Power outages can cause major problems, especially when they occur during a natural disaster. Everyone is affected from individuals to business owners and governments. For instance, New Hampshire recently recovered from a crippling ice storm that caused this:
The Dec. 11 ice storm knocked out power to two-thirds of the state’s population, closed 448 schools, and caused $80 million in damage, plus an additional $70 million in business losses, and insurance and other claims, [Public Utilities Commission] PUC Chairman Tom Getz said.
So, how well did the utility companies do in restoring power to two-thirds of the state’s population?
The PUC released its findings in a final report partly based on an assessment performed by the independent consultant NEI Electric Power Engineering. The report found that the utility companies’ initial damage assessments were slow, the process to disseminate estimated restoration times was ineffective, and communication with local and state officials, and first responders, was ineffective.
Yet another sobering reminder about the necessity to be ready to bunker down and survive when the power goes out. New Hampshire residents, who weren’t prepared with something as simple as a home kit, must have wished they had those basic supplies instead of relying on the PUC.
Source:
http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_343020133.html?keyword=secondarystory