MKI has been a manufacturing representative since 1955. MKI continues to reinvest their success in their ability to serve their customers and manufacturers. They’re focused on developing a team with experience, technical know-how, and industry relationships. MKI’s core values of working hard, using unquestionable ethics, having fun, and respecting people are paramount to their company culture. How is the American energy grid structured? Michael Gallo: Generally speaking, high-voltage transmission lines carry power across the country. These branch down into distribution networks to supply homes and small businesses. California has the 2nd highest energy consumption in the country, behind Texas. It is one of the US’s top producers of oil, hydroelectricity, and solar power. Natural gas power plants make up almost half of California’s power generation. What resources are being used to generate power? The largest source of energy for power generation is fossil fuels. There is also Natural Gas, Coal, and Nuclear power generation. There is a growing desire for renewable energy sources, which include wind, hydro, and solar power. A senate bill was passed in 2018 here in California, which increases the renewable energy requirement for electric utilities from 50% in 2026 to 100% in 2045. What are the current hot topics for the energy supply market? Microgrids, energy resiliency and cybersecurity. Michael Gallo, Professional Engineer, MKI mkireps.com What kind of challenges are your customers facing? The supply chain is the most significant challenge. Equipment such as transformers, breakers, PTs, etc., are being held up and delaying projects. Sometimes small components or devices that are part of the larger assembly slow things down. Shipping has also been a challenge because products are held up from smaller components which delay the majority of inventory from being shipped. Finally, some component lead times may change after the estimated shipping date and orders have been provided. This is due to many factors, but adds to the overall frustration. When looking towards the future, where do you see the biggest challenges in the power sector and in general? The supply chain and freight really need to stabilize to allow for better estimations and scheduling. Thank you for the interview. ON SITE: OMICRON IN THE U.S. Michael Gallo from MKI gives us his insight into the power sector 30
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