Point-To-Point E-Newsletter

April 2005

There’s no time like the present

Hello and welcome to our first issue of Point-To-Point. We at Dow Wire & Cable have had an active outreach program for several years, which has helped us develop relationships with you, the end users of the cables manufactured by our direct customers. Through ongoing conversations with you and your global colleagues who represent electrical and communications utilities, we are learning — and delivering — what you need to succeed.

We plan to use this venue as a place to share information, industry trends, case studies and other relevant material. We will cover topics that have global appeal to support your ongoing efforts to provide cost-effective, reliable and secure power and communications to your customers. And, of course, we will respond to your questions, suggestions and recommendations. Read full article.

Evaluating total system cost
Quality is quickly becoming a strategically important consideration in the specification of materials for end users. According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), it is estimated that power quality problems are already costing industry billions of dollars each year. And both residential and commercial users are demanding better performance from their utilities at lower prices. Read full article

Underground power cable materials demonstrate history of success, longevity
Since its introduction 20 years ago, water-tree retardant crosslinked polyethylene (TR-XLPE) from Dow Wire & Cable has rapidly replaced conventional XLPE to become the preferred medium voltage (5-46 kV) insulation for primary underground distribution cables in North America. Usage of Dow's TR-XLPE continues to grow in Mexico, Latin America and Asia as well. Electric utilities often specify TR-XLPE rather than any other insulation due to its proven long life and lowest total cable life cycle cost. And, HFDB-4202 NT EC made by Dow has exhibited excellent field experience for underground residential distribution, underground distribution, and feeder applications. Read full article

Dow Wire & Cable is at your service
Dow Wire & Cable has led the industry for more than 60 years with products and technology for power, communications and specialty applications. Our goal is to provide the broadest range of materials and expertise you need to add longer life, better performance and consistency to your systems. And we continue to set industry standards worldwide for cleanliness, consistency, reliability, performance and quality. Read full article

Polymer cost and supply/demand trends
Dow Wire & Cable believes that it is important that we make every effort to provide you with information about the wire and cable market, our position in it, and any potential impact that industry trends may have on your business. Currently, Dow Wire & Cable, cable manufacturers and utilities are facing conflicting pressures from energy feedstock suppliers and ultimate consumers. Within Dow, we call this the "intermediate squeeze" that exists between the oil majors and the large retailers. Read full article