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phil_d_snutz 47 points ago +48 / -1

Controlled outages is the only option until power generation can meet demand. If demand exceeds generation then there's risk of more uncontrolled outages when distribution breakers start tripping. Or the electrical utility could tie in generators which feed a few homes but obviously that requires a ton of generators, workers, and time.

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deleted 26 points ago +26 / -0
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JesusWept 24 points ago +24 / -0

Yep. I worked in energy for years, power cos. have a legal responsibility to provide power. Its not an option. In return they get tax breaks, price support, etc. If they fail they should lose their license and be replaced by competitors. Its a good system thats worked for 100 years until federal "green" mandate interference.

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ThSowell 4 points ago +5 / -1

Or maybe we could get rid of state involvement in this shit entirely and let competition ALWAYS do its thing.

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DeplorableCentipede 2 points ago +3 / -1

How exactly would that work for power utilities though? You can't have 10 competing companies building utility poles across the city.

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AIRHORN4TRUMP 1 point ago +1 / -0

That is how ENRON happened. And why these companies are now under so much regulation.

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CuomoisaMassMurderer 4 points ago +4 / -0

Oh they succeeded alright. This was the goal.

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deleted 5 points ago +5 / -0
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phil_d_snutz 4 points ago +4 / -0

I know...and agree. I was just adding my $0.02 since I'm sure some people are wondering why it takes a while to restore power (when I'm restoring power people always ask "How long's it going to take?" or "What's taking so long?"

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deleted 1 point ago +1 / -0
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sentient-potato 8 points ago +8 / -0

It's not controlled. Controlled outages roll between 45 minutes and 2 hours. Not 8-10 hours at a time allowing people's pipes to freeze.

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Comntrinchief 4 points ago +4 / -0

Notice they don’t mention any equipment failures. It is all about demand right now. When the equipment starts to break we are really screwed.