Power Grid

Infrastructure is a continuing topic of discussion. Consider massive electrical power failures caused by catastrophic events – floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, extreme heat, extreme cold, etc. You name it and we have experienced it in the last year. Not the last decade, I remind you, but the last 12 months.

Power grid failures are part of our nation’s story. The success of that grid is also part of our story. Maintaining the grid, envisioning a better, more adaptable grid, with more power and shorter interruptions is a task that lies ahead. The future view has been on the table for discussion continually. Do not assume it is not being taken care of; it is.

Only now, new circumstances have appeared that make the challenge more difficult and more urgent. Here are some of those circumstances:

1.       Global warming: agree or disagree if this is real, our power grid must contend with huge swings of demand during severe periods of heat and cold.

2.       Extreme weather events: hurricanes – their ferocity and frequency – challenge all of our infrastructure elements (power, water, sewer, telecommunications, transportation, police, fire, governance)

3.       Computer hackers: ransomware is one threat, but so are identity thefts, power grid shutdowns, and so much more

4.       Terrorism: unfriendlies wanting to do damage to America are real. We face this challenge every day. Our public servants (police, municipal governments, fire department, FEMA, FBI, etc.) guard against this threat continually. This is an unknown that can upset our way of life at any time.

There are more circumstances including obsolescence and unfolding technology, but those are also opportunities to envision what our power grid and other systems of infrastructure should and can be. Thinking big and building the future is attractive. It is a challenge with rewards. We can invent the future the way we want it and build into it safeguards that will protect us.

Opportunities abound in our nation. Fighting wars is a distraction. Arguing about abortion is another distraction. Protecting personal freedom to not wear a mask during a pandemic is also a distraction. Focus on what matters. Focus on larger issues that pay enormous dividends for us all.

Worrying about the power grid is a useful thing. So are the many other components of our shared infrastructures. Pay attention to them. They will improve quality of life, economic development, jobs, careers, education, and opportunities for tens of millions.

I am continually stunned at how we Americans waste time, energy and financial resources over distractions rather than opportunities to invent solutions that matter.

Today is a new day. Let’s make good use of it.

September 2, 2021