Menu: (Note your choice when you register.) Chicken Teriyaki

• Sweet chicken teriyaki with fried rice and fresh sautéed vegetables
• Vegetarian option: Sautéed vegetables served over chow mien.
• Gluten-free: Entrée with double vegetables and no rice.

Program: Lightning, Wind, and Squirrels: Factors That Cause Power Outages

Continuous electric supply is essential for modern living. Any interruption in availability of electricity causes major disruption in people’s lives. Although the reliability of electric supply is very high in the USA, people and utilities would like it to be even better.

However, it is impossible to avoid interruptions. Humans cause some interruptions, but a large number of them are due to natural causes, such as weather and wild life. This presentation will examine the effects of lightning, wind, and squirrels on the electricity distribution system of Manhattan, Kansas. Basic concepts of distribution system design and reliability will be discussed.

Indices commonly used by industry to track reliability of electricity distribution system will be presented. Finally, the speaker will share his experience in applying probabilistic models to study the impact of lighting, wind, and squirrels on power outages.

Anil Pahwa is Professor and Interim Head of Electrical and Computer at Kansas State University. He received the Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1983. Dr. Pahwa is a Fellow of IEEE.

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