In several forums, I had asked whether we could 'cushion' localized power disruptions (and keep them from spreading) by reducing our power demand going into this. I never did get what I felt was a satisfactory answer. Now I understand this just a bit better. Turns out that any large, sudden change (either up OR DOWN in demand) can cause serious problems. From the Alberta Calgary-Herald:

http://www.calgaryherald.com:80/news/stories/981213/2100187.html

-Arnie

-- Arnie Rimmer (arnie_rimmer@usa.net), December 14, 1998

Answers

interesting how they floated a trial balloon concerning the possibility of isolating themselves from the rest of the grid...

Arlin

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), December 14, 1998.

Wonder if the San Francisco Blackout "sparked" this story?

Thanks Arnie.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), December 14, 1998.

In Calgary and most of Alberta we were warned in the fall to expect blackouts because of the overburdening of the grid, due to the massive growth in Alberta....especially at peak hours after work. We have had two tiny outages (seconds only) but do feel that this was floated out there to see the public reaction. Many people went out and bought generators and they are difficult to find anywhere especially with the oil industry gearing up for winter drilling.

Power failures were mentioned in the literature from the power company and this is a way of preparing people for any outages from under-over utilisation or Y2k or natural causes.

If Alberta could release itself from the "grid" there would still be a shortage of power at today's rate of consumption, as we import from British Columbia hydro, but Transalta says the houses would receive priority over industry if there was a large problem.

We have 2 woodburners, are getting a kerosun for the basement and probably a coalburner also - we're not taking chances and have lots of relatives who don't have fireplaces.

-- Laurane (familyties@rttinc.com), December 14, 1998.

A sudden drop can be accomodated relatively well - if the central control station(s) scattered through the grid can remain in communication with other and with their sensors, breakers, and substations. If manual control is all that is available, recovery and response to any change (up or down) is very difficult.

Not asked, but relevent - is water pressure. The sudden surges during each of the time-outs in the SuperBowl are well know for causing water pressure/control problems - even with remote control networks working.

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), December 14, 1998.