Carboline’s Post

The Maine Public Utilities Commission said last week that it is looking at resiliency measures, including undergrounding, for its power grid. Mal Meyer reports for WGME CBS13 in Portland.   "'We're looking at a lot of different things,' said Phil Bartlett, chairman of the Maine PUC.   "There's technology that could reduce outages.   "'But there's also things like sort of undergrounding power lines,' Bartlett said." #undergrounding #powerdelivery #infrastructure #gridresilience #gridreliability #gridhardening #gridmodernization #criticalinfrastructure #extremeweather #damageprevention #portland #maine #powergrid #PDi2 https://lnkd.in/eakagg_M

🔥🔌 Power Crisis: Urgent Need to Upgrade US's Timber Pole Network Amid Fire Risks 🪵The US faces a critical infrastructure challenge with its aging network of timber power poles increasingly becoming a fire hazard nationwide. Recent wildfires have highlighted the urgency of updating this extensive and outdated system to prevent further disasters and ensure safety. 🔍 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Aging Infrastructure: Many parts of the US power grid, including the timber poles, were constructed 60-70 years ago and are now showing their age with risks of overheating and potential fires. This situation is exacerbated by climate change, which contributes to drier conditions and increases the likelihood of fires. 2️⃣ Legal and Financial Repercussions: The situation has led to significant financial and legal consequences for utility companies, with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. facing lawsuits for failing to manage forest and electrical equipment adequately, resulting in catastrophic fires like the 2021 Dixie fire. 3️⃣ Technological and Material Upgrades Needed: There's a pressing call for utility companies to invest in new technologies and perhaps even reconsider the materials used for power poles. 🗣️ #questionforgroup: As we witness the devastating impact of climate change on infrastructure, what steps should utility companies and regulators take to accelerate the modernisation of the US power network? 💬 Let's discuss the implications of relying on an aging timber pole network versus investing in new technologies and materials that could enhance resilience against climate change impacts. 🔗 For more details on the challenges facing the US power network and the ongoing legal battles, read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gUHUvETT #infrastructure #timberpoles #timber #poles #utility #power #wildfire #fire #climatechange #climatecrisis #climateaction #energy #insurance #yellowpine #douglasfir #westernredcedar #greenbuildings #powergrid #netzero #netzero2050 #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #network #makeitwood #technology #greenenergy

🔥🔌 Power Crisis: Urgent Need to Upgrade US's Timber Pole Network Amid Fire Risks 🪵The US faces a critical infrastructure challenge with its aging network of timber power poles increasingly becoming a fire hazard nationwide. Recent wildfires have highlighted the urgency of updating this extensive and outdated system to prevent further disasters and ensure safety. 🔍 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Aging Infrastructure: Many parts of the US power grid, including the timber poles, were constructed 60-70 years ago and are now showing their age with risks of overheating and potential fires. This situation is exacerbated by climate change, which contributes to drier conditions and increases the likelihood of fires. 2️⃣ Legal and Financial Repercussions: The situation has led to significant financial and legal consequences for utility companies, with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. facing lawsuits for failing to manage forest and electrical equipment adequately, resulting in catastrophic fires like the 2021 Dixie fire. 3️⃣ Technological and Material Upgrades Needed: There's a pressing call for utility companies to invest in new technologies and perhaps even reconsider the materials used for power poles. 🗣️ #questionforgroup: As we witness the devastating impact of climate change on infrastructure, what steps should utility companies and regulators take to accelerate the modernisation of the US power network? 💬 Let's discuss the implications of relying on an aging timber pole network versus investing in new technologies and materials that could enhance resilience against climate change impacts. 🔗 For more details on the challenges facing the US power network and the ongoing legal battles, read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gUHUvETT #infrastructure #timberpoles #timber #poles #utility #power #wildfire #fire #climatechange #climatecrisis #climateaction #energy #insurance #yellowpine #douglasfir #westernredcedar #greenbuildings #powergrid #netzero #netzero2050 #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #network #makeitwood #technology #greenenergy

Can California’s US$20bn water utility construction curb a climate change catastrophe? The Delta Conveyance Project is an immense US$20 billion water utility construction project working through development and permitting in the US State of California. Seeking to reroute the region’s scarce water supply to better serve its population, how will this megaproject deliver on its promise of combating climate change effects with construction? https://lnkd.in/gqRbDy4K #construction #utilityconstruction #climatechange

Is there any collaboration around critical data/internet/comms infrastructure in the UK to support resilience against climate damage? Flooding and extreme heat is already playing havoc with physical infrastructure globally. This article is on my mind today https://lnkd.in/e6P5eKfz

Excited to share a piece co-authored with my colleague, Clarence Booth, highlighting the paramount importance of comprehensive damage assessments for utilities. In the face of escalating climate events, these assessments become the linchpin for strengthening our grid resilience. Our collaboration delves into the critical role these assessments play in fortifying utilities against climate risks, ensuring a robust and adaptive response. Check out the article to explore how strategic damage assessments can elevate grid resilience and pave the way for a sustainable energy future. #utilities #gridresilience #climaterisk #energy

Curious about electric utilities' legal obligations towards resilience planning, especially in the face of a changing climate, and how you can get involved to keep rates low? Check out my blog post with the Alliance for Affordable Energy:

🌍 Ensuring infrastructure can withstand climate challenges is crucial for community resilience! Read about the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure in safeguarding against extreme weather events and the proactive measures needed for its integration. From risk assessment to embracing nature-based solutions for mitigating flooding, learn how investing in resilient infrastructure can pave the way for a sustainable future. Check it out! #ClimateResilience #Infrastructure #Sustainability 🛠️🌱 https://lnkd.in/dJ__HwTs

🌍 Ensuring infrastructure can withstand climate challenges is crucial for community resilience! Read about the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure in safeguarding against extreme weather events and the proactive measures needed for its integration. From risk assessment to embracing nature-based solutions for mitigating flooding, learn how investing in resilient infrastructure can pave the way for a sustainable future. Check it out! #ClimateResilience #Infrastructure #Sustainability 🛠️🌱 https://lnkd.in/dJ__HwTs

🌍 Ensuring infrastructure can withstand climate challenges is crucial for community resilience! Read about the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure in safeguarding against extreme weather events and the proactive measures needed for its integration. From risk assessment to embracing nature-based solutions for mitigating flooding, learn how investing in resilient infrastructure can pave the way for a sustainable future. Check it out! #ClimateResilience #Infrastructure #Sustainability 🛠️🌱 https://lnkd.in/dJ__HwTs