Read here. (h/t - Greenie Watch) 'Smart grids' - those wizbang technology marvels proposed by the electric utilities to save power and money could actually be too-clever-by-half and end up causing power grids to fail, MIT scientists are reporting.
"If everyone buys electricity when it's cheapest, could that cause blackouts in the same way as when everyone turns on their AC on hot days?...A new report from MIT says it's possible--if utilities aren't careful....Customers want to take advantage of low prices whenever they can--if they didn't, dynamic energy pricing wouldn't work. But if consumers respond to price fluctuations strongly (which they have to do in order to make any sort of difference in demand), the grid could grind to a halt."
"The Law of Unintended Consequences" is alive and well.
Posted by: pyeatte | August 14, 2011 at 11:32 AM
This is so obvious it goes without saying. When you computerize a grid, it becomes more like an internet service rather than a roadway. Which would you trust in an emergency?
Posted by: pat | August 11, 2011 at 10:31 PM