Weather-related power outage cost is very high, and rising storm is getting worse, the aging U.S. power grid, according to the Obama administration's report calls for increased spending on the country's power system.
Blackouts cost the economy $ 1.8 billion $ 3.3 billion U.S. dollars annually, according to the report, this figure has been rising steadily over the past 20 years. This could rise to $ 40 billion to $ 75 billion years, severe storms, such as Hurricane Ike in 2008 and last year's super-storm Sandy.
The White House report released on Monday said it would save money, make the grid stronger and more flexible economy "billions of dollars, and reduce the millions of Americans when extreme weather hits the difficulties."
Administration proposes spending on training and preparation, equipment such as cement poles, as well as more advanced sensing and diagnostic devices that can predict failures and prevent them from getting worse, and quickly restore power after it has stronger.
Seven of the top ten in American history most expensive storm occurred in 2004 and 2012 between. Ten times last year interruption caused by weather-related losses of $ 100 million or more, the second largest record, second only to 2011, according to the report. Climate scientists expect more than ever more intense and destructive weather and climate change global temperatures increase, the more energy storms, droughts and precipitation shift mode.
Storm caused power outages in most countries. Thunderstorms, hurricanes, storms and other extreme weather caused 58% of the study began in 2002, 87% of power outages affecting 50,000 or more customer outage.
Meanwhile, the U.S. power grid gets older. U.S. average is 30 years old power plants and power grid transmission lines and transformers 70%, at least 25 years of age, they are weaker, more vulnerable to storms failed.
American Electric Power System is a network of power stations, high-voltage wire, transmit power over long distances, substations, and local wires and equipment, to provide electricity for homes and businesses.
U.S. customers 1.2 times the average annual loss of power, a total of 112 minutes, according to PA Consulting Group. Nine ten power outages due to problems with the local distribution system, according to the Edison Electric Institute, the power industry's lobbying group.
In the years after the 2003 Northeast blackout, the most extensive ever interrupted, in North America, in the main transmission lines and equipment investment increased. According to an analysis conducted for the AP Ventyx nationwide company, a software and data services firm, with the power company works more than 200 utilities expenses mainly transmission equipment, utilities, the average annual cost of $ 21,514 per mile equipment and station equipment 2003 and 2012 transmission lines. From 1994 to 2003, the average annual expenditure $ 7,185.
The White House reported that increased spending in recent years has been between 1960 and 1990, the level of investment is still not match. This indicates that the new spending should be focused on several key areas, including: "hardening" of the system installation stronger equipment, more transmission lines and energy storage systems construction, the grid can better absorb the impact, and install more advanced technology .
Report does not suggest how much new spending, spending will come from, or how much money will be saved, to prevent some interruptions and others less serious.
Difficult to start a major upgrade grid. Utility does not create or install a new device without first obtain approval of state or federal regulatory agencies charged to customers. Regulator can be reluctant to increase the customer's interest, especially if it means a relatively new high-tech equipment expenditures, or to prevent the weather may or may not arrive.
In Minneapolis, University of Minnesota, has long advocated increased spending, better grid technology, electrical engineering professor Massoud Amin said that raising the grid interests far outweigh the cost of investment. He estimates that a modern, efficient power grid will cost $ 2.1 billion each year for 20 years. According to his calculations produce better grid savings will reach an annual $ 79 billion to $ 94 billion.
 



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