| | | Eric, nice video, but I have to argue against the notion that batteries saved California from blackouts.
Blackouts aren't caused by generation issues, but rather transmission issues. High winds and dry environments turn brush around transmission lines into tinder boxes, ready to go off with just a few sparks.
I don't remember the last time I got a "Flex Alert," but I do remember some which were caused by the aforementioned high winds. This year, however, wasn't as dry as some of the previous years, so that's probably a major reason why we haven't had any "Flex Alerts" recently.
AFAIK the utilities are busy trying to bury transmission lines or otherwise modernize it, not just for wildfire safety, but also to prepare us for the "smart grid." Moreover, the increasing energy demands thanks to EV adoption and AI data centers are also motivating the state to drastically work on our grid.
I still have my doubts that Sacramento is up to the job, but thus far I don't see too many FUBAR moments. I guess that's good news.
Tenchusatsu |
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