Directories
Quick Searches
Find a Job
Quick Search
For Employers
Yahoo! HotJobs Local Search
FORUM: Electricity lifeblood of commerce
By Jerome M. Kern | ∞
There is a strong correlation between electrical use and economic output.
Electricity is such a strong economic driver, and since we currently do not have the collective will to add to our nuclear generating capacity, we will have to depend upon power brought to us through the electrical distribution system to keep up with demand.
The distribution of electricity has powered the United States to be the foremost economy in the world. The role of electric power has grown steadily in both importance and scope ---- so much so that the U.S. National Academy of Engineering named the electrical distribution system as the greatest engineering achievement of the 20th century.
Electrical power has been so reliable and relatively inexpensive that developments in key digital technologies such as computers, microprocessors, telecommunications, motor-drive systems, and electric lighting have altered the way we live and have energized commercial and industrial productivity.
The power transmission system for the most part was installed 50 years ago and the strain on this aging structure is beginning to show, particularly as consumers demand more power. There are also numerous challenges facing the grid because of increasing congestion and continuing low level of infrastructure investment. And on top of all this, add California's mandated requirement that 20 percent of electrical generation must be from renewable sources by 2010.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation officials projected that electricity use in the United States will grow more than twice as fast as committed resources during the next 10 years. It predicts that unless additional resources are brought into service we could fall below our capacity margins within two to three years.
Because electricity service is by its nature an extraordinarily capital-intensive and politically constrained enterprise, we are struggling to update electric transmission infrastructure into the region.
In order to create new jobs and maintain our economic competitiveness, we must guarantee reliable electrical power in our region. There is a huge cost to be paid if we fail to act now.
The delivery of electricity has become so critical the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has designated Southern California a National Electric Corridor. This means that when utilities propose transmission lines and state regulatory agencies either reject them or delay action for long periods, the federal government can step in and review those projects instead.
Presently there are two proposed projects that can transport renewable, environmentally friendly electricity to San Diego County: the Sunrise Powerlink and Telega-Escondido Valley Interconnect project. Both are consistent with the goals of San Diego Association of Governments' Regional Energy Strategy 2030.
Hopefully, the California Public Utilities Commission can act on their applications quickly and one of these projects can move forward. These critical infrastructure decisions can not be delayed.
Electrical energy powers commerce; therefore these infrastructure improvements are crucial not only for the future success of San Diego businesses but for the overall economic viability of our state.
Jerome M. Kern is a member of the Oceanside City Council.
More Stories
Advertisement
Randy wrote on Apr 10, 2008 7:14 AM:How about advocating for government transparency? We still have no substantive information about the shooting in the Lowe's parking lot!
Kernville wrote on Apr 10, 2008 8:29 AM:Jerome needs to organize his own small town in the midwest and show them how green he can build a community with limited funding. It isn't all about Industry and its needs. The areas have to be livable and safe and protecteed from overpopulation of Industry. Most of what is being manufactured is coming from China and China is a horrific overpopulated and over industrialized mess.
Newsflash wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:15 AM:Jerry Kern is now the expert on everything that is bad for the environment. Wow! A little time on the council and he sure thinks a lot of himself. There is NO guarantee of a reliable power network when one brings power in from another region. Remember the natural gas crisis? It's time for SDGE to start its own green power and mini-generating plants throughout its territory...no more imported power, please! And Jerry, we are tired of your Forums that are 100% developer driven. Enough.
Tony wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:48 AM:If it's consistent with the goals of SANDAG, that's sufficient reason for opposition right there.
Jerome wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:45 AM:How about paying attention to local needs as a councilman. Are you trying to sound like a Senator? We need your attention redirected to small local substations for power IN OCEANSIDE not the entire country. Isn't there enough going on in Oceanside with FEMA and your lack of concern in the affected flood zone to keep you busy? Give up your seat to someone who wants to do good things for Oceanside. Promoting this powerlink is like importing our water and watching Metropolitan Water increase our rates as reliant on them. Do your job in OCEANSIDE FIRST! If you want to run for Senate, get out there and get out of here!
MakeItAboutTheIssues wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:46 AM:Hey, stop making this personal! Mr. Kern is entitled to his opinion. Instead of personal attacks, act like a grown up and lay out the issues.
I, for one share, Mr. Kern's position. It would be nice if everybody could put a solar panel on their roof, but NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFPORD IT!!! Let's all be realistic and invest in our transmission system before we have a real problem keeping the lights on.
To Newsflash wrote on Apr 10, 2008 12:11 PM:Like SDG&E could build enough mini-generating plants in San Diego with all the NIMBY/environmental opposition that even something as simple as a windmill receives. You can't have your cake and eat it too, which is exactly what all the surfers and their nature loving friends want. No matter what SDG&E might try to do, it's going to have some impact on something or someone, and the system that is currently set up favors the something/someone to the point of implementing any practical solutions of even the "eco-friendly" solutions to a complete halt. At some point there is going to have to be some kind of compromise, and I don't see that happening any time soon.
OCEANSIDE FAN wrote on Apr 10, 2008 12:35 PM:Councilmember Kern is right. The only feasible solution to bring more power to San Diego County are the Sunrise Powerlink and Telega-Escondido Valley Interconnect project. North San Diego County is a dynamic and growing area with more and more need for electric power. The alternative proposals of small coastal generators and the various "green" schemes are admirable but they just won't fill the bill. The projects Kern advocates will also be the most economic.
Peter wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:04 PM:Another well written and informative piece by Mr. Kern. He is by far the best informed member of the council. The NC Times should have him write a regular column.
To About Issues wrote on Apr 10, 2008 2:03 PM:What are you doing living under that rock? Why don't you set of a fund for folks so they CAN AFFORD those super ugly solar panels. Why not build more susstations while we still have a piece of bare land left. Kern is setting out to pave the entire City for Industrial use, except for schools of course! Which do not pay revenue to the City in an Industrial park! And don't tell me how many jobs he created either.
Advertisement