Hermit
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NOAA satellite image composite of the 2003-08-15 East Coast Blackout
« on: 2003-08-16 21:31:29 » |
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Posted on this thread at [ Hermit, "NOAA satellite image composite of the 2003-08-15 East Coast Blackout" 2003-08-16 ] is a composite satellite image showing the extent of the blackout. This has not been sent to the list due to the 120kb image size.
To learn more about the how and why's, I suggest reading the following stories in this order.I suggest that this sequence demonstrates both why the problem occurred, and why it is going to happen again.
A better, readily available and implementable answer is available, which would:- cost less,
- be far "greener"
- use much less fuel than existing systems
- make us independent of the utilities whose greed and shortsightedness caused this situation
- prepare us for expected future developments
- make us largely immune to terrorism, and
- obsolete the grid.
This would be the implementation of distributed micro-cogeneration facilities, which are realisable today at a price which ensures repayment of investment within three years. Unfortunately, I very much doubt that this will even be discussed as it puts absolutely nothing into the pockets of the politicians. Funny how much influence $16 million can buy. Particularly when the cost of this one blackout, enabled by our trough-addicted, vision impaired politicians has run to over $1.15 billion* for New York alone. But then, they don't have to pay the vast costs of their stupidity - we do.
*
Source: news.com.au
Authors: Not Credited
Dated: 2003-08-16
Cost of US blackout passes $1bn
THREE days after the largest blackout in the history of North America, the New York City Council estimates the costs of the outage at $1.15 billion.
New York City bridges and tunnels have been re-opened, and commuter rail officials expect to resume normal service today.
Ten of the subway system's 24 main lines are working just after midnight yesterday.
While supermarkets and shops experienced a huge loss in sales, this was partially offset by purchases of beverages, canned products, batteries, torches and transistor radios.
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noaa_blackout_composite.jpg
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