Quotable:
“Electricity is really just organized lightning.” – George Carlin
Why We’re Better Together:
Community micro-grids backed by power storage devices like Tesla batteries may be on the horizon. These small power networks could be more reliable than traditional continent spanning grids. But until costs are reduced dramatically and bugs are worked out, traditional grid networks will remain a much more efficient way to distribute power. Massive grids allow a reduction in overall generating capacity by linking areas where peak demands happen at different times. The IEA shows here that the sum of the highest demand of each country’s grid was 465 gigawatts (GW), but that at any one time peak demand across all the countries never exceeded 440GW. In other words, by linking all the networks, Europe can shed 25GW of power generating capacity and the associated costs thereof.
VIDEO: How the Grid Works:
The American Power Grid:
From EIA: “America’s electric grid is actually comprised of three smaller grids, called interconnections, that move electricity around the country. The Eastern Interconnection operates in states east of the Rocky Mountains, The Western Interconnection covers the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountain states, and the smallest — the Texas Interconnected system — covers most of Texas, as displayed in the map.”
What We’re Reading:
“Americans Name Government as No. 1 U.S. Problem” (Gallup)
Beijing Helps Yuan Climb (The Wall Street Journal)
It’s High Time to ‘Audit’ the Federal Reserve (The Wall Street Journal)
Torrent of Cash Exits Eurozone (The Wall Street Journal)
Why College Football Players Should Be Encouraged To Major In Football (Forbes