Nor'easter leaves New Yorkers without power. I'm not surprised.

[texasskier.livejournal.com]

Nor'easter leaves New Yorkers without power. I'm not surprised.
I know It is cruel to say "I'm not surprised". I know it is needed to say: "I am sorry..."
And I'm really sorry, but to my mind problems with electricity are expected. Irene, Sandy, snow, rain, breeze, sunny weather.... It looks like everything can be a reason of problems with power.
Look at these pictures:




   




This is not New York. But it doesn't matter.
This is Houston. The Energy Corridor. The Energy "Capital" of the World. The Centre of Energy companies.
Last hurricane was 4 years ago. And it is everywhere in US. Even worse. 


I wonder why they don't fall. But I am sure after the first strong wind everybody will be sorry about poor houstonians. 

Energy companies are resposible for this dog's breakfast only. But the problem is bigger. The problem is Americans are fighting for rights of gays, for abortions, for paid sex, but they doesn't want to fight for civilized power network.

Comments

[telemann.livejournal.com]

Dude, I'll take the word of experts over an LJ electrical armchair engineer. Or ruminations on NYC's power grid and how it works. And a general lack of geological understanding (really? underground cables in coastal basins with extremely high water tables? REALLY?) Your point about new subdivisions is moot for a whole bunch of reasons, and never mind even in that instance the cost isn't free, and it is passed along to either those that buy the new homes, or the developer, or the electrical company's customer base.

Never mind the Jupiter sized balls of ego: OH MY GOD, WHY HASN'T ANYONE EVER THOUGHT OF BURYING POWER CABLES! AIN'T I SMART!

No.

[allhatnocattle.livejournal.com]

Google an image search for Amsterdam. Show me those overhead power lines. (https://www.google.ca/search?q=Amsterdam&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1TSCD_enCA471CA471&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=dnmdUIuzD87xigL0lIDADA&ved=0CEEQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=756) Then explain why high tides in NYC is so special.

As a person in the trades, I'm not so sure my opinion qualifies as completely armchair, although I never claimed to be an expert.



Undergrounding definitely has a higher cost for repairs when necessary, but require less repairs over the same lifetime of overhead.

As is the case of NYC, new underground transmission is going to cost more during then overhead when having to deal with pre-existing infrastructure, buildings and such. As opposed to a new subdivision where underground lines are common because of the cost savings.

Seriously, I'm seeing these being put in daily. Water and sewage is going in about 6-7ft, gas 18-24" and power and TV cable about 18-12". There is nothing overhead. and why are they doing it? Because of the cost savings.

[telemann.livejournal.com]

Holland has been a leader in smart grid development for years, and will spend enormous amounts of money, despite the high costs to invest in it. No matter or how hard you try to slice this and dice it, underground grid work is very expensive. And NYC is seriously strapped for cash. BUT if you want to donate, the mayor has a donations page, so you can send us some loot. NYC thanks you.

[texasskier.livejournal.com]

NYC is spending money for reconstruction now and will spend it in future, while to make once, but for reliable power lines.
But the main problem is people, who are still without power.

[telemann.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they're busy just reconnecting people, there isn't any time now for fancy grid upgrades right now. And yeah, the obvious thing is people without power.

[allhatnocattle.livejournal.com]

All my Hurricane Sandy donations have been going to Cuba. Over 200,000 without shelter. More then 500,000 without food. Nearly all agriculture wiped out. I might be flying down in the coming weeks.

[telemann.livejournal.com]

Very good!