Powerline Magazine is EGSA’s flagship quarterly publication, offering in-depth articles on the latest business and technical topics in onsite power generation.
Summer 26
2026 Fall Conference Preview: Powering Data Centers
Understanding UL 3141 and Power Control Systems Page 28 Why Emissions Systems Fail in Real Installations Page 34
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EGSA 2026 FALL CONFERENCE • September 13-15 • Washington, DC
POWERING LEADERSHIP: Insights from President Bush
J oin us for a powerful closing session featuring President George W. Bush, as he shares candid reflections on leadership, navigating complex challenges on the global stage, and the importance of advocacy. In this engaging fireside chat, President Bush will offer perspectives shaped by his time in office and discuss the principles that continue to guide leaders in times of uncertainty and change. Moderated by EGSA Board Director, David Vennie of Worldwide Power Products, the conversation will explore lessons that resonate across industries, including the onsite power generation community. Attendees will gain valuable insights on resilience, accountability, and leading with clarity in high-stakes environments. As the capstone to the EGSA Fall Conference, this memorable session will leave attendees inspired and energized with practical insights to carry forward into their organizations and leadership journeys while also serving as a launchpad for EGSA’s first-ever Hill Day meetings with legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill directly following the conference. This special session is proudly sponsored by Gillette Generators, an EGSA Power Partner supporting innovation and leadership across the industry. Find out more about EGSA’s Fall Conference on page 23.
CONTENTS toring arded as the predominant cause of long-term degradation and HV and EHV) equipment. Partial discharge is a small discharge specifically local to a defect in the insulation, Figure 1. Over time by disproportionate electrical stress across the defect site, will tion until it leads to a catastrophic failure. It is reported that 85% of ted. miliar phenomenon to many electrical engineers and asset operators g is performed while the equipment is energized at normal g is conducted during normal operating conditions; under
Vol. 61 No.2 | Summer 26
COLUMNS Editor’sDesk..................................................5 FromtheTop..................................................7 A Message from EGSA’s CEO Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Building the Future of Onsite Power Generation Education – Together! Distributor/Dealer Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 What’s New: Building Momentum Through Practical Engagement LegalNews&Updates........................................16 Five OSHA Citation Issues Data Center Contractors May Not See Coming Engineering Sub-Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Don’t Settle for “Better than Nothing”: Exercise Standby Systems with Load Microgrid&RenewablesCommittee.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Understanding UL 3141 and Power Control Systems Veterans Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Progress, Partnerships, and Pathways FEATURES Feature..................................................... 23 EGSA Fall 2026 Conference Preview Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Power Players: Why Lobbying Is Essential for the OnSite Power Generation Industry Advertorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Future of Growth in the Generator Service Industry: People, Leadership, Legacy, and a New Model for Partnership White Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Why Emissions Systems Fail in Real Installations (and How to Prevent It) White Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Practical Application of On-Line Partial Discharge Monitoring for the Improvement of Long-Term Power Reliability in Data Centers White Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Benefits of No-Load Exercising for Diesel Generators EGSA NEWS CalendarofEvents.............................................6 NewMembers...............................................14 Member Profile: Semler Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
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Calculation example on simplified defect in polyurethane stresses, and vibration levels. It is a non-destructive test and does ld adversely affect the equipment.
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37
r Failure Due to Undetected PD Activity, Location Un-Disclosed
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33kV), High Voltage (HV: 33kV to 220kV), Extra High Voltage (EHV, 220kV to 760kV)
Thank you to our 2026 Power Partners!
SERVICE INFORMATION For Subscriber orders, change of address, reprints, and back issues (when available), contact: PO Box 73206 Washington, DC 20056 561-750-5575 info@egsa.org • EGSA.org
EGSA STAFF Mir Mustafa, CEO Marc Charon, COO/CFO Jennifer Nekuda, Executive Director of Education Beth Helberg, Executive Director of Membership Experience Katherine Sims, Manager of Membership Experience
2026 EGSA Officers Chair Lee Newton, Bay Power Solutions Vice Chair Sean Collins, Governors America Corp. Treasurer Justin Mitros, ASCO Power Technologies Secretary Michael Sanford, Integra Immediate Past Chair Daniel Barbersek, AKSA Power Generation 2026 EGSA DIRECTORS Kendall Archer, Mall Energy Anthony (Tony) Domenici, Bay City Electric Works Meghan Eyvindsson, STAMFORD | AvK
Powerline is published four times per year on a quarterly basis. Articles and information submitted for publication should be forwarded to the attention of the Editor at the address above 30 days prior to publication. Technical articles and articles of general interest to the electrical generation industry are actively sought and encouraged. Powerline reserves the right to limit information appearing in its pages to that which, in its sole discretion, will reflect positively on EGSA and the industry which it serves. Through- out every issue of Powerline, trademark names are used. Rather than place a trademark symbol at every single such occurrence, we aver here that we are using the names in an editorial fashion only. EGSA has no intention of infringing on these trademarks.
Daniel Fischer, Schneider Electric Charlie Habic, Gillette Generators Corey Honl, Generac Power Systems David Vennie, Worldwide Power Products
Electrical Generating Systems Association PO Box 73206 Washington, DC 20056 561-750-5575 info@egsa.org • EGSA.org
4 | Summer 2026 POWERLINE
EDITOR’S DESK
Midyear Momentum
A look at what’s ahead for EGSA and our members this summer as we reach the midpoint of 2026
A s summer settles in, it’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2026. It’s been a busy and ex- citing year for EGSA, and we’re look- ing forward to keeping that momen- tum going as we prepare for our Fall Conference in Washington, DC. One of the highlights of every issue is welcoming the newest companies to the EGSA community (page 14). If you’re not sure whether your compa- ny is currently a member, we’d love to help. Reach out to the EGSA team, and we’ll confirm your membership status and get you connected with the many benefits available to members, including a listing in the EGSA Buying Guide and Directory. As we look toward the second half of the year, there is a great deal of en- ergy building across the association. From new initiatives and expanded programming to increased member engagement, EGSA continues to grow in ways that reflect the strength and innovation of our industry. We’re grateful for the participation of our members who help shape these ef- forts and bring fresh ideas forward through committees, events, and day- to-day involvement. This issue is especially exciting be- cause it marks a new chapter for Pow- erline . Beginning with this edition, the magazine is now fully digital, making it easier than ever to access and share with colleagues throughout the indus- try. Inside, you’ll find three insightful white papers, member profiles , and new recurring columns from the Dis- tributor/Dealer Committee and our partner, PowerChampions. These stories showcase the expertise, inno- Programs, Publications & Member Value
vation, and leadership that make the EGSA community so strong. Education continues to be at the heart of what EGSA does. Whether you’re just getting started in the industry or have decades of experience, we have training opportunities designed to help you grow. You’ll find an update from our Education Team on page 8, and on page 6, you will find our events calendar for the remainder of 2026. We’re always looking for new ways to help our members increase their visibility and share their successes. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Powerline Business Briefs , a new member benefit featured in Powerline Weekly . Each month, we’ll highlight member company news , including press releases, awards, promotions, new hires, product launches, business milestones, and other noteworthy up- dates. Another way EGSA is helping members showcase their accomplish- ments, strengthen their industry pres- ence, and stay connected with the onsite power generation community. We encourage you to send us your news so we can help share your story. Looking Ahead to Washington Our Fall Conference is shaping up to be one of our best yet. Along with the high-quality education and net- working opportunities you’ve come to expect from EGSA, we’re honored to welcome President George W. Bush as our closing keynote speaker on Tuesday afternoon. We’re grateful to Gillette Generators for sponsoring what is sure to be a memorable ses- sion. Find all the conference details on page 23. We’re also excited to introduce EGSA’s first-ever Capitol Hill Day. This new
Beth Helberg Executive Director, Membership Experience Editor, Powerline b.helberg@egsa.org
member-exclusive event allows at- tendees to meet with policymakers and help the story of our industry. It’s an important step in strengthen- ing EGSA’s advocacy efforts, and we hope you’ll consider being part of it. Learn more about the event and why advocacy is important on page 26. That engagement is also what makes EGSA such a valuable community. Whether it’s contributing thought leadership, attending conferences, volunteering on a committee, or sim- ply staying connected through our publications and programs, every interaction helps strengthen the net- work that supports our industry. We encourage you to stay involved, share your expertise, and take full advan- tage of the opportunities available to you as an EGSA member . Thank you for being part of EGSA. We hope you enjoy this issue of Pow- erline , and we look forward to see- ing many of you in Washington this September. l
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2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ELECTRICAL GENERATING SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION As of July 6
As each class is confirmed, we’ll continue adding locations and registration details to the EGSA website.
JULY July 13 Streamline Deployment with Multi-Voltage Transfer Switches PowerTalk Webinar July 14-16 Onsite Power Generation Basic School Virtual AUGUST August 4 EGSA Certification Bootcamp Virtual August 12 Interpreting Alternator Datasheets: Performance Curves and Reactances Explained PowerTalk Webinar
NOVEMBER November 17-19 Onsite Power Generation Basic School Virtual
August 17-20 Onsite Power Generation Advanced School Virtual
SEPTEMBER September 13 EGSA Certification Bootcamp Washington, DC September 13-15 Fall 2026 Conference Washington, DC OCTOBER October 6-8 Onsite Power Generation Basic School Nashville, TN (ASCO)
Find out more about EGSA Education and Events! education@egsa.org
EGSA Job Bank Guidelines l Free Job Postings for Members: EGSA Member companies can advertise job openings in the Job Bank at no cost, limited to positions within their own firms. l Non-Members and Third-Party Firms: A $300 fee applies for job postings by non-member companies or industry employment services. l Additional Options: Blind box ads (using the EGSA Job Bank address) are available upon request, and company logos can be included for an extra fee. l Posting Details: Ads are limited to ~50 words.
Visit EGSA.org/Careers to post! *EGSA reserves the right to refuse any advertisements.
6 | Summer 2026 POWERLINE
FROM THE TOP
A Message from EGSA’s CEO
A Season of Momentum: Looking Ahead to Fall in Washington, DC
play in promoting resilience, reliability, and grid security. From there, EGSA members will fan out across Capitol Hill, with EGSA’s policy positions in- hand, for member meetings with their representatives. Concurrently, senior executives from EGSA member com- panies and I will hold leadership-level sessions with relevant congressional committees. We will end the day with a cocktail reception on Capitol Hill. This is about more than a single day of meetings. It’s about establishing EGSA’s voice in Washington as a permanent fixture—one that policy- makers recognize and seek out when decisions affecting onsite power gen- eration are on the table. Our industry powers hospitals, data centers, man- ufacturing facilities, and emergency response operations. We deserve a seat at the table, and on September Whether you manufacture, distribute, install, service, or simply rely on gen- eration equipment, the conversations happening in Washington this fall will shape your business environment for years to come. I’d encourage every member—not just government affairs staff—to consider joining us. This is your industry, your livelihood, and your opportunity to be heard. 16th, we’re going to claim it! Why This Matters for You I highly encourage you not to wait and to register now, as we expect both the 2026 Fall Conference and Capitol Hill Day to sell out. I look forward to seeing you in DC this September. Until then, please enjoy the rest of your summer. l
tured keynote speaker at this year’s conference. Thank you, Charlie Hab- ic and Gillette Generators, for your generous sponsorship! Regardless of where you sit politically, there’s no denying the significance of hearing directly from someone who occupied the Oval Office during a pivotal era of American energy policy and national security. We’ve spent considerable time over the past several months de- veloping the questions for this conver- sation with our selected moderator, David Vennie of Worldwide Power Products, and I can promise you a substantive, thoughtful exchange that will resonate with everyone in our industry—from generator set manu- facturers to distributors to the techni- cians who keep critical power running when it matters most. Introducing EGSA’s First-Ever Capitol Hill Day But the keynote is only part of the sto- ry. On September 16, 2026, EGSA will host something we have never done before: a structured, association-wide Capitol Hill Day. For too long, our industry has gone without a unified voice in Washing- ton, even as the policies shaped on Capitol Hill—emissions regulations, grid resilience standards, infrastruc- ture funding, supply chain consider- ations—directly affect how we do business every single day. This year, we change that. Our Capitol Hill Day will open with a Lobbying 101 session, ensuring that whether you’re a seasoned advocate or have never set foot in a congres- sional office, you’ll walk in prepared and confident. We’ll hear from bipar- tisan guest speakers who understand the legislative landscape, and the important role that EGSA members
Mir M. Mustafa, JD Chief Executive Officer Electrical Generating Systems Association
A s I write this, summer is in full swing, and our industry contin- ues to demonstrate the resilience and innovation that defines onsite power generation. While the mas- sive demand for EGSA member’s products, services, and technologies has everyone working in overdrive, I find myself already looking ahead to autumn, when EGSA will gather in our nation’s capital for what promis- es to be one of the most consequen- tial conferences in our association’s history. This September 13 - 15, EGSA’s 2026 Fall Conference comes to Washing- ton, DC, and I want to take this op- portunity to tell you why your pres- ence matters more than ever. The conference’s theme is Powering Data Centers . While the highly informative educational sessions and multiple op- portunities for networking promise to make this is one of EGSA’s best con- ferences ever, there are a lot more reasons to attend. A Keynote-Worthy the Trip We are honored to welcome former President George W. Bush as a fea-
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EDUCATION Building the Future of Onsite Power Generation Education – Together!
Along the way, I earned degrees in Business Administration and Archi- tectural Engineering with an em- phasis in electrical power systems, completed a Master of Engineering in Project Management, became a licensed Professional Engineer, and have had the privilege of teaching university students for nearly fifteen years. Each of those experiences has reinforced one lesson: no matter where we are in our careers, learning never stops. Every project, every cus- tomer, every technological advance- ment, and every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and grow. That belief is one of the reasons I was both humbled and excited when I was asked to serve as EGSA’s Inter- im Executive Director of Education. My involvement with EGSA has been one of the most rewarding chap- ters of my professional career. Over the past three years, I have served on the Education Committee, pre- sented technical sessions at EGSA conferences, chaired the Reference Book Subcommittee, contributed to the Engineering Subcommittee, and, most recently, served on the EGSA Board of Directors. Accepting this new role meant stepping away from my position on the Board so I could devote my energy to advancing the Association’s educational mission. Today, I have the privilege of working alongside the EGSA staff, Board of Directors, Education Committee lead- ership, instructors, and countless vol- unteers who generously share their expertise to strengthen our industry. Before looking ahead, it’s important to recognize how far we’ve already come. EGSA’s education program wasn’t built overnight. It represents decades
of dedication from volunteers, in- structors, subject matter experts, and committee members, who be- lieved that sharing knowledge was one of the best investments they could make in our profession. Their efforts have educated thousands of professionals and established EGSA as one of the industry’s most re- spected sources of technical edu- cation. The work we’re undertaking today isn’t about replacing that lega- cy—it’s about building upon it. At the center of that legacy is the Onsite Power Generation Ref- erence Book , the fountainhead of knowledge and the cornerstone of all EGSA Education. As the sixth edi- tion nears completion, it continues to be a remarkable tradition spanning more than sixty-five years, capturing the collective experience of industry experts and serves as the technical foundation for our schools, courses, certifications, and future educational resources. It is, and will remain, the foundation upon which everything else is built.
Jennifer Nekuda Interim Executive Director of Education, EGSA
E ducation has always been more than the transfer of knowledge. It is how industries preserve hard- earned experience, prepare the next generation of professionals, and adapt to an ever-changing world. No- where is that more evident than in the onsite power generation industry. As technologies evolve, applications become more sophisticated, and the demand for resilient power continues to grow, our industry’s greatest asset will never be the equipment we man- ufacture or the systems we install. It will always be the people behind them. Throughout my career, education has been a constant thread. Over the past twenty-five years, I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of roles across the engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries. I spent twelve years as a consulting engineer before transitioning into manufac- turing, where I have spent the past thirteen years in technical, product management, and sales leadership roles. For the last five years, my work has focused exclusively on the onsite power generation industry.
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO ONSITE POWER ONSITE POWER GENERATION
SIXTH EDITION
8 | Summer 2026 POWERLINE
opportunities for members to learn, grow, and contribute. Each phase builds upon the last, ensuring that ev- ery improvement is thoughtful, tech- nically rigorous, and aligned with the needs of our members. One of the most important steps in that journey is establishing a stan- dardized curriculum managed by EGSA. Regardless of where a mem- ber attends a course—or how they participate—they should receive the same high-quality educational experi- ence grounded in consistent learning objectives and technical standards. That consistency benefits not only individual learners but also employ- ers who rely on EGSA education to develop knowledgeable, capable teams. At the same time, we’re rethinking how educational content is orga- nized. Instead of viewing schools and courses as standalone events, we’re designing an integrated curriculum that creates clear learning pathways throughout a professional’s career. Foundational knowledge will lead naturally to more advanced topics, allowing members to build their ex- pertise with confidence while giving employers greater flexibility to match education with workforce needs. This structured approach also pro- vides a stronger framework for the future. As new technologies emerge and industry needs evolve, new learning modules can be added with- out redesigning the entire curriculum. The result is an education ecosystem that is both consistent and adapt- able—one that can grow alongside the industry it serves. Just as importantly, we’re investing in the people who deliver that educa- tion. The knowledge and dedication of our instructors have always been among EGSA’s greatest strengths. By providing standardized course materials, instructor resources, and a structured train-the-trainer model, we can expand our network of edu- cators while preserving the technical excellence and consistency mem- bers expect.
Education has always been one of EGSA’s defining strengths. Our re- sponsibility now is to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of a changing industry—not only for to- day’s professionals, but for those who will follow. While the long-term roadmap for EGSA Education will unfold over the next several years, members will be- gin seeing tangible progress much sooner. Many of the initiatives that support this broader strategy are al- ready underway, and together they represent the first steps toward a more connected, consistent, and ac- cessible educational experience. One of the most exciting milestones is the development of a course called: Fundamentals of Onsite Power Gen- eration . This new course is being de- signed to provide a common techni- cal foundation for anyone entering our industry or seeking a broader under- standing of onsite power generation systems. Whether you work in sales, project management, manufacturing, distribution, customer service, opera- tions, engineering or are simply new to the field, there are core principles that every onsite power generation professional should understand. We are currently targeting the inau- gural offering in the fourth quarter of 2026, and I encourage you to watch for additional announcements as we move closer to launch. While this Fun- damentals course is our newest ed- ucational offering, it also represents something much larger. It reflects a new philosophy for how EGSA will design educational content going for- ward—each course intentionally con- nected to the next, creating a logical progression of knowledge rather than a collection of independent classes. That same philosophy guides the modernization of our existing educa- tional programs. EGSA’s Basic School, Advanced School, Load Bank Training and Gen- erator Maintenance programs have provided exceptional technical edu- cation to thousands of professionals.
When I stepped into this role, one of my first priorities was to take a com- prehensive look at the entire educa- tion program. Working alongside the EGSA staff, Board of Directors, and Education Committee leadership, we asked ourselves a simple but import- ant question: How do we ensure that EGSA Ed- ucation not only serves today’s professionals but also prepares the workforce our industry will need tomorrow? The answer became much larger than updating existing schools or cre- ating a few new courses. Our industry is changing. New tech- nologies continue to emerge. Power systems are becoming increasingly integrated and sophisticated. Cus- tomer expectations continue to rise, while many organizations face the challenge of attracting, developing, and retaining skilled professionals. At the same time, people are learning differently than they did even a de- cade ago. They expect education to be accessible, flexible, and connect- ed to their professional growth. Those realities present both a chal- lenge and an opportunity. Rather than making incremental im- provements, we chose to think more broadly about what EGSA Education could become over the next several years. Our vision is to create a com- prehensive learning framework that supports professionals throughout every stage of their careers—from individuals entering the industry for the first time to experienced engi- neers, technicians, consultants, man- ufacturers, distributors, and business leaders seeking to deepen their ex- pertise. This is not a short-term initiative, nor is it a quick update to existing pro- grams. It is a deliberate, long-term investment in the future of our in- dustry. Over the next one to three years, we will follow a strategic road- map designed to strengthen our ed- ucational foundation while expanding
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EDUCATION (continued)
These flagship programs have earned the industry’s trust because they are built upon practical experience and technical excellence. Our objective is not to reinvent them, but to ensure they remain current, consistent, and aligned with today’s technologies while preserving the strengths that have made them successful. As these programs evolve, members should expect to see clearer learn- ing objectives, improved consistency between instructors, refreshed tech- nical content, and stronger connec- tions between courses and certifica- tions. The result will be an education- al experience that feels intentional from beginning to end, regardless of where or how a member participates. Another important area of focus is certification. A respected certifica- tion does more than recognize tech- nical knowledge; it builds confidence. It demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, validates compe- tency, and provides employers with assurance that individuals have mas- tered established standards. As the industry continues to grow and technologies become more so- phisticated, that value will only in- crease. Our vision is to strengthen EGSA’s certification programs by ensuring they remain rigorous, relevant, and aligned with the skills today’s pro- fessionals need. At the same time, we want certifications to become a natural extension of the educational journey, allowing members to build upon their knowledge as they prog- ress throughout their careers. By strengthening this connection be- tween education and credentialing, EGSA reinforces its role as the indus- try’s trusted authority in onsite power generation. Of course, outstanding educational content requires outstanding instruc- tors.
One of the greatest strengths of EGSA has always been the willing- ness of experienced professionals to share their knowledge with others. Every instructor who volunteers to teach and every committee mem- ber who helps shape our educational programs plays an essential role in strengthening the industry. Our responsibility is to support those individuals just as intentionally as we support our students. That means developing standardized instructor resources, improving pre- sentation materials, providing struc- tured instructor development, and creating a scalable train-the-trainer model that allows new instructors to succeed while preserving the tech- nical rigor that members expect. As our educational offerings continue to expand, building a strong and sustain- able instructor network will become just as important as developing new curriculum. Accessibility is another cornerstone of the future we are building. Today’s professionals learn in many different ways. Some prefer the in- teraction of a classroom. Others ben- efit from virtual instruction or self- paced learning that accommodates demanding schedules. Rather than viewing these delivery methods as competing approaches, we see them as complementary tools that allow education to reach more people with- out compromising quality. Over time, members will see ex- panded virtual offerings and the gradual development of a Learning Management System that supports a broader range of educational expe- riences. This is not about replacing instructor-led education, it is about making high-quality technical training more accessible to professionals re- gardless of where they live or work. As our membership continues to ex-
pand across North America and glob- ally, that flexibility becomes increas- ingly important. Perhaps what excites me most is not any single course, certification, or technology. It is how each initiative strengthens the next. A stronger Reference Book supports stronger curriculum. A stronger curriculum creates more meaningful educational experiences. Better education leads to more valu- able certifications. Well-prepared instructors create bet- ter learning environments. Greater accessibility allows more pro- fessionals to participate. Individually, these are important im- provements. Collectively, they be- come something much more signif- icant: a comprehensive educational framework that supports our mem- bers throughout their careers while helping employers build stronger or- ganizations and ensuring our indus- try continues to develop the highly skilled professionals it depends upon. When viewed together, these initia- tives reveal a much larger picture. We are not simply developing new courses or refreshing existing pro- grams. We are building an education- al ecosystem that is structured, scal- able, and sustainable—one capable of supporting the onsite power gen- eration industry for decades to come. As I look ahead, I am energized not only by the programs we are devel- oping, but by the people who make them possible. Every industrial pro- fessional, volunteer, committee member, association member and instructor who shares their expertise contributes to something far greater than a single class or certification. To- gether, we are preserving decades of knowledge while preparing the next
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mittee, the Board of Directors, or any one instructor or volunteer. It will require the same collaboration that has defined EGSA for more than six decades; a community of profession- als committed to sharing knowledge, advancing technical excellence, and investing in one another. I hope you will want to be part of that journey. Attend the Fall Conference. Enroll in an EGSA school or technical course. Pursue an EGSA certification. Add the newest edition of the Onsite Power Generation Reference Book to your professional library and continue building your technical knowledge. If education is something you’re pas- sionate about, consider becoming an instructor, joining the Education Committee, or contributing your ex- pertise as a subject matter expert. Every contribution—whether teach- ing a class, reviewing technical con- tent, mentoring a young profession- al, or volunteering your time—helps strengthen both our Association and our industry. Serving as Interim Executive Director of Education is an honor and a re- sponsibility that I do not take lightly. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the EGSA Board of Directors and look forward to working alongside our members, volunteers, instructors, committee leaders, and staff as we continue building upon the remark- able foundation that already exists. The future of EGSA Education will not be defined by the number of courses we create or the technolo- gies we adopt. It will be defined by the people we prepare. Because every generation inherits an industry built by those who came be- fore it. Our responsibility is to leave it stronger, wiser, and better prepared for those who will follow. That is how we build the future of onsite power generation education… Together! l
generation of professionals to lead our industry into the future. As exciting as new courses, certifica- tions, and learning technologies are, I believe the most important outcome of this effort isn’t the curriculum it- self. It’s the people. Every day, professionals across our industry design, manufacture, speci- fy, install, commission, maintain, and service the systems that keep hos- pitals operating, data centers online, manufacturing facilities productive, emergency services responding, and communities resilient. Behind every dependable generator set and every reliable power system is someone whose knowledge, judgment, and commitment make that reliability possible.
lenged me to think differently, and encouraged me to continue learning. Their influence shaped my career, and I know many of you can point to individuals who did the same for you. Now it is our turn. We have an opportunity—and I be- lieve an obligation—to leave this pro- fession stronger than we found it. That means creating educational re- sources that reflect the highest tech- nical standards. It means developing future instructors and subject matter experts. It means encouraging young professionals to pursue careers in our industry and providing experienced professionals with opportunities to continue growing throughout their careers. Most importantly, it means preserv- ing the knowledge that has been built over generations, so it is never lost. That is what excites me most about the future of EGSA Education. Over the next several years, you’ll begin to see that vision become re- ality through refreshed schools, new learning opportunities, expanded cer- tifications, enhanced instructor devel- opment, and more flexible methods of delivering education. Each initiative is an important milestone, but none of them represents the destination. The destination is an industry that is stronger because its people are stronger. That vision cannot be accomplished by EGSA staff alone. It cannot be accomplished by the Education Com-
Equipment can be engineered. Facilities can be constructed.
Technology will continue to evolve. But the future of our industry will always depend on knowledgeable, capable professionals who are willing to learn, adapt, and share what they know with others. That responsibility belongs to all of us. One of the qualities I admire most about the onsite power generation industry is its willingness to invest in people. Throughout my career, I have benefited from mentors who gener- ously shared their experience, chal-
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DISTRIBUTOR/DEALER COMMITTEE What’s New: Building Momentum Through Practical Engagement
mittee is tied to the strength of its leadership—past and present. The committee benefits from a legacy of leaders who have prioritized engage- ment, openness, and the sharing of real-world experience. Building on that foundation, current leadership remains focused on maintaining that spirit while introducing new opportu- nities for participation, education, and action that reflect the evolving needs of today’s dealers and distributors. • Chair: Michelle Hilger – Mon- goose Power Solutions • Vice Chair: Lisa Carter – CD & Power • Secretary: Adam Blackway – The Power Connection • Board Liaison: Kendall Archer – MALL Energy, Inc. • Board Liaison: Tony Domenici – Bay City Electric Works • Staff Liaison: Marc Charon Mission Statement The Dealer/Distributor (D/D) Com- mittee comprises ownership, service personnel, sales professionals, and others, along with their supplier net- work, all of whom impact the success of a dealer/distributor organization regardless of brand, geographic loca- tion, or company size. Active membership participation drives the ongoing efforts of com- mittee leadership and volunteer con- tributions, resulting in valuable pre- sentations, resources, and interactive forums that support the success and excellence of D/D organizations and their members. The committee focuses on devel- oping solutions to common industry challenges across key pillars of a D/D organization, including Service & Op-
erations, Sales & Marketing, Business Development, Finance, and Human Resources. Through collaborative platforms, the committee emphasizes Safety, Employee Development, Best Practices, Innovative Technology, and Industry Regulations—all with the goal of enhancing the D/D customer experience. Committee Operating & Engagement Model The D/D leadership team meets monthly, with opportunities for addi- tional volunteers to participate. The committee also meets in person twice a year at the Fall and Spring conferences and hosts a quarterly virtual education session open to all members. The next committee call is scheduled for Friday, July 24th at 12:00 PM East- ern / 9:00 AM Pacific. The D/D Business Meeting, open to all members, will be held during the 2026 Fall Conference. In addition, the D/D Committee is pre- senting the session, Real-World Fixed Load Bank Installation & Design: Be- yond the Manual. The panel brings together load bank manufacturers, field technical support, and dealer rep- resentatives to go beyond standard install instructions and focus on what actually works in the field. Attendees will gain practical insight into mount- ing fixed load banks. Whether genera- tor mounted, rooftop, or freestanding, with an emphasis on unit-specific considerations, not one size fits all guidance. Through real-world case examples, panelists will highlight common instal- lation challenges, design oversights, and coordination gaps that lead to rework, inefficiencies, and service is-
Michelle Hilger Chair, Distributor/Dealer Committee Mongoose Power Solutions S pend any time in the field today, and one thing becomes clear: the role of the dealer and distributor is no longer defined by equipment alone. It’s defined by adaptability—the abil- ity to respond to changing technol- ogies, shifting workforce dynamics, and increasingly complex customer needs. That reality is exactly what the EGSA Dealer/Distributor (D/D) Committee was built to address. Bringing together professionals from across the industry, the D/D Commit- tee serves as a collaborative forum for sharing insight, identifying com- mon challenges, and providing proven solutions that support every aspect of the business—from sales and product support to operations management and everything in between. Wheth- er a D/D operates in a single region or across multiple markets, the goal remains the same: to create a space where knowledge is shared, challeng- es are understood, and progress is made collectively. Current Leadership As with any strong organization, the continued success of the D/D Com-
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sues. More importantly, they will share proven solutions and lessons learned from the field, equipping dealers and distributors with the knowledge to improve installations and add greater value during both design and execu- tion. Ideal for those actively installing, supporting, or troubleshooting load bank systems, this session delivers actionable insight you can immediate- The strength of the Dealer/Distributor Committee has always come from its members, those willing to share their experience, speak openly about challenges, and contribute to solu- tions that move the industry forward. As the role of the D/D continues to evolve, that level of engagement and collaboration is more important than ever. ly apply in your next project. Looking Ahead & Getting Involved
With expanded education opportuni- ties, the committee is committed to delivering practical value that mem- bers can take back and use immedi- ately. Whether through virtual sessions, conference participation, or ongo- ing involvement throughout the year, there are more opportunities than ever to get engaged, share your per- spective, and help shape the direction of the committee. Join us for our upcoming sessions and be part of the conversation, and be a part of the solution. l
SEPTEMBER 16 • Washington, DC CAPITOL HILL DAY
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WELCOME To Our New 2026 EGSA Members!* 360 PowerOn ABS Consulting AECOM AEI Floreant Management, LLC Generator and Power Systems, LLC Gen-Rad Solutions, LLC
RSE Energy Safe Industries Salas O’Brien (Irvine) Saskatchewan Polytechnic Seven Springs Partners SMS Generators Tanknology TopFlo
Group CBS Hart Fueling Harvey Power Interlink Energy. LLC JPEC Services LTC Power Solutions
ASC Equipment Bell Performance Black Cactus Consulting and Engineering Blair Engineering Southeast Inc Carolina Energy Systems Coffman Engineers Commusoft DCL America Inc Electrical Assemblies Emergency Power Source Solutions, LLC Enerflex
Triple T Critical Power Utah Valley University
Modern Niagara Building Services Mountaineer Generator Service Portland Community College Prairie Generator Service Pridgen Power Propace Ingenieria RRR Mobile Services
If you don’t see your organiza- tion’s name, contact us at info@ egsa.org to find out more about membership and how you can be in the next Powerline ! *as of 7/1/2026
Scan the QR code to hear how STAMFORD | AvK is supporting the changing power generation landscape and the rapid expansion of the data center market
Meghan Eyvindsson STAMFORD | AvK General Manager - Americas
https://stamfordavk.li/pp7759
www.stamfordavk.com
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EGSA Certification Update – Testing Now Available ONLINE!
The EducationTeam at EGSA is proud to announce that all of EGSA’s certification testing is available on- line. EGSA has partnered with NOCTI Business Solutions to make this advancement a reality! l Take an exam anywhere in the world without waiting for your test to get to you in the mail! l Get results within minutes, not weeks! l Remote proctoring services are available l Become a proctor for your organization and administer the test to your employees l Physical exams are still available but can only be ordered by proctors How to Update Your Profile 1. Go to https://egsa.org/Education or login to MyEGSA and look for the ‘Certifications’ tab. 2. You will be taken to an ordering portal hosted by our new partner—NOCTI. 3. If you are not a proctor, then your order will automatically include a $35 fee to have a remote proctor administer the exam. 4. Once you’ve completed the order, NOCTI will send you an email with more instructions. If you have questions, please contact education@egsa.org .
NEW Certification Bootcamps – Available online or in-person. Due to popular demand, EGSA has added Certification Bootcamps!
Whether you are trying to pass the Apprentice or Journeyman exams, these bootcamps will help you pre- pare by doing a final review of the material before you take the exam itself. EGSA instructors will guide you through a multi-hour prep session that includes:
l questions related to the subjects covered on the exams, l help with any issues that you have encountered during your own preparation, l and give you tips to avoid making common testing mistakes.
There are no prerequisites for EGSA’s Certification Bootcamp, but completing the study guide and pur- chasing the Onsite Power Generation Reference book in advance of the bootcamp are highly recommend- ed. For more information about the EGSA Certification Bootcamps, please contact the education team at education@egsa.org .
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LEGAL NEWS & UPDATES Five OSHA Citation Issues Data Center Contractors May Not See Coming
T he rapid growth of data centers has created enormous demand for generator installation, commis- sioning, load bank testing, and main- tenance services. Whether supporting a hyperscale facility, colocation provider, or enter- prise data center, contractors often focus on the obvious hazards: elec- trical shock, arc flash, and lockout/ tagout. Those risks are real, but they are not always the issues that create the greatest OSHA exposure. After a serious injury or near miss, OSHA often looks beyond the imme- diate incident and evaluates the sys- tems surrounding the work, including planning, training, contractor coor- dination, and equipment inspection practices. Here are five OSHA citation issues data center contractors may not see coming. 1. Contractor Coordination Failures Few work environments involve more contractors than a data center con- struction or commissioning project. Generator contractors, electrical contractors, commissioning teams, controls specialists, fuel system ven- dors, and facility representatives may all be working in the same area at the same time. Under OSHA’s multi-employer worksite doctrine, a company may be cited even if it did not create the hazard. Following an incident, OSHA often examines who controlled the worksite, who created or corrected the hazard, and whether contractors effectively communicated safety re- sponsibilities before work began. A common mistake is assuming an- other contractor is managing the haz- ard. OSHA may reach a different con-
clusion, particularly when a compa- ny’s own employees were exposed.
2. Inadequate Pre-Task Hazard Assessments Data center projects move fast. Schedules are tight, systems are complex, and pressure to maintain milestones can be significant. As a result, pre-task planning some- times becomes a check-the-box ex- ercise. Following an incident, OSHA routine- ly asks whether hazards associated with testing, energization, temporary power, fuel systems, battery sys- tems, equipment access, and work around other trades were identified before work began. If there is no meaningful hazard as- sessment, OSHA may conclude that foreseeable hazards were not ade- quately identified or controlled. 3. Failure to Inspect Temporary Equipment Commissioning and testing activities frequently rely on temporary cables, load banks, connectors, grounding equipment, and temporary power distribution systems. These components may only be used for a short period, but OSHA expects them to be inspected and maintained like other equipment. Cable routing, damaged insulation, improper con- nections, inadequate guarding, and defective components can all be- come enforcement issues after an incident. A damaged temporary cable can quickly transform a routine testing operation into a serious injury event. 4. Training Deficiencies Data center projects often require technicians to perform unfamiliar
Karen F.Tynan Shareholder, EGSA Member Ogletree Deakins
Robert C. Rodriguez Shareholder, EGSA Member Ogletree Deakins
16 | Summer 2026 POWERLINE
tasks, interact with new equipment, or work alongside multiple trades. When OSHA investigates an inci- dent, one of its first requests is typi- cally training documentation. The question is not whether an em- ployee was experienced. The ques- tion is whether the employer can demonstrate that the employee was trained on the specific hazards associ- ated with the work being performed, including site-specific procedures, equipment, access restrictions, emergency response protocols, and coordination with other trades. 5. Heat Stress During Testing and Commissioning Data centers are designed to manage heat. During commissioning and load bank testing, however, workers may be exposed to significant heat gen-
erated by testing equipment, gener- ators, temporary enclosures, outdoor yards, rooftops, and environmental conditions. As OSHA continues to emphasize heat-related hazards, employers should not overlook heat stress risks during testing operations—partic- ularly in warmer climates, outdoor installations, and projects where em- ployees are working long shifts under schedule pressure. Employers should consider how heat hazards will be identified, monitored, communicated, and addressed be- fore testing begins. The Takeaway The irony of many OSHA inspections is that the citation may have little to do with the equipment that triggered the investigation.
A load bank incident may become a training citation. A shock injury may evolve into a contractor coordina- tion issue. A near miss may expose weaknesses in hazard assessments, temporary equipment inspections, or site-specific safety procedures. For companies supporting data cen- ter construction and operations, the best defense is often straightforward: effective pre-task planning, clear con- tractor communication, documented training, equipment inspections, and consistent field execution. As data center development contin- ues to accelerate across the country, the contractors that treat safety as seriously as uptime will be best po- sitioned to avoid both incidents and citations. l
Maximize mission critical availability by preventing downtime and shutting down operational risks before they disrupt your business.
100 Years of Power Switching and Controls
7000 SERIES Electrically Operated Bypass-Isolation Transfer Switch
POWERLINE Summer 2026 | 17
Don’t Settle for “Better than Nothing”: Exercise Standby Systems with Load ENGINEERING SUB-COMMITTEE
duce engine performance and will re- quire periodic 100% load banking to clear, which is a costly service. How- ever, this load banking can be avoided if engines remain sufficiently loaded when they are exercised. With the high stakes invested in a standby power system, why is “no- load” testing so prevalent? There are many reasons that facility staff cite when asked this. • Politics: It is sometimes unpopular among personnel to have to deal with the effects of transferring load, as exemplified by flickering lights, and working around generators which are louder at full load. • Equipment Disruption: Large motor loads can be disrupted when they are suddenly off without notice. This can cause alarms which have to be manually acknowledged before the equipment is placed back into service. • “It might not work”: Staff are sometimes worried that transfer testing could encounter a failure and inadvertently cause a temporary local outage, requiring an immediate response on an otherwise uneventful day. However, it is much better when capable personnel is in attendance. Otherwise, such a failure would not rear its ugly head until an actual utility outage. The response will likely be much more panicked in this scenario, with personnel not being poised to manually restore power. to encounter such a failure on a typical day so that it can be proactively addressed
A lthough the first quarter of the 21st century has come and gone, utility power outages remain unpre- dictable and continue to cause major disruptions across the nation. It is of utmost importance that any facility which depends on power continuity for the preservation of assets to en- sure that their transfer equipment, as well as their standby power sources, will execute the task that they were installed for; to operate dutifully in the event of a utility power loss. It is a common owner misconception that exercising generators without load is a sufficient test for a stand- by power system. The reality is that cranking engines and letting them run at idle only covers a small portion of the power restoration process. Prov- ing that the generators start when called will not identify the following failure modes: • Failure of two or more generators to parallel in an acceptable time • Failure of the generators to sustain or share facility load • Failure of the Auto-Transfer system to detect acceptability of generator power • Failure of the Auto-Transfer system to transfer loads to the standby power source • Failure of the Auto-Transfer system to re-transfer loads upon restoration of utility power Furthermore, it can be deleterious to engine health to exclusively run gen- erators at low or no load. For diesel generators, this will cause a build- up of un-combusted diesel sludge known as “wet-stacking” in the en- gine’s exhaust pathway. This can re-
Joe Kendall Chair, Engineering Sub-Committee Schneider Electric
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