Power outage problem, de-regulation, related issues... MY THOUGHTS!

[HershOstropoler]

Originally posted by MichaeltheGreat

Any time you add transmission voltage lines ( >60 kV for secondary transmission, >110 kV for primary transmission, >220 kV for regional transmission),

What about 380 kV lines?

[MichaeltheGreat]

Everything above 220 (230 is the actual used, 220 is the floor definition) is considered in the same category.

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any 380 kV systems in the US. We've got 230, 345, 500, 765, and 250 DC, 400DC, 500DC. There was talk of an 800 kVDC line in WECC, but it's not here yet.

[Ned]

MtG, Thanks for the information. In fact, we all thank you.

Any clue as to why the grid failed? I understand that Pennsylvannia cut itself off from New York and did not go down. Why didn't most of the grid do the same to isolate itself from the failing blocks?

[MichaeltheGreat]

Ned - I'm not familiar with most of the northeast US electrical system in detail, outside New England and the PJM area.

As to whether someone can isolate in time, it's a question of whether they're net importers or exporters at that moment at each of their interconnect points, and if they're importers, how quickly then can bring in-system peaking and fast response units on line, and/or drop load by interrupting customers who opt for interruptible tariffs.

In other words, it's not only specific to each utility's general situation vis-a-vis it's generating portfolio, but it's also a function of the exact situation at the time you have to consider isolating yourself.

[Berzerker]

If you tell them this is phase 2 of a five phase transmission upgrade and reconductoring project, they'll look at you like you're going Brak-ak-ak-AK like one of the martians in Mars Attacks.