mike@standardsmichigan.com, Author at Standards Michigan

Lubbock County | 806 | TTU Institutional Data

Tax-Free Bonds

As the adage goes: “The cure for high prices, is high prices”. Today–ahead of the August primary elections in the United States (when bond referenda appear on ballots — we explore fiscal runaway with particular interest in the instruments that finance construction of the real assets. We recap what we have been doing for 30-odd years placing downward pressure on life-cycle cost.

Perspective:

- The largest school bond referendum on ballots in November 2025 is the $1.4 billion package for Richardson Independent School District (ISD) in Texas.
- University of Michigan’s 2025 $2 billion general revenue bonds
- New York University’s 2025 $2.18 billion bonds through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
- The largest school bond referendum on ballots in November 2024 was Measure US for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in California, totaling $9 billion.
- In the November 2022 elections, a significant number of school bond referenda were presented to voters across the United States. For example, in Wisconsin alone, there were 57 successful capital referenda amounting to nearly $2.1 billion in authorized debt (Wisconsin Policy Forum)
- In Texas, Central Texas schools had a total of $4.24 billion in bonds on the ballot, covering various propositions for school facilities, technology improvements, and athletic facilities (Fox 7 Austin)
- In California and Arkansas, bond measures totaling $74 million — including school choice — were aimed at addressing school facility improvements (The74Million)
- Voters in 16 North Carolina counties approved bond issues totaling $4.27 billion, with $3.08 billion dedicated to K-12 public school construction and improvements (EducationNC)

“The cure for high prices, is high prices” — They say.

Today we explore fiscal runaway in the US education “industry” with particular interest in the financing instruments for building the real assets that are the beating heart of culture in neighborhoods, cities, counties and states. We steer clear of social and political issues. The marketing of these projects — and how the loans are paid off — provides insight into the costs and benefits of this $100+ billion industry; the largest non-residential building construction market in the United States.

Educational Settlement Finance

We cannot do much to stop the hyperbolically rising cost of administrative functionaries but we can force the incumbents we describe in our ABOUT to work a little harder to reduce un-used (or un-useable) space and reduce maintenance cost. Sometimes simple questions result in obvious answers that result in significant savings.

More recently hybrid teaching and learning space, owing the the circumstances of the pandemic, opens new possibilities for placing downward pressure on cost.

What the University of Michigan has done to reduce the life cycle cost of the real assets of educational settlements

Gallery: School Bond Referenda

Regulation or Money-Laundering?

Every school building begins twice: first in the bond market, and later on the construction site. After Architect-Engineers and Building Construction Contractors (many of whom finance election advocacy enterprises) the following organizations are involved in placing a bond on the open market:

School Districts: Individual school districts issue bonds to fund construction or renovation of school facilities, purchase equipment, or cover other educational expenses. Each school district is responsible for managing its own bond issuances.
Colleges and Universities: Higher education institutions, such as universities and colleges, issue bonds to finance campus expansions, construction of new academic buildings, dormitories, research facilities, and other capital projects.
State-Level Agencies: Many states have agencies responsible for overseeing and coordinating bond issuances for schools and universities. These agencies may facilitate bond sales, help ensure compliance with state regulations, and provide financial assistance to educational institutions.
Municipal Finance Authorities: Municipal finance authorities at the state or local level often play a role in facilitating bond transactions for educational entities. They may act as intermediaries in the bond issuance process.
Investment Banks and Underwriters: Investment banks and underwriters assist educational institutions in structuring and selling their bonds to investors. They help determine bond terms, market the bonds, and manage the offering.
Bond Counsel: Bond counsel, typically law firms, provide legal advice to educational institutions on bond issuances. They help ensure that the bond issuance complies with all legal requirements and regulations.
Rating Agencies: Rating agencies, such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings, assess the creditworthiness of the bonds and assign credit ratings. These ratings influence the interest rates at which the bonds can be issued.
Investors: Various institutional and individual investors, including mutual funds, pension funds, and individual bond buyers, purchase school and university bonds as part of their investment portfolios.
Financial Advisors: Financial advisory firms provide guidance to educational institutions on bond issuances, helping them make informed financial decisions related to borrowing and debt management.
Regulatory Authorities: Federal and state regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and state-specific agencies, oversee and regulate the issuance of bonds to ensure compliance with securities laws and financial regulations.

These organizations collectively contribute to the process of issuing, selling, and managing school and university bonds in the United States, allowing educational institutions to raise the necessary funds for their capital projects and operations. The specific entities involved may vary depending on the size and location of the educational institution and the nature of the bond issuance.

Bond issuances affect local property values.

Lights Out

Schenkingen

“The secret of great fortunes without apparent cause

is a crime forgotten, for it was properly done.”

— Honoré de Balzac’

CASE FAQ for Standards: Definition of Educational Philanthropy

Are they hedge funds with a side hustle in teaching, research and building construction? Are they tricked out memorial gardens for philanthropists? In either case leaders of educational settlements are expected to act in the best interests of both their institution and their donors, and to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct when accepting charitable gifts.

University endowments are comprised of money or other financial assets that are donated to academic institutions. Charitable donations are the primary source of funds for endowments. Endowment funds support the teaching, research, and public service missions of colleges and universities.

In the case of endowment funds for academic institutions, the income generated is intended to finance a portion of the operating or capital requirements of the institution. In addition to a general university endowment fund, institutions may also maintain a number of restricted endowments that are intended to fund specific areas within the institution, including professorships, scholarships, and fellowships.

More

Council on Foundations

2021 NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments

University of Michigan: Policy Guidelines for Naming of Facilities, Spaces and Streets

University of Buffalo: Naming University Properties, Facilities, and Academic and Non-Academic Programs

Northern Arizona University: Naming of Facilities, Programmatic Units, or Fund for Individuals or Organizations

Dematerialization

Digital Campus

Dartmouth University Endowment Report 2023

https://www.dartmouth.edu/investments/docs/dartmouthendowmentreport2023.pdf

The largest philanthropic gift ever given to a United States college or university is the donation of $9.6 billion made by MacKenzie Scott to various organizations, including several universities, in 2020. Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made the donation as part of her commitment to give away the majority of her wealth to charitable causes. The universities that received donations from Scott include historically black colleges and universities, community colleges, and research universities such as the University of California, San Diego, and Johns Hopkins University. The donation was considered significant not only for its size but also for its focus on supporting organizations that serve underrepresented and marginalized communities.

There are several standards and best practices that are generally followed by universities and colleges when accepting charitable gifts. These standards are designed to ensure that the gift is used effectively and that the interests of both the donor and the institution are protected. Some of the key standards include:

Transparency and accountability: Universities and colleges are expected to be transparent about how gifts are used and to provide regular reports to donors on the impact of their gifts.
Due diligence: Universities and colleges are expected to conduct due diligence on potential donors to ensure that their gifts do not create conflicts of interest or ethical concerns.
Gift acceptance policies: Many universities and colleges have established gift acceptance policies that outline the types of gifts that will be accepted and the procedures for accepting them.
Donor recognition: Universities and colleges are expected to recognize donors in an appropriate and meaningful way, while avoiding actions that could be seen as an endorsement of the donor’s business or political interests.
Ethical fundraising: Universities and colleges are expected to follow ethical fundraising practices, including avoiding pressure tactics or misleading information, and ensuring that donors are aware of any tax implications of their gifts.

Overall, universities and colleges are expected to act in the best interests of both their institution and their donors, and to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct when accepting charitable gifts.

Infotech 300

Mortuary Arts

“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground;
for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

— Genesis 3:19

“Marat Assassinated” | Jacques-Louis David 1793

There are several ANSI accredited standards that apply to mortuary science, particularly in the areas of forensic science and medicolegal death investigation. These standards are developed to ensure the highest levels of professionalism, quality, and consistency in the field. Here are some key standards:

ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendations: The American National Standards Institute in collaboration with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences has developed various standards, including those related to the handling and processing of human remains. For example, the ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 094-2021 outlines procedures for postmortem friction ridge print recovery, emphasizing systematic approaches and legal compliance during the process
ANSI/ASB Standard 125-2021: This standard focuses on the general requirements for medicolegal death investigation systems. It covers infrastructure, personnel training, and competency requirements to ensure high-quality death investigations. It also references other professional guidelines and accreditation checklists from organizations such as the National Association of Medical Examiners and the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners.

These standards are integral to maintaining rigorous protocols and ethical practices within mortuary science and related fields. They help ensure that procedures are consistent, legally compliant, and respectful of the deceased, ultimately contributing to the reliability and credibility of forensic investigations. For more detailed information, you can refer to the ANSI and ASB standards documentation available through their respective organizations.

Formaldehyde Standard (29 CFR 1910.1048)

Anatomical Donation

Virtual Gross Anatomy Lab

Standard for Interactions Between Medical Examiner, Coroner and Death Investigation Agencies

Quadrivium: Autumn

We are curating this post — which appears every day — thus its spareness. Much of the content — dating back five years — will be archived. We will roll out updates over the next few weeks.

As always, we are on line every day at 11 AM Eastern time for videoconferencing or telephone calls.

Western Washington University: Native American Moons (Hunter’s)

OECD | Mobility, visas and the changing geography of the university

INC: When enrollment falls, costs don’t

~~Amazon (October 2): No more NDA’s and $1B into data center communities~~

~~October 1: University of Michigan × Los Alamos Research Computing Center “Town Hall”~~

ANSI Standards Action October 16, 2026 | Bulletin Board

“All things on earth point home in old October”
Thomas Wolfe, Of Time and the River

§

De La Salle College

Evergreen

Bulletin Board

NIST RFI: Medical Metrology and Standards | November 30

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code | Modular Data Centers — Proposed TIA 1949 October 30

tFERC Cybersecurity Monitoring of Electric Infrastructure | Comments due December 14

Cornell Donor Revolt: No Confidence Vote on President

CUNY raises record $312 million

University of Minnesota plans $225 million reduction

Teachers’ Unions Face More Competition for Influence in School Board Elections

Foreign Gifts | Donor Privacy

~~Trump Account Proposed Regulations | October 20, 2026~~

~~University of Notre Dame: Teaching with the Columbus Murals~~

~~DOE — Bulk-Power System Security RFI | October 9~~

~~Massachusetts Fire Safety Advisory Meeting October 14~~

~~RFI: Electromagnetic Fields, Radiofrequency Radiation & Wireless Radiation Exposure | October 21~~

FERC Cybersecurity Monitoring of Electric Infrastructure | Comments due December 14

~~NIST SP 800-239 — AI Data Center Security Analysis | September 25~~

~~Public consultation on NERC computational-load standard open until September 18~~

~~NIST SP 800-209 Rev. 1 — Security Guidelines for Storage Infrastructure | September 8~~

~~NFPA 70 | TIA from AHRI on GFCI protection on HVAC equipment | September 6~~

“Labor omnia vicit improbus” (trans. ‘Steady, unyielding labor conquered all things’)

Georgics, Book I — Publius Vergilius Maro

Standards exist to sustain the ordinary rhythms of civilization. Behind every meal, classroom, laboratory, concert, hospital, farm, playing field and family home stands a network of standards that quietly enables daily life. Our work is to understand, improve and explain those standards in service to the educational settlements they support. ANSI Standards Action

Standards help make the world’s biggest sporting event safer and more competitive. For a brief history of #football to modern safety standards like ASTM’s performance specification for #soccer goals or standards for turf testing, read “Kicking Safety Up a Notch at the World Cup.”…

— ASTM International (@ASTMIntl) July 10, 2026

Are you curious about the impact of NIST’s work on your daily life? Our “NIST In Your State” guide is a great place to start exploring!

See how NIST is making a difference in your state.

Explore at https://t.co/Sh8bkwfLkV pic.twitter.com/ek2SEEvjCL

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) July 9, 2026

ANSI ADA 1119-2025 covers a system for coding tooth developmental stages, improving clarity, consistency & interoperability in dental data. From pediatric #Dentistry, #Orthodontics, and forensic use, this standard improves data quality. @AmerDentalAssn https://t.co/ckytZLBprh

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) June 20, 2026

The history of the Python programming language includes NIST, where its creator briefly served as a guest researcher.

Learn more in our latest Taking Measure blog post: https://t.co/5DR8HNh281 pic.twitter.com/zkU3Z9dMHl

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) June 12, 2026

You can view a list of all draft @NIST cybersecurity and privacy publications that are open for public comment on the Computer Security Resource Center. Your thoughtful reviews and comments are greatly appreciated and help us improve our publications. https://t.co/uOC96rxHpH pic.twitter.com/3iJoKqshN6

— Cybersecurity @ NIST (@NISTcyber) May 26, 2026

Early-bird registration is now available for the Performance-Based Façade Design (PBFD) Seminar on Durable Façades to be held September 16th to 28th in Venice, Italy. #PBFD2026 #DurableFacades #BuildingPerformance See… https://t.co/B3PcONfvHY pic.twitter.com/zBrXTeKvRF

— ASTM International (@ASTMIntl) May 20, 2026

A NIST researcher has a goal—create a viable alternative to mammograms that is pain-free, highly accurate, and can save even more lives than mammograms do. It’s possible within our lifetimes.

Learn more: https://t.co/WqJqloP5Ec pic.twitter.com/1nGdVmQoLH

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) May 21, 2026

Come check out the ASABE 1/4 Scale Student Design Competition at our new competition site: McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Dr., Bloomington, IL, May 28-31. #tractor #students https://t.co/x0lZwyeecr pic.twitter.com/I2fgd24kPj

— ASABE.org (@ASABEorg) May 14, 2026

ANSI invites high school and college students to explore the impact of #Standards on society through the 2025–2026 Student Paper Competition. Students are encouraged to research and write about how standards shape industries, innovation, safety, and daily life.

🏆 #Prize… pic.twitter.com/SvE1alg5Y6

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) May 13, 2026

ASTM’s Board of Directors met in West Conshohocken, PA, April 13-15. Here is a summary of reports made and actions taken at those meetings. https://t.co/yLopmgCg7n pic.twitter.com/tJyzZt8SHc

— ASTM International (@ASTMIntl) May 12, 2026

Young professionals (including students!): make sure to sign up for the @YPC social during AIM. It will be a great time to meet other like-minded professionals in the industry. https://t.co/VIIPLLI1LE pic.twitter.com/weAjRSGJGO

— ASABE.org (@ASABEorg) May 6, 2026

Director John A. Squires. Jack Wallace. Reggie Calhoun Jr. Chelsea Miko.

You’re not going to want to miss this. Authenticity: The Name of the Game.

Register: https://t.co/zFrg5OM4MW #AmericasBrandingAgency #NFLDraft2026 #WorldIPDay #ProtectYourBrand pic.twitter.com/SVS88rcKNb

— USPTO (@uspto) April 17, 2026

pic.twitter.com/37bvpWERcI

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) April 14, 2026

We thought Project Hail Mary was “amaze amaze amaze,” but what were our thoughts on the science?

Learn more about our NISTy thoughts on this film in our latest Taking Measure blog post: https://t.co/LlOtIkTXcK

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/lev radin pic.twitter.com/xQyLX0LPQl

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) April 10, 2026

Do you know the difference between name, image, and likeness (NIL) and a federally registered trademark?

The best offense is a good defense. Protect your brand early. Don’t get faked by deepfakes!

Learn more: https://t.co/8S79YBVUca #AmericasBrandingAgency #NIL #TrademarkBasics pic.twitter.com/MrthPvbR4e

— USPTO (@uspto) April 9, 2026

Cold #beer. Hot coffee. Spicy food. Learn how sensory scientists evaluate aroma, mouthfeel, flavors, and more in the things you use and enjoy every day. Join our guest Ali Schultz @newbelgiumbeer as we discuss sensory science on ASTM’s podcast. Listen where you get your… pic.twitter.com/hOHuoRaK9O

— ASTM International (@ASTMIntl) April 8, 2026

Smart meters generate thousands of data points each year. How do utilities keep that data consistent? ANSI C12.19-2021 defines standardized data tables for utility end devices—supporting interoperability and #SmartGrid communication. @NEMAupdates https://t.co/xsejQGX5gT

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) April 8, 2026

NEW! Download Our 2026 ASTM Standards Catalog

Find all the latest ASTM standards, books, journals, technical reports, related products, and more in our interactive catalog. Use the smart navigation to find exactly what you need and order online.https://t.co/7wUF6nw0OB #ASTM pic.twitter.com/T4lr76V29Q

— ASTM Student Fans (@ASTMStudentFans) March 27, 2026

Based on ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, this course covers the theory and principles of the standard. It is intended to bridge the gap between the design practitioner’s knowledge of the built environment and its thermal relationship… pic.twitter.com/4aCsGGUVSK

— ASHRAE News (@ashraenews) March 30, 2026

APRIL 30TH DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: KATHERINE & BRYANT MATHER #SCHOLARSHIP. Available to fulltime undergraduate students completing their sophomore year of college (or later), or graduate students who are pursuing degrees especializing in cement or #concrete materials… pic.twitter.com/wQLaQqJrVj

— ASTM International (@ASTMIntl) March 19, 2026

Find your place in time with an illuminating hybrid NIST lecture open to the public!

🕠Mar. 24, 5:30pm ET

🌐Learn more and register: https://t.co/0iPEVvxaWp pic.twitter.com/S10c9wBoKk

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) March 22, 2026

The odds of picking a perfect 64-team #MarchMadness bracket are 1 in 9.2 quintillion! Like the tournament’s history, #Basketball‘s journey is full of unforgettable moments. From peach baskets to global icons, learn how standards play a key role in the game.…

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) March 19, 2026

Students! It’s not too soon to start working on your applications for the Bioprocess Startup and Fountain Wars competitions! Deadline is April 15. https://t.co/lMxIVgjb54 pic.twitter.com/3Mi8pcUd1x

— ASABE.org (@ASABEorg) March 16, 2026

Listen to the latest episode of “Standards Impact” podcast to hear about the importance of ASTM International standards to winter sports. https://t.co/x8Ze0X16yC #safetystandards #podcast pic.twitter.com/JQ9IsX4BO7

— ASTM Student Fans (@ASTMStudentFans) March 17, 2026

Born in Liscannor, Ireland in 1840, submarine inventor John Phillip Holland’s designs were adopted by the U.S. Navy in 1900. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! pic.twitter.com/X4ModlH2uD

— USPTO (@uspto) March 17, 2026

Happy Pi Day from NIST! pic.twitter.com/BcrvH016X4

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) March 14, 2026

Risk has always been a part of human society in general and the business world in particular. Standards to create a common language and approach to enterprise risk management aim to minimize those risks. https://t.co/R6acA2tLtx #riskmanagement pic.twitter.com/79c4FtI9mC

— ASTM Student Fans (@ASTMStudentFans) March 2, 2026

Acoustics matter more than we think—and Erik Miller-Klein wants us to listen up. In this video Erik highlights that 39% of building occupants say poor acoustics hurt their ability to work. Yet, less than 10% of U.S. projects involve acoustical designers. Erik challenges us to… pic.twitter.com/Bej3bIg7jx

— ASHRAE News (@ashraenews) March 3, 2026

Last week, the USPTO welcomed our U.K. partners to America’s Innovation Agency and participated in the U.S. – U.K. IP Working Group at the Chamber of Commerce—a bi-annual, industry-led forum hosted with the BritishAmerican Business. pic.twitter.com/dwDD3MlC6t

— USPTO (@uspto) March 4, 2026

3.4 billion people. No plumbing. No electricity. Less than $0.05 per person per day.

That’s the scale—and the solution—behind ISO 30500, an international standard for non-sewered sanitation systems developed through global collaboration, led by ANSI and @AssociationAsn.

In… pic.twitter.com/47ejMbcnQ1

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) March 4, 2026

In honor of NIST’s 125th anniversary this year, anonymous donors commissioned a musical piece from composer @AlexCapMX to honor NIST and its contributions to science.

Learn more (and listen to the piece) in our latest Taking Measure blog post: https://t.co/7Alp1tbl6O pic.twitter.com/FpN3DIfNA3

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) March 4, 2026

📣 NSAI is seeking new members for our standards committees

We are establishing new technical committees on Light Gauge Steel, Mass Engineered Timber, and the National Annex for Eurocode 5 (structural fire design).

We’re inviting designers, consultants, academics, and… pic.twitter.com/wiv17lXgp9

— NSAI (@NSAI_Standards) March 2, 2026

Dearest gentle reader… 💐 A bit of legal tea: “BRIDGERTON” is a federally registered trademark, protecting the name and entertainment services behind @Netflix’s hit series, so audiences know the true source of the romance, rivalry, and scandal. pic.twitter.com/xdy04zoxPu

— USPTO (@uspto) February 26, 2026

Australian Building Codes Board has released the #NationalConstructionCode 2025 preview, with jurisdictions able to consider adoption from 1 May 26. See how we help ensure referenced standards meet industry needs: https://t.co/Ab104VxC0o pic.twitter.com/4BEU5wBIJg

— Standards Australia (@standardsaus) February 17, 2026

For all you gearheads out there, celebrate National Diesel Engine Day by listening to one of our most popular podcast episodes so far on the International Quarter-Scale Tractor Competition! #diesel #engine #tractor https://t.co/P9Gmo9QD2s pic.twitter.com/LXcogKLv5p

— ASABE.org (@ASABEorg) February 23, 2026

Calling all artists! @DeptVetAffairs and the Veterans Day National Committee are now accepting submissions for the 2026 Veterans Day Poster Contest, with the winning design shared at VA facilities across the country. pic.twitter.com/nZBRqD0hkB

— U.S. Department of Education (@usedgov) February 25, 2026

America’s research influence is eroding as China rapidly gains ground.

Per @Clarivate, the share of Highly Cited Researchers based in the U.S. has fallen from 53% to 37% since 2014, while China’s share rose significantly.https://t.co/4r5DWvWyQ5

— AAU (@AAUniversities) February 25, 2026

Missed it live? We planned for that!

At a recent USPTO Hour, America’ Branding Agency dives into how name, image, likeness (NIL) connects with branding and trademarks – on the field, off the field, and everywhere between.

Catch the recording here: https://t.co/b3fh7aVOy7 pic.twitter.com/gvgn5HCJmH

— USPTO (@uspto) February 25, 2026

Scientists have designed experiments to show that atomic clocks tick faster when moving and slower in stronger gravity. Now, a generation of precise clocks is allowing physicists to push such measurements to new extremes.

Learn more: https://t.co/IwXXmpISy2 pic.twitter.com/YcTUrSDE1A

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 25, 2026

This #NationalEngineersWeek, we celebrate the innovators transforming ideas into reality. We are proud to support the next generation of leaders through research funding, student scholarships, & industry innovation.

Learn more: https://t.co/r7QQgkMjt3 pic.twitter.com/9gQWgMuv3z

— ACI Foundation (@ACIFoundation) February 23, 2026

What’s your big idea?
Submit to #ASCE2027’s Call for Content – OPEN NOW through March 4, 2026 – for an opportunity to share it during the new flagship event for infrastructure professionals: https://t.co/wF0bm1HprT. pic.twitter.com/XM2OTGQHBJ

— ASCE Headquarters (@ASCETweets) October 16, 2025

We’re throwing it back this month to our longest-selling SRM: limestone! Developed in 1910, this material was originally used by the construction industry to assess the components of its building materials. And its purpose hasn’t changed much since then. pic.twitter.com/MB5CtY4CCi

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 23, 2026

From walkable skate-shoes to more comfortable fits, stronger curved blades, and balance-driven designs, patents have been sharpening ice skates for more than a century. ⛸️ pic.twitter.com/ITzdKfqanY

— USPTO (@uspto) February 20, 2026

A person dines out ~3 times/month and orders take-out ~4.5 times/month. To assure that we can safely enjoy our meals from a commercial kitchen, NSF/ANSI 4-2025 provides #FoodProtection and #Sanitation requirements for commercial food equipment. @NSF_Intl https://t.co/5JkDMgWwIm

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) February 21, 2026

Vad är en standard? Syftet med standarder är att skapa enhetliga och transparenta rutiner som vi kan enas kring. Det ligger ju i allas intresse att höja kvaliteten, undvika missförstånd och slippa uppfinna hjulet på nytt varje gång. https://t.co/zKhgPXPdpW pic.twitter.com/oKejdKSm47

— Svenska institutet för standarder, SIS (@svenskstandard) July 15, 2019

March 3, 2026, will mark 125 years of NIST!

Celebrate with us all year long and stay tuned for more. 🎉🥳 pic.twitter.com/FCuL35tKYD

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 20, 2026

❄️🥇What do standards have to do with the Winter Olympics? More than you might think.

Behind the captivating performances, there is an invisible support system keeping the Games safe: standards.

Read more: https://t.co/5ky4okL9Qv #TrustStandards pic.twitter.com/gYAdSZegAn

— CEN and CENELEC (@Standards4EU) February 18, 2026

Discover how standards can help the world meet its ever-increasing need for electricity. https://t.co/dgj8v7iRvz #powergrid pic.twitter.com/E7cjegvYvX

— ASTM Student Fans (@ASTMStudentFans) February 12, 2026

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
You’re like a standard reference material,
Reliable and true. pic.twitter.com/ensl7oc2iG

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 14, 2026

From Lupercalia to love letters 💌 Valentine’s Day has evolved over centuries. Today, standards assure that the chocolates, cards, and flowers we exchange are safe, reliable, and responsibly produced. #ValentinesDay #ConsumerSafety❤️🌹🍫 https://t.co/r7KMB0eUPt

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) February 14, 2026

As fans tune in to the #WinterOlympics, a reminder that inventions like U.S. Pat. 5,784,809 improved snowboard boot flexibility and comfort, while U.S. Pat, 6,523,851 enabled touring bindings for uphill climbs and downhill runs, helping athletes shred with confidence. 🏂 pic.twitter.com/4TLDVbjvoc

— USPTO (@uspto) February 10, 2026

Following an industry-wide job task analysis, the Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) Certification exam content outline will be updated starting March 1.

Apply by Feb. 28 to receive a 50% discount and sit for the HFDP exam March 1 – 31.

💡 How it works:
✔ Apply by… pic.twitter.com/lAfnFR3oK9

— ASHRAE News (@ashraenews) February 11, 2026

Hut-hut-hike! 🏈 The NFL logo, Vince Lombardi Trophy design, and the terms “Super Bowl” and “Super Sunday” are all federally registered trademarks that help tell fans who’s bringing them “The Big Game.” pic.twitter.com/gJDxdqqm7J

— USPTO (@uspto) February 6, 2026

The newly revised ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 sets the benchmark for occupational and educational #Eye and #Face protection. 🥽 The 2025 edition provides clearer guidance on performance, testing, and marking, which helps organizations select the right protection for specific hazards and… pic.twitter.com/tkMa03s4bO

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) February 5, 2026

pic.twitter.com/HwJA5wKj6t

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 6, 2026

The newly revised ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 sets the benchmark for occupational and educational #Eye and #Face protection. 🥽 The 2025 edition provides clearer guidance on performance, testing, and marking, which helps organizations select the right protection for specific hazards and… pic.twitter.com/tkMa03s4bO

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) February 5, 2026

APPA was founded at the University of Michigan| See our ABOUT

Day 2 at APPAU!

APPA members kept the collaborative learning going at this year’s offered courses:💡 Institute for Facilities Management, 🎒 Leadership Academy, and 💻 T3. pic.twitter.com/g8SzfMfQFH

— APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities (@APPA_facilities) February 5, 2026

How do business leaders build trust in AI while keeping innovation alive? Our research analyzed 123 company annual reports and gathered insights from 850+ business leaders across eight countries and multiple sectors. https://t.co/PGgKR2bqfM #BSI #ArtificialIntelligence pic.twitter.com/I3skmCYL6X

— BSI America (@BSI_America) February 4, 2026

Build the Future. SAE helps pay for it. 💲

SAE Scholarships are dedicated to developing the future engineering workforce. Apply today for one (or more!) of the many scholarships we offer. Applications will be accepted all of February. Don’t delay! https://t.co/lv8eD79Ib8 pic.twitter.com/M9Ge7ZLC1w

— SAE International® (@SAEIntl) February 2, 2026

First invented by television producer Tony Verna in 1963, instant replay technology helps ensure fans see the biggest moments of the big game. Although he did not receive one for instant replay, Verna sought patents for similar inventions later in life. pic.twitter.com/hR7LwRXSI4

— USPTO (@uspto) February 3, 2026

Last week, CEN and CENELEC took part in Open Source Week, engaging with the vibrant and diverse open source ecosystem. Our colleagues Amirifar Nooshin and Yannis Chourmouziadis participated in the Open Source Policy Summit where they had constructive discussions.#TrustStandards pic.twitter.com/MxwGDFzvZ1

— CEN and CENELEC (@Standards4EU) February 4, 2026

ASHRAE is honored to welcome and host so many esteemed VIP guests at the Leadership Luncheon. This group truly represents ASHRAE’s continued commitment to collaboration with organizations throughout the built environment.#MyASHRAE pic.twitter.com/DCl8QIiS28

— ASHRAE News (@ashraenews) February 2, 2026

Join EdSoc & IEEE Educational Activities for our upcoming free webinar: The Vital Importance of Having Fun While Learning! 🎮

📅 Thursday, 5 February 2026
🕚 11:00 AM EST
📍 Virtual via Airmeet

🔗 Learn more & register: https://t.co/U6o6gZ7hgH pic.twitter.com/7QRuSx04fQ

— IEEE Education Society (@IEEE_EduSoc) January 31, 2026

Check out ASTM’s ongoing efforts to support early-career professionals, including participation at a Fatigue and Fracture Symposium. https://t.co/aKlNXtJYxa pic.twitter.com/CTcsb41SDQ

— ASTM International (@ASTMIntl) January 30, 2026

Winter storms are on the way; #Corrosion is a major concern. From bridges, and utility equipment, winter’s salty conditions can hasten #Rust & degradation. ASTM B117-26 helps evaluate materials meant to withstand harsh, corrosive environments. @ASTMIntl https://t.co/qAzr3TTMXR

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) February 1, 2026

ASHRAE announces nominees for the 2026-27 Slate of Officers and Directors. Members will vote on the nominees via electronic ballot in May, including who will serve as ASHRAE President for the 2026-27 Society year. To see the full list of nominees, visit https://t.co/lJdqfCz264.… pic.twitter.com/UJnF0nC2bY

— ASHRAE News (@ashraenews) February 2, 2026

Higher voltages being introduced to power AI data centers present new electrical hazards that many codes and standards have yet to address. We’re working to solve the challenge through a new collaboration w/ @OpenComputePrj, @abbgroupnews and @eatoncorp https://t.co/NGRg8Amf98 pic.twitter.com/ZNf6husbz9

— UL Solutions (@UL_Solutions) January 15, 2026

Preservation of old standards may be useful. In converting material into an ASTM standard, form, style, terminology are areas that require particular attention. Here, we address the rationale for offering these versions of standards, steps taken to make them conform to ASTM… pic.twitter.com/ZT1LWgxqLX

— ASTM International (@ASTMIntl) January 29, 2026

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ICE CREAM CONES.🍦On this day in 1924, Carl R. Taylor patented an ice cream cone rolling machine (No. 1,481,813), automating the process of shaping flat wafers into perfectly formed cones. pic.twitter.com/adaBY2f3xV

— USPTO (@uspto) January 29, 2026

🗣️ “AI chatbots with hallucinate around 27% of the time, so we need to ensure employees have the AI literacy required to critically consider the output AI delivers” Laura Bishop PhD, BSI AI and Cybersecurity Sector Lead#BSI #TrustInAI #AIGovernance #AIStrateg pic.twitter.com/0MyIpozyiR

— BSI America (@BSI_America) January 29, 2026

The Annual Student Presentation Forum was part of the 23rd ASTM/ESIS International Symposium on Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics during November Committee Week in Atlantahttps://t.co/4eP9VVYQAw #fatigueandfracture pic.twitter.com/53Pi87sdlx

— ASTM Student Fans (@ASTMStudentFans) January 28, 2026

📣 New edition of the X9 AI Study Group Newsletter just dropped!

This issue explores AI tools and real-world use cases shaping the financial sector while also diving into regulatory readiness and risk management.

👉 https://t.co/rfLmltYcWI pic.twitter.com/oCtCQ0IRNb

— ASC X9, Inc. (@ASCX9Inc) January 26, 2026

Great turnout at the X12 standing Meeting. Especially, given the difficult weather across the country. A wonderful spread of food, as well. Great to see everyone and certainly appreciate the participation. pic.twitter.com/XlbODYcY40

— X12 (@X12standards) January 27, 2026

Huge congratulations to Mark Lotspeich of Dynalectric Oregon for winning NECA’s 2026 Innovator of the Year at the #MEPConference! 🏆

This recognition reflects his dedication and commitment to pushing the industry forward. pic.twitter.com/aa91xJtJ6g

— NECA (@necanet) January 27, 2026

The 2026 IEEE WIE Day Ambassador Call is NOW OPEN!
Are you ready to champion Technology with Purpose around the world?
Apply now:
🔗 https://t.co/33ZqSCF4Af
Learn more about WIE Day:
🌐 https://t.co/urqJDcsOm0 #IEEEWIEDay pic.twitter.com/miu7II4nLJ

— IEEE WIE (@IEEEWIE) January 26, 2026

Congrats to Scott Osborn, PE, retired professor, biological and agricultural engineering, University of Arkansas, for being named an ASABE Fellow! Osborn was selected for in teaching the next generation of engineers, invention and innovation in systems. https://t.co/UFTWhIrS2i pic.twitter.com/Q95ufpymMI

— ASABE.org (@ASABEorg) January 26, 2026

The 2026 ASHRAE HVAC&R Student Paper Competition concluded on January 22nd with presentations from four finalists. The four-person judging panel selected Felix Ekuful as the winner of the 2026 competition. His research focus is on developing advanced control strategies to improve… pic.twitter.com/RDbLiLopIK

— ASHRAE News (@ashraenews) January 27, 2026

See how standards help ensure that gypsum board and related products are properly manufactured and installed. https://t.co/t30BHWzo9D #safetystandards pic.twitter.com/8CTK4766k2

— ASTM Student Fans (@ASTMStudentFans) January 26, 2026

Closing on Wednesday!

NSAI has launched the public consultation for S.R. 66:2015 +A1:202X Standard Recommendation providing guidance to wastewater treatment products in conformance with the EN 12566 series of standards.

This public consultation closes on 28th January 2026 so… pic.twitter.com/xvDUltbn7z

— NSAI (@NSAI_Standards) January 26, 2026

Just about every airspeed sensor in the United States can trace its calibration back, either directly or indirectly via calibration laboratories, to a wind tunnel on NIST’s Gaithersburg, Maryland, campus.

Learn more: https://t.co/GK9BLGMreU pic.twitter.com/DaCCR4hfDX

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) January 23, 2026

🚧 In 2025, fall protection topped OSHA’s list of the most common violations, with 5,914 reported. ISO 45001 helps organizations create a culture of safety that reduces injuries. 🦺💼@OSHA_DOL @isostandards #WorkerSafety #OSHA https://t.co/NFcEpqXBJ9

— ANSI (@ansidotorg) January 24, 2026

Discover opportunities to get involved. Learn about in-person and virtual events to attend:https://t.co/fbNDMWiMLv pic.twitter.com/BK1pXCLINb

— IEEE Standards Association | IEEE SA (@IEEESA) December 19, 2025

🤝Full house for the biannual Technical Body Officers Seminar focusing on key aspects of the standardization system, this day was again a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices with peers, strengthening our collective technical leadership. #TrustStandards pic.twitter.com/K2wujDboS7

— CEN and CENELEC (@Standards4EU) January 22, 2026

Some states are bracing for below-zero temperatures, and it’s important to prepare now. @kfdmnews #BuildingCodes #BuildingSafety365 #ColdWeather https://t.co/T8lJqGdEK5

— IntlCodeCouncil (@IntlCodeCouncil) January 24, 2026

If you design or operate health care facilities, Standard 170 sets the minimum.
ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170 defines the minimum ventilation requirements for health care facilities and is developed in partnership with FGI and ASHE for adoption by code-enforcing agencies.

The… pic.twitter.com/7ibciPtMRn

— ASHRAE News (@ashraenews) January 23, 2026

* ISO and IEC have opted out of the X-social media platforms. FYI: X is 13 times the size of BlueSky in terms of scale and reach.

An Expanded Study of School Bond Elections in Michigan

November 3, 2026

Dearborn Public Schools: A proposed $1.51 billion bond for new buildings, renovations, career education and infrastructure.

Birmingham Public Schools: A proposed $240 million bond

Chippewa Hills School District: A revised $29.9 million bond following rejection of a larger proposal in 2025.

Gallery: School Bond Referenda

As of January 2022, there were a few municipalities in the United States that allowed non-citizens to vote in local elections, but no entire states. These municipalities included:

San Francisco, California: Non-citizens are allowed to vote in school board elections.
Chicago, Illinois: Non-citizens are allowed to vote in school board elections.
Takoma Park, Maryland: Non-citizens are allowed to vote in local elections.

It’s worth noting that these policies may change over time as local governments make decisions regarding voting rights. For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to consult the specific laws and regulations of each municipality or state.

“Election Day, 1944” | Norman Rockwell for the Saturday Evening Post

School bond elections — either at county or district level — are processes through which communities vote to authorize the issuance of bonds to fund various projects and improvements in their local school districts. The elections determine the quality of educational settlements –new school buildings, renovating existing facilities, upgrading technology, and improving safety measures. The outcomes of these elections directly affect the quality of education and learning environments for students within the county. Successful bond measures can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and attracting families to the area.

Community involvement and voter turnout are essential in determining the allocation of resources and shaping the quality of life for its citizens. In recent years, however, voter ambivalence about the education “industry” in general, the rise of home schooling and other cultural factors, complicate choices presented to voters.

Financial Services

Current Issues & Recent Research

“The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena,

it will make more progress in one decade

than in all the previous centuries of existence.”

— Nikola Tesla

Redefining Grid Interconnection for AI & Hyperscale Data Centers

Data Centers and Grid Impacts for State Regulators – 2026

IEEE P4200: Data Center Interconnection (Active PAR June 4, 2026)

MPSC Case U-21990 In the Matter of the Application of DTE Electric Company for Approval of Special Contracts

Restore NESC Cross-Reference to the Front End of the NEC

Electrical Power System Research

Large Language Models of Electric Power Sector

NFPA Electrical Standards Landing Page Ω NFPA Standards Council Ω NFPA Fire Safety Landing Page

ASHRAE Landing Page | ASTM Electrical & Electronics | IES Illumination

Draft IEEE Paper Abstracts | Mike Anthony Short Biography | Electrotechnology OEMS

IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee Recent Meeting Minutes

Michigan Stadium Scoreboard Tour | March 18

NEC & NESC Crosswalk

Ω

IEEE Southeastern Michigan Section Welcome August 2024

IEEE & SWE Student Tour of Michigan Stadium Scoreboard | April 2024

IEEE SEM Student Activity 2025

Trending

Electrical Power System Research

NFPA Electrical Standards Landing Page Ω NFPA Standards Council Ω NFPA Fire Safety Landing Page

ASHRAE Landing Page | ASTM Electrical & Electronics

Draft IEEE Paper Abstracts | Mike Anthony Short Biography | Electrotechnology OEMS

We examine the proposals for the 2028 National Electrical Safety Code; including our own. The 2026 National Electrical Code where sit on CMP-15 overseeing health care facility electrical issues should be released any day now. We have one proposal on the agenda of the International Code Council’s Group B Committee Action Hearings in Cleveland in October. Balloting on the next IEEE Gold Book on reliability should begin.

“Tomorrow’s Girls” | Donald Fagan

Policy:

OUTERNET: Crossing over data gap using cubesats

Department of Energy Portfolio Analysis & Management System

Department of Energy Building Technologies Office

FERC Open Meetings | (Note that these ~60 minute sessions meet Sunshine Act requirements. Our interest lies one or two levels deeper into the technicals underlying the administrivia)

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission	Federal Communication Commission	Michigan Public Service Commission

December 2025 Open Meeting	December 18 Open Meeting	December 5 Open Meeting
	August 7 Open Meeting
July 24 Open Meeting	July 25 Open Meeting
June 16 Open Meeting	January 22: Newly Appointed FCC Chairman Announces Staff Changes	June 12 Open Meeting
May 15 Open Meeting		May 15 Open Meeting
April 17 Open Meeting		April 24 Open Meeting
March 20 Open Meeting
February 20 FERC Open Meeting		March 3 Open Meeting
January 16 FERC Press Conference		February 27, 2025 Open Meeting

January 23: NARUC Congratulates New FERC, FCC and NRC Chairs

January 22: Newly Appointed FCC Chairman Announces Staff Changes | Related: Falsus in uno, Falsus in omnibus

January 6: City of Ann Arbor Postpones Phase II Study to Municipalize DTE Energy distribution grid

January 27, 10 AM Low-Income Energy Policy Board Meeting: Michigan Public Service commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: January 16, 2025 Open Meeting

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of Request for Comments (Posted November 25, 2024)

Interregional Transfer Capability Study: Strengthening Reliability Through the Energy Transformation Docket No. AD25-4-000

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission | November 21, Open Meeting

Press Conference

Michigan Public Service Commission Meetings

Michigan Public Commission Meeting February 27, 2025

MPSC DTE CMS Electric Power Reliability Case No. U-21305

Michigan Electrical Administrative Board Meeting February 13, 2025

FCC Open Meeting | November 21

[Mike Anthony Opinion] on the gales of innuendo against limited federal government voices in federally financed National Public Radio

National Infrastructure Advisory Council: Addressing the Critical Shortage of Power Transformers to Ensure Reliability of the U.S. Grid

H.R. 9603 (September 16): To amend the Federal Power Act to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from issuing permits for the construction or modification of electric transmission facilities in a State over the objection of the State, and for other purposes.

Technical: (Also Electrical Power System Research)

Empower Pre-Trained Large Language Models for Building-Level Load Forecasting

Uptime Institute (via NEXT DC) : AI Inference in the Data Center

Majorana Nanowires for Topological Quantum Computing

Linearized Data Center Workload and Cooling Management

Oxford Researchers Discovered How to Use AI To Learn Like A Genius

Lex Fridman: DeepSeek, China, OpenAI, NVIDIA, xAI, TSMC, Stargate, and AI Megaclusters

IEEE: Experts Weigh in on $500B Stargate Project for AI

IEEE: AI Mistakes Are Very Different Than Human Mistakes . We need new security systems designed to deal with their weirdness

High-Performance Tensor Learning Primitives Using GPU Tensor Cores

Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York

Causes and Consequences of Widespread Power Blackout Across Taiwan on 3 March 2022: A Blackout Incident Investigation in the Taiwan Power System

Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City, Taiwan

First Draft Proposals contain most of our proposals — and most new (original) content. We will keep the transcripts linked below but will migrate them to a new page starting 2025:

Electrical Safety

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-1

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-2

Public Input Report CMP-3

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-4

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-5

Public Input Report CMP-6

Public Input Report CMP-7

Public Input Report CMP-8

Public Input Report CMP-9

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-10

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-11

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-12

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-13

Public Input Report CMP-14

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-15

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-16

Public Input Report CMP-17

2026 NEC Standards Michigan proposals | Public Input Report CMP-18

N.B. We are in the process of migrating electric power system research to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers bibliographic format.

Recap of the May meetings of the Industrial & Commercial Power Systems Conference in Las Vegas. The conference ended the day before the beginning of the 3-day Memorial Day weekend in the United States so we’re pressed for time; given all that happened.

~~We can use our last meeting’s agenda to refresh the status of the issues.~~

~~IEEE E&H Draft Agenda 28 May 2024~~

~~On site conference agenda:~~

~~IEEE E&H Conference Agenda 21 May 2024~~

NESC & NEC Cross-Code Correlation

We typically break down our discussion into the topics listed below:

Codes & Standards:

While IAS/I&CPS has directed votes on the NEC; Mike is the only I&CPS member who is actually submitting proposals and responses to codes and standards developers to the more dominant SDO’s — International Code Council, ASHRAE International, UL, ASTM International, IEC & ISO. Mike maintains his offer to train the next generation of “code writers and vote getters”

Performance-based building premises feeder design has been proposed for the better part of ten NEC revision cycles. The objective of these proposals is to reduce material, labor and energy waste owed to the branch and feeder sizing rules that are prescriptive in Articles 210-235. Our work in service and lighting branch circuit design has been largely successful. A great deal of building interior power chain involves feeders — the network upstream from branch circuit panels but down stream from building service panel.

Our history of advocating for developing this approach, inspired by the NFPA 101 Guide to Alternative Approaches to Life Safety, and recounted in recent proposals for installing performance-based electrical feeder design into the International Building Code, appears in the link below:

Access to this draft paper for presentation at any conference that will receive it — NFPA, ICC or IEEE (or even ASHRAE) will be available for review at the link below:

Toward Performance-Based Building Premise Feeder Design

NFPA 110 Definitions of Public Utility v. Merchant Utility

NFPA 72 “Definition of Dormitory Suite” and related proposals

Buildings:

Renovation economics, Smart contracts in electrical construction. UMich leadership in aluminum wiring statements in the NEC should be used to reduce wiring costs.

Copper can’t be mined fast enough to electrify the United States

Daleep asked Mike to do a Case Study session on the NEC lighting power density change (NEC 220-14) for the IAS Annual Meeting in October. Mike agreed.

Exterior Campus & Distribution:

Illumination. Gary Fox reported that IEEE 3001.9 was endorsed as an ANSI accredited standard for illumination systems.

2024-ICPSD24-0012 PERMANENT DESIGN OF POWER SYSTEMS Parise

This paper details primary considerations in estimating the life cycle of a campus medium voltage distribution grid. Some colleges and universities are selling their entire power grid to private companies. Mike has been following these transactions but cannot do it alone.

Variable Architecture Multi-Island Microgrids

District energy:

Generator stator winding failures and implications upon insurance premiums. David Shipp and Sergio Panetta. Mike suggests more coverage of retro-fit and lapsed life cycle technicals for insurance companies setting premiums.

Reliability:

Bob Arno’s leadership in updating the Gold Book.

Mike will expand the sample set in Table 10-35, page 293 from the <75 data points in the 1975 survey to >1000 data points. Bob will set up meeting with Peyton at US Army Corps of Engineers.

Reliability of merchant utility distribution systems remains pretty much a local matter. The 2023 Edition of the NESC shows modest improvement in the vocabulary of reliability concepts. For the 2028 Edition Mike submitted several proposals to at least reference IEEE titles in the distribution reliability domain. It seems odd (at least to Mike) that the NESC committees do not even reference IEEE technical literature such as Bob’s Gold Book which has been active for decades. Mike will continue to propose changes in other standards catalogs — such as ASTM, ASHRAE and ICC — which may be more responsive to best practice assertions. Ultimately, improvements will require state public utility commission regulations — and we support increases in tariffs so that utilities can afford these improvements.

Mike needs help from IEEE Piscataway on standard WordPress theme limitations for the data collection platform.

Mike will update the campus power outage database.

Healthcare:

Giuseppe Parise’s recent work in Italian power grid to its hospitals, given its elevated earthquake risk. Mike’s review of Giuseppe’s paper:

Harvard Business School: Journal of Healthcare Management Standards

Mike and David Shipp will prepare a position paper for the Harvard Healthcare Management Journal on reliability advantages of impedance grounding for the larger systems.

The Internet of Bodies

Forensics:

Giuseppe’s session was noteworthy for illuminating the similarity and differences between the Italian and US legal system in handling electrotechnology issues.

Mike will restock the committee’s library of lawsuits transactions.

Ports:

Giuseppe updates on the energy and security issues of international ports. Mike limits his time in this committee even though the State of Michigan has the most fresh water international ports in the world.

A PROPOSED GUIDE FOR THE ENERGY PLAN AND ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF A PORT

Other:

Proposals to the 2028 National Electrical Safety Code: Accepted Best Practice, exterior switchgear guarding, scope expansion into ICC and ASHRAE catalog,

Apparently both the Dot Standards and the Color Books will continue parallel development. Only the Gold Book is being updated; led by Bob Arno. Mike admitted confusion but reminded everyone that any references to IEEE best practice literature in the NFPA catalog, was installed Mike himself (who would like some backup help)

Universities with Quantum Computing Facilities

Papers in Process:

Impedance Grounding Papers 1 and 2 with David Shipp. Previous Discussion:

https://ieeetv.ieee.org/channels/ieee-region-events/uc-berkeley-s-medium-voltage-grounding-system

Over Coffee and Beers:

Mike assured Christel Hunter (General Cable) that his proposals for reducing the 180 VA per-outlet requirements, and the performance-base design allowance for building interior feeders do not violate the results of the Neher-McGrath calculation used for conductor sizing. All insulation and conducting material thermal limits are unaffected.

Other informal discussions centered on the rising cost of copper wiring and the implications for the global electrotechnical transformation involving the build out of quantum computing and autonomous vehicles. Few expressed optimism that government ambitions for the same could be met in any practical way.

Are students avoiding use of Chat GPT for energy conservation reasons? Mike will be breaking out this topic for a dedicated standards inquiry session:

GPT Power Grid

Education & Healthcare Facility Electrotechnology Committee

Workspace IEEE 1366: Guide for Electric Power Distribution Reliability Indices

Largest U.S. Electric Utility Companies Ranked by Generation Capacity For IEEE 493 update we seek outage data from the 100 largest campus power system experts.

Gallery: School Bond Referenda

In terms of total spend, the US elementary and secondary school industry is about twice the size of the higher education industry according to IBISWorld. About $100 billion is in play every year for both (which we cover during our Ædificare colloquia); with higher education spending only half of what elementary and secondary school systems spend on facilities.

Note that some districts are including construction for faculty housing.

Our focus remains on applying global standard to create educational settlements that are safer, simpler, lower-cost and longer-lasting — not on the hurly-burly of local school bond elections. We recommend consulting the coverage in American School & University for more detailed and more timely information.