2016 IEEE Rural Electrification Excellence Award Recipient

2016 IAS/PES A.P. Seethapathy Rural Electrification Excellence Award

On Tuesday, May 17th, 2016 the 2016 IAS/PES A.P. Seethapathy Rural Electrification Excellence Award was presented to Jerry Hager, Vice President and Senior Engineer at ESC Engineering.

The Seethapathy Award is presented “to recognize exceptional power engineers who have worked, implemented or innovated better and cheaper electrification technologies for the rural sector,” according to the IEEE website.

Hager is responsible for a wide range of utility planning studies, financial analysis and distribution line design projects for electric utilities. Included is the preparation of Long Range Plans, two and three year Construction Work Plans, RUS loan applications, sectionalizing studies, arc flash analysis and miscellaneous day-to-day planning activities. In the area of financial analysis, Mr. Hager’s responsibilities include cost of service studies, rate analysis and design, and power contract negotiations. Mr. Hager has testified on many occasions before various state public utilities commissions. Mr. Hager has also served as a project manager for the design of power, lighting and communication systems for buildings, industrial facilities and distribution line design projects.

Career Highlights

Principal continuous planning engineering for an electric utility which grew from 40 to 400MW, developed 138kV transmission system, added numerous substations while maintaining level investment per kWh sold.

Developed study format and methods of calculating arc flash hazards for distribution electric utilities.

Prepared several studies and presentations with recommendations on economically minimizing power losses and improving voltage regulation.

Provided professional engineering direction and review for the evaluation of damage, determination of required repairs/replacement and design of new and rebuilt facilities.

Lead engineer for special investigations on harmonic issues, accidents and required major system expansion.