For rural Californians, unreliable power has become the norm

For rural Californians, unreliable power has become the norm



by zsreport

6 comments

  1. I guess it’s a budget thing?  Because batteries and inverters (and solar) have gotten HUGELY cheaper.  Nobody in these areas should be using a generator normally but should have storage batteries and inverters and equipment upgrades to use less power.  (For example heat pump or fuel clothes dryers instead of electrical resistance)

    Most outrages from fast trips shouldn’t interrupt anything.

  2. I’m sorry but to some degree their power has to be unreliable because our transmission system was built before climate change. That very old system has now become a real liability with dryer vegetation ready to burst into flames if a power line touches them on a hot windy day. We can’t afford to burn down more towns.

    For years there have been Federal, state, PG&E incentive programs to help people in areas affected by power safety shutdowns to buy solar PV, batteries, and generators.

  4. Other countries find that solar + batteries are very, very cost effective.

    Now with Dump’s tariffs it’s going to be more expensive, but surely the state of California can step up with better subsidies?

  5. I can’t say for sure, but I think it’s just a ‘rural america’ problem. I know it was/is true here in rural Ohio. It was a big part of why we put solar in a couple of years ago. We were sick of losing power 3-6x a year for 1-10+ days.

  6. Capitalism.  1/10 th the population density = 1/10 the maintenance expenses right?

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