Tired of Being Left in the Dark

Much like my expertise in technology, my knowledge of all things electrical extends just slightly behind the successful change of a light bulb.

I once tried to install a ceiling fan, and despite a careful read of the directions nearly caused a two-block power outage in addition to blowing the entire right side of my circuit panel. Under strict family orders I was served with an order of protection from ever touching anything remotely electrical at Chez Carlino.

But sadly power outages are something I’m all too familiar with.

In the 19 years we’ve resided in our leafy hamlet north of New York City, I estimate we’ve lost power close to 50 times. And no, that’s not an exaggeration. One of the drawbacks to living in a town nicknamed “the tree capital” is that said trees tend to fall on power lines during inclement weather.

And in recent years we’ve been treated such climatic events as Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 (out 3 days), a freak Halloween snowstorm just two months later (out 4 days) and the worst of all, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (out 7 days).

And did I mention that we are on a well system with regard to water? For those unfamiliar with how it works, a pump draws the water from the well to the house and the pump runs on electricity. No electricity, no water. And need I add no functioning toilets either? And forget about heat.

Since I work remotely, during those times without electricity the local library becomes my workstation so to speak until power is restored.

However over the past two years, the power company has embarked on a massive tree trimming project clearing thousands of trees and oversized branches from power lines. So far so good as we have not been without power in two years.

Even better news, is that our county is exploring the possibility of installing micro grids.

For those whose electrical knowledge is on par with mine, micro grids are standalone energy systems that feed into an existing electrical grid but can function as a backup power supply should the main grid go down.

Right now it’s in what is termed a “feasibility study phase” and estimates for a final evaluation will take roughly six months.

For me it can’t come soon enough. There are just so many times you can make client calls in the reading room of a library or ask the local Sunoco station for the keys to the restroom.