we can't create system that can function in all conditions, it isn't possible. The power goes out when the weather goes bad, period. Worst case is infinite were the demand is 1000% and no electrical generation. There are things that we can do to shore up the grid, yeah Texas could have been more prepared, but expecting the grid to function in all conditions is stupidity and to blame people for not preparing for unprecedented conditions that happen every decade or century is stupidity. What you should do is
What does an airline do when they overbook a flight? Why can't power companies do something similar?
Are you suggesting the power companies issue vouchers to be used on future electric bills? (assuming you thaw out and are still around to consume electricity in the future)
What does an airline do when they overbook a flight? Why can't power companies do something similar?
Define "similar." They have turned off power to most sectors, but left it on in sectors with a critical load, such as a hospital. So if you happen to live close enough to a hospital, congratulations, your lights stay on.
If what you wanted is fine-grained control, or consumers having automated controls that are responsive to variable pricing and stuff, well that's the "smart grid" thingy we've been talking about building for the last couple decades.
Well, the reason airlines offer $$$ for getting you to give up your seat when they've overbooked, is because there's regulation preventing them from just tossing you off (it's apparently been weakened somewhat in recent years).
You'd think that regulation of a public utility would incorporate rules to make sure it never was profitable for the utility to just default on their obligations and letting you freeze.
Human hubris is to blame... (Score:1, Insightful)
we can't create system that can function in all conditions, it isn't possible. The power goes out when the weather goes bad, period. Worst case is infinite were the demand is 1000% and no electrical generation. There are things that we can do to shore up the grid, yeah Texas could have been more prepared, but expecting the grid to function in all conditions is stupidity and to blame people for not preparing for unprecedented conditions that happen every decade or century is stupidity. What you should do is
Re:Human hubris is to blame... (Score:2)
What does an airline do when they overbook a flight? Why can't power companies do something similar?
Re: (Score:2)
Are you suggesting the power companies issue vouchers to be used on future electric bills? (assuming you thaw out and are still around to consume electricity in the future)
Re: (Score:2)
Why not? Everyone has their price.
Re:Human hubris is to blame... (Score:4, Informative)
Define "similar." They have turned off power to most sectors, but left it on in sectors with a critical load, such as a hospital. So if you happen to live close enough to a hospital, congratulations, your lights stay on.
If what you wanted is fine-grained control, or consumers having automated controls that are responsive to variable pricing and stuff, well that's the "smart grid" thingy we've been talking about building for the last couple decades.
Re: (Score:2)
Well, the reason airlines offer $$$ for getting you to give up your seat when they've overbooked, is because there's regulation preventing them from just tossing you off (it's apparently been weakened somewhat in recent years).
You'd think that regulation of a public utility would incorporate rules to make sure it never was profitable for the utility to just default on their obligations and letting you freeze.
Re: Human hubris is to blame... (Score:2)
You don't pre-pay for electricity, and offering free electricity next month doesn't heat the house today.
Re: (Score:2)