Here in Texas we (former Canucks) are so fortunate to have power at this time at home -- of course that might change at any moment!
Texas has its own power grid -- most of the power is from natural gas but that main natural gas plants and distribution pipes and sites were never winterized even after out bad storm in 2011 -- to save money for corporate bonuses!
The windmills have frozen for the same reasons -- instead of putting in winterizing systems (as in many Canadian, European and Scandinavian countries)-- the state government cheaped out!! Wind power accounts for about 10-15% (depending on the season) of the power here! Again - the thinking is (like MANY places) "It can't happen here!!"
So -- as in SO many places everywhere -- the truth is that the infrastructure is not adequate for the changing climate conditions -- because of "cheaping out" on many fixes, expansions, updates and upgrades.
As for homes here -- there is very little insulation is many homes (not all -- and better in some new homes) Windows and doors are the same -- some updated and some not. Folks are realizing that fact -- and upgrading insulation, windows and doors etc.
We are running a thin stream of water from the tap (or faucet) to keep the pipes from freezing and from any ice expanding and bursting the pipes -- again even the common practice of dripping the water is proving inadequate for these uncommon low temperatures.
Update from Gov. Abbott -- he has finally told the NG producers here that they cannot sell NG outside the state right now -- just another reason that the NG plants are running low on NG!!
Seriously -- he has waited this long -- and I guess he thought that people might find out about the sales!
Anyway -- there are water main breaks in many cities -- again -- many places need to update their infrastructure -- whether it is the gas, water or electric lines or systems.
I hope that idiot Ted Cruz is freezing his ass off like everyone else in TX right now instead of sitting in a warm house in DC. What would be your guess though?
Comments
Christer.
Texas has its own power grid -- most of the power is from natural gas but that main natural gas plants and distribution pipes and sites were never winterized even after out bad storm in 2011 -- to save money for corporate bonuses!
The windmills have frozen for the same reasons -- instead of putting in winterizing systems (as in many Canadian, European and Scandinavian countries)-- the state government cheaped out!! Wind power accounts for about 10-15% (depending on the season) of the power here! Again - the thinking is (like MANY places) "It can't happen here!!"
So -- as in SO many places everywhere -- the truth is that the infrastructure is not adequate for the changing climate conditions -- because of "cheaping out" on many fixes, expansions, updates and upgrades.
As for homes here -- there is very little insulation is many homes (not all -- and better in some new homes) Windows and doors are the same -- some updated and some not. Folks are realizing that fact -- and upgrading insulation, windows and doors etc.
We are running a thin stream of water from the tap (or faucet) to keep the pipes from freezing and from any ice expanding and bursting the pipes -- again even the common practice of dripping the water is proving inadequate for these uncommon low temperatures.
Hope everyone stays safe (where ever you are!!)
Seriously -- he has waited this long -- and I guess he thought that people might find out about the sales!
Anyway -- there are water main breaks in many cities -- again -- many places need to update their infrastructure -- whether it is the gas, water or electric lines or systems.
Cheers!
I am doubtful that the Powers That Be will heed any advice that involved spending money to upgrade any of the systems.
Seriously -- enough to make me reach for the wine and chocolate.
https://alexanderstrauffon.blogspot.com/2014/11/consejos-de-salud-para-el-invierno-y-verano.html