Businesses also reported that activity in residential real estate markets cooled in most parts of the country, but various districts reported an ongoing pickup in demand for commercial space. For new and existing homes, the pace of sales declined and that the inventory of available homes and time on the market rose in most metropolitan areas nationwide. Slower sales activity has translated into more limited price gains, and residential construction activity has fallen in most districts. Slower activity on the residential side was offset in part by firmer activity on the commercial side. Demand for commercial space was strong in general, and the market tightened further in most districts.

NERC Application Approved
The U.S. Federal Regulatory Energy Commission recently approved the North American Electric Reliability Council's (NERC) application to become the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for the United States. As the ERO, NERC will have legal authority to enforce reliability standards on all owners, operators, and users of the bulk power system, rather than relying on voluntary compliance. The creation of ERO is authorized under the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005, and was triggered in part by concerns generated by the August 2003 blackout that affected 40 million people in the Midwestern and northeastern United States and 10 million people in eastern Canada. The Energy Commission's approval included several conditions NERC will address in the next few months.

IEEE Forms Study Group to Explore Ethernet Technology
The Mountain View, Calif.-based Ethernet Alliance recently announced that the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 working group has formed the Higher Speed Study Group (HSSG) to evaluate the requirements for the next generation of Ethernet technology. IEEE 802.3an, also known as 10GBASE-T, was ratified on June 8. This standard enables a low-cost, ease-of-use, copper cabling solution for the transmission of 10GbE. Additionally, SFF-8431, also known as 10GbE SFP+ (small form factor pluggable) optics, offers lower-cost and reduced-power consumption. SFF-8431 is expected to be ratified by the end of 2006. Individuals interested in participating in the HSSG should contact John D'Ambrosia, components technology scientist at Force10 Networks, at jdambrosia@force10networks.com.

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Protection Below
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Contractors Earn Free Merchandise From B-line
Introducing the Great Gear program, a way to acquire free gifts by collecting and redeeming B-Line Bucks found on B-Line's fastener product boxes. Simply remove your B-Line Bucks from the box label and use them to select from a wide assortment of gear in B-Line's Great Gear catalog. To obtain a catalog and order forms, see your local B-Line distributor, or visit our Web site at www.b-line.com

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Business Brief
Boise, Idaho-based Washington Group International was recently awarded a contract by Phoenix-based Salt River Project to provide architectural, engineering, and procurement support services for a new 400MW coal-fired generating unit at the Springville Generating Station in eastern Arizona. The unit is scheduled to be operational in late 2009. This will be the fourth electrical generating unit at the site and will increase the availability of coal-fired power in Arizona and the Southwest. The unit will be owned by the Salt River Project, operated by Tucson Electric Power, and will use best-available control technologies and equipment to limit emissions.

For more Business Briefs, visit the EC&M Web site.

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ClearTrax^™ range-taking connectors feature easy lay-in installation of aluminum or copper conductors and accommodate a wire range of 1000MCM - 6. Benefits are a faster and safer connection resulting from reduced cable manipulation during installation. Visit our Web site at www.ilsco.com for additional product information.

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Eye on Safety
OSHA Unveils VPP for Mobile Workforce in Construction
OSHA recently launched a nationwide Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) initiative aimed at meeting the unique needs and characteristics of the construction industry. The Mobile Workforce VPP Demonstration for Construction will join VPP Corporate Pilot and OSHA Challenge Pilot as the newest component of OSHA's VPP, which recognizes and promotes effective health and safety management systems. The core of the initiative is based on the principle of effective safety and health-management systems. It adds new procedures and requirements that recognize the unique aspects of the construction industry. For example, the program allows for participation at the company, division, or business-unit levels.

Shows and Events
IAEI Northwestern Section Annual Meeting
The International Association of Electrical Inspectors has scheduled its Northwestern Section Annual Meeting from Sept. 10-13 in Spokane, Wash. This year's event, themed "Promoting the Advancement of Alternative Electric Sources" will include meetings on topics such as generators, solar power, and fuel cells. For more information and to register, visit the IAEI Web site.

2006 PCIC Conference
The 2006 Petroleum and Chemical Industry Conference (PCIC), sponsored by IEEE and IAS, will take place in Philadelphia from Sept. 11-13. For more information, visit IEEE's Web site.

WEEC Congress
The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) presents the World Energy Engineering Congress, which will take place from Sept. 13-15 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The event's opening session includes a discussion on Leadership in Energy Management & The Energy Policy Act. Other sessions include an update on the Senate Energy Committee, how to implement the Energy Policy Act, and leadership through Energy Star. For more information, visit the Energy Congress' Web site.