About Us | Cliff Thompson

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Dealing with several expensive repairs to my own property following lightning events,  I started to investigate the potential cause of the ongoing damage. Through research and diagnostics, I determined that the residence was not grounded sufficiently and required additional grounding electrodes to lower the ground resistance for mitigation for voltage surges and lightning events.

This resolved the issue, but it became apparent to me afterwards that no one measures the resistance to determine this critical component for protecting our structures, installed components and most importantly, the safety of those living on the property. Homeowners move into properties -- new and existing -- assuming they have adequate installed electrode grounding.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Through a simple and low-cost diagnostic test for determining the electrode resistance, we will provide you with peace of mind -- and, if required, an affordable mitigation plan to correct the problem. It is for this purpose that I founded Bolt Power Services, LLC.

My journey and interest in electricity began in high school through a half-day vocational program for residential and commercial/industrial electrical studies. The 2-year vocational program prepared me for a career as a residential, commercial or industrial electrician.  I decided to enroll after graduation in an Associate of Applied Science curriculum at my local community college, with a focus in Electrical Technology. While attending community college I also worked full-time for a local iron factory as an electrician’s assistant. The role provided direct hands-on experience with the skills required to perform in an electrician role. Unfortunately, as June graduation approached the employer downsized and I found myself without a permanent job and began the search process for a new employer.

Once graduated the hiring process led me to the opportunity to work at Dominion Energy as an
Electrical Equipment Technician.  During my 36 year career at Dominion Energy I held positions as Senior Electrical Equipment Technician, Field Substation Equipment Supervisor, System Technical Consultant, System Transmission Substation Technical Supervisor, Manager Field Technical Support, and Manager of Transmission Technical Support.

Taking an early retirement, I began a six year career with North American Substation Services starting as Director of Strategic Business Development.  My role was to assist with expanding NASS’s service offerings, customer engagement, and guidance to the company board for future business investments.  After restructuring, I accepted the VP/GM for a region to lead field service, safety and sales teams for providing the customer base a vital service to accomplish their company challenges.

Presently, I am a part-time contractor as a Technical Consultant for Dominion Energy supporting a new High Voltage Laboratory, which is currently under construction. Additional roles are to develop relationships for the Lab with Higher Education, future clients and research assistance through industry relationships.

Along my career path I have always had an interest in leading my own company to provide beneficial services to those needing technical assistance. Having over four decades of work experience in the power industry, I am confident that there is a need for practical and experience resolving technical issues for the power industry clients and residential end users. Bolt Power Services was created to assist and serve with those opportunities in an honest and ethical manner.  We will never overpromise and underdeliver your service needs!

• AAS degree in electrical technology
• BBA degree in business administration
• 35 years of leadership
• 43 years of technical experience in the power industry
• Industry Memberships: IEEE and CIGRE
• Member of Utility Technician Curriculum Advisory Panel for Danville Community College
• Numerous trade conference presentations on electrical grounding concepts