Situation concerning California and public safety power shutoffs

[Maxirad]

With public safety power shutoffs looming in California, I can’t say that I don’t wish I were living outside the Golden State right now, particularly since such a shutoff can last for days on end. Is it worth it to leave California just to avoid public safety power shutoffs? Do the other 49 states in the Union have similarly bothersome issues?

 

[HerCrazierHalf]

Sounds like a reason to consider solar with battery backup. Just make sure it’s a system that can work if the grid goes down.

I suppose this should prompt a discussion about a decentralized power grid and perhaps changing state law to allow homes to go “off grid” (current a crime in CA).

 

[Maxirad]

Sounds like a reason to consider solar with battery backup. Just make sure it’s a system that can work if the grid goes down.

I suppose this should prompt a discussion about a decentralized power grid and perhaps changing state law to allow homes to go “off grid” (current a crime in CA).

Well, HerCrazierHalf, are other states in America much easier to live in?

 

[HerCrazierHalf]

Well, HerCrazierHalf, are other states in America much easier to live in?

I’ve only lived in CA so idk, but there’s no free lunch. Weather such as floods, snow storms, or tornados regularly take down the grid in other states.

I too have considered moving to another SW state simply because it’d be cheaper, lower population density, and fewer rules. Perhaps I might do so to pursue early retirement.

 

[christofirst]

If you move somewhere where there are tornadoes, hurricanes, floods or blizzards, which is much of the U.S., you also risk losing electrical power, and often unpredictably, and for days at a time.

I agree with HCH, if you have necessary medical equipment that runs on electrical power, you should consider a backup solar and battery system, or even a small generator, if you can afford it. Many here in Los Angeles have those systems installed in the event of earthquake or any other kind of disaster. I have a small gas powered generator to keep the fridge and freezer running.

I’m not sure if a city like Los Angeles would be affected by those PG&E fire-prevention blackouts, since we’re with the L.A. Dept. of Water and Power, and I don’t live in an area prone to wildfires.