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smooothaseggs t1_j0osyj8 wrote

It’s a big ask, but… -don’t keep electrical infrastructure above ground (eliminating wind/tree/weather interference, as it does, quite often at my house) -don’t let CMP call the shots (wait until you see the rate hikes in January 🥺) -go off grid

Most of us are at the mercy of a very fragile, yet expensive system. Hopefully, this will create some innovation and opportunities for us to improve. In the mean time, a dual-fuel generator (maybe one that can tie in to your home’s panel) is a great contingency plan. Solar bank, wood stove, outdoor wood boiler, wind turbines…all things on my mind to help be more self-sufficient.

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guggabump t1_j0pllr6 wrote

That’s the answer but the costs would be insane

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20thMaine t1_j0q2frv wrote

We say that, but how much money and time is lost repairing the network year after year after year due to relatively predictable events?

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New_Sun6390 t1_j0r2ku4 wrote

The cost of underground utilities is indeed insane. There have been a multitude of studies done on this. Essentially imagine adding $100 a month to your residential electric bill in perpetuity. The cost of repairing the infrastructure that's already in place is much less than the cost to bury everything.

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haditupto t1_j0ri3r5 wrote

Maine has a ton of ledge rock that would make this impractical in much of the state.

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guggabump t1_j0q2ls4 wrote

That’s cost over time though. Putting things under ground would take a ton of investment upfront.

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MaryBitchards t1_j0q2vt8 wrote

It would, and when the underground equipment would at some point inevitably fail, it would take a hella long time to repair it.

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IamSauerKraut t1_j0q6t94 wrote

They've had 50+ years to be innovative yet have still not arrived at that stage.

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New_Sun6390 t1_j0rhjwv wrote

>They've had 50+ years to be innovative yet have still not arrived at that stage.

And what data do you have to back up this claim? Are you saying SCADA, fault detection and sectionalization devices, and advanced metering are not innovative?

Do tell us what you think they should be doing. Start with your qualifications for making such claims.

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IamSauerKraut t1_j0rtgx2 wrote

Did not realize I needed a PhD to have life experience. Maybe you should start with the post to which I commented. Then take your acid and go find some pepcid.

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New_Sun6390 t1_j0ry9j8 wrote

>Did not realize I needed a PhD to have life experience

Thank you for proving your ignorance on this matter. I gave you three examples of electric grid innovation and you come back with a personal attack. Sweet.

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IamSauerKraut t1_j0s92cl wrote

Those innovations do not prevent long stretches of power outages now, do they?

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New_Sun6390 t1_j0sqvux wrote

SCADA, sectionalizing, and fault detection absolutely can help to shorten outage duration so you are wrong again.

Weather related outages will happen. Utilities are always striving to improve reliability, bit they cannot control the weather. Learn to deal with it.

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IamSauerKraut t1_j0suyap wrote

>can help to shorten outage duration so you are wrong again.

"can help" is passive but not the same as "will help" or "ends outages."

But pat yourself on the back for being... well, I dunno, a dick?

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New_Sun6390 t1_j0sy3mb wrote

Well clearly you think you can do a better job operating the power grid. So by all means, apply for a job at the utility and show them how it is done. Dick.

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IamSauerKraut t1_j0u6iru wrote

>you think you can do a better job operating the power grid

My initial comment was as a direct response to another's re innovation. Had nothing to do with the strawmen you continue to throw up. Power outages have been an unsolved issue for power companies for decades. Maybe CMP can detect that tree falling over the lines more quickly now than they did in the 70's but as this thread clearly shows, folks continue to be without power in the dead of winter for days on end. Wake me up when the highfaluten innovation of your blessed power companies puts an end to that.

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Shilo788 t1_j0qytc4 wrote

Learned the 3 energy source rule. Woostove plus attachments, propane and generator ( solar and gas both). That is my current set up. My S O has a huge genny on a trailer that we use in winter that plugs into the whole house. We only use that if it looks to be a long haul. The solar batteries can carry us for a few days. I won't ever depend on utility companies alone.

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