacturers, distributors and reps.

This month's cover story (page 18) takes a look at one small distributor that is helping to provide solutions to California's energy crisis. Assistant Editor Brendan O'Bryhim visits with Bruce Hammett, president of WECS Electric Supply Inc., Palm Springs, Calif., to learn more about wind-energy solutions. WECS (Wind Energy Conversion Systems) supplies electrical components for the wind-energy industry.