The Irving, Texas-based Plastic Pipe Institute renamed its Conduit Division to the Power & Communications Division (PCD). The reasoning behind the name change is the growth within the division, uses of conduit in rapidly developing applications and to reflect the types of solutions that high-density polyethylene conduit can provide.

The PCD focuses on educating specifiers, end users and installers by providing expertise, technical reports, guides and manuals. It also is the industry liaison to government agencies and cooperates closely with standards development organizations such as UL, ASTM, NEMA and others.

“Our division continues growing, adding new members and undertaking more initiatives, such as research projects and new publications to support the industry,” said Lance MacNevin, P.E., and director of engineering for the PCD. “Sales of HDPE underground conduit pipe increased in 2016. Fiber optic networks continue to grow and more power cables are being placed underground as utilities safeguard their power lines. Plus, there is rapid expansion of HDPE conduit being used in solar and wind farms. It is imperative that the power and communications industries have access to solid, vetted and impartial facts and information, which is the primary goal of PPI’s PCD.”