<p>Letter to Manager</p><p>< Date > </p><p>Dear < supervisor’s name >,</p><p>As a Doble Services Agreement Client Company, I would like to take advantage of one of our important benefits and request approval to attend the 80th International Conference of Doble Clients, which is held on April 7-12, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts USA. </p><p>This is our industry’s premier event for the open exchange of relevant knowledge. Colleagues from around the globe attend this event to share and learn valuable information about the latest trends and techniques, best practices, current topics and the most pressing concerns to our industry. </p><p>There is no conference fee to attend the International Conference of Doble Clients as it is one of our benefits as a Doble Service Agreement Client. Travel and lodging estimates are detailed below.</p><p>Conference presentations and discussions are facilitated by both industry experts and colleagues who have faced similar challenges in maximizing their assets. After reviewing the conference materials, I have identified a number of educational sessions which will not only aid in my own professional development, but will benefit our company as a whole as I can bring back what I’ve learned and share the changes and suggestions that could improve efficiency, safety and effectiveness. </p><p>The highlights of this event include:</p><p> “Experiences with Regulation Compliance” Tutorial featuring NERC regulations</p><p>This tutorial will provide an overview of regulatory compliance “Best Practices” related to utility audit experiences including successful strategies and lessons learned. The tutorial will also include the role of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems and Substation Survey Intervals in facilitating compliance with changing regulations. </p><p> Hearing the most recent manufacturers’ service advisories and safety briefing</p><p>For example, in the 2012 Client Committee Meetings, there we a number of advisories and safety issues cover. In the Transformer committee the following safety incident related to improperly isolation apparatus under test was discussed: insufficient clearance between overhead conductors and bushing terminals, along with not working between visible grounds, resulted in energizing an adjacent circuit breaker where another crew member was working. Fortunately no one was seriously injured.</p><p> Getting advanced notice of industry concerns and emerging problems</p><p>A number of papers will discuss other utilities’ experience with various apparatus, including lessons learned, early warning signs and fleet management decisions:</p><p>Power Transformer Failure and Transformer Fleet Management, Hydro One: An internal fault occurred within a power transformer after returning from a planned outage. An investigation was conducted to identify the root cause of the equipment failures, mitigating future risks as well as assessment of effectiveness of the ongoing OM&A programs and end of service life decision making. As a result of the investigation, a list of action items and recommendations for improvements with a focus on strategic approaches was developed to better link the maintenance, operation and capital investments activities together.</p><p>Teardown of Trench Canada Type COTA 69 KV Draw Lead Bushing, Progress Energy: As a result of the ongoing issues with the Trench COT and COTA bushing Progress Energy is involved in a replacement program for all their 69KV and above Trench Canada Type COTA draw lead bushings. During this process Progress discovered bushings with elevated power factors. Teardowns were performed on some of these bushings and this paper will present the findings. </p><p> Training Track opportunities throughout the week along with equipment workshops and users groups</p><p>Training classes cover a wide variety of Doble and non-Doble field tests and software. These training classes will insure maximize benefit of your company’s testing program.</p><p>Doble has recently completely revamped the DTA software, including new user interface, new expert system and new file structure. Participation in user groups will ensure future software updates will meet your company’s needs.</p><p> Sharing information and concerns openly with industry peers in the Committee Meetings – no manufacturers will be in attendance</p><p>This is probably the most valuable aspect of the meeting the ability to openly discuss ongoing industry issues without any formal script or OEM.</p><p>For example, the Trench COTA bushing issue was first bought up at the Doble Bushing committee meeting in 2005, since then Trench has twice been invited and participated in a special meeting to discuss the issue. While the issue is still not resolved the committee is on top of every new development.</p><p>The transformer committee has established a subcommittee to investigate gassing tendencies associate with GSU feed by winding turbine. The committee has a database of over 450 DGA for these special application transformers. The subcommittee has decided to come up with a questionnaire for wind farm owners in hopes of starting to identify specifics.</p><p> Meeting with industry manufacturers and service providers in one location during the Industry Expo</p><p>The industry expo, is attended by every major OEM we do business with. It gives me the opportunity to discuss issues with their product as well as get a better understanding of what is new in the industry </p><p>Here is the breakdown of projected costs to attend the Boston event: Roundtrip Airfare: <$xx – based on your location> Transportation: <$xx – you will not need to rent a car while in Boston. A cab to the hotel is $35 one way without gratuity.> Hotel: <$xx – the group rate per night is $265 at the Westin Copley Place Hotel plus the 14.45% applicable tax for a total of $303.29 per night.> Meals: <$xx – please note that we provide lunch on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Plus there is a Thursday night dinner></p><p>The total costs associated with attending this conference are: <$xxxx>.</p><p>I sincerely believe that attending the 80th International Conference of Doble Clients will be a great benefit to < name of your organization >. We will get more than information, I will bring back lessons learned from our industry peers and knowledge that we can put to work immediately. </p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>< your name here > </p>