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Post by surfinboy on Mar 1, 2021 15:12:40 GMT -5
I understand most states "buy" power from other states/regions but how exactly is this done? Is it a crazy network of substations? How far can it travel - can a Northeast state buy power from, say, Nevada or Arizona? I understand Canada is part of the national power grid too so I'm very curious. Are there deals between state governments or do private energy companies negotiate long-term contracts with one another?
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Mar 2, 2021 8:17:35 GMT -5
Generally, states enter into mutual support agreements for power sharing. This is done through switch networks that are a large version of the electric meter on your house; this allows state A (as the supplier) to monitor the amount of power being drawn by state B (the user). Some networks do allow power sharing through third-party intermediary states, and there's always a 'tax' or toll paid paid by the user to the intermediary state(s) for the use of their infrastructure to deliver the power.
I was in Texas two weeks ago for the crazy weather/power/water fiasco, and when the grid went down, so did the power in many border towns in Mexico. Stealing power is also a thing.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Mar 2, 2021 8:44:57 GMT -5
Regarding private energy companies: most states have one (or a few) big electricity suppliers, and there are usually private suppliers and co-ops. These privates/co-ops rarely have their own infrastructure to deliver power to users because the lines are owned and maintained by the big suppliers. The privates and co-ops pay a fee to the big guys for the use of their power lines. Remaining competitive is a balance between number of subscribers and usage fees. Private suppliers often do have power-sharing agreements with other companies to ensure they can deliver power when demand exceeds their capacity to supply it. Something that is illegal and isn't enforced is "slamming," wherein a private/co-op flips your supplier to themselves from your original supplier. The FTC does not crack down on this practice because many states require a simple verbal "okay, go ahead." No written contract is necessary to make the switch. Power companies and other utilities like telephone carriers take advantage of this to...drum up business. If someone knocks on your door, shows an official-looking ID badge, claims to be from a Nebulous Official State Agency and asks to see a recent power bill because they're checking to see if you qualify for blah blah blah, that is a huge red warning light that a co-op is slamming residents in your neighborhood. All they need to know is your address and your electric supplier account number, and they can flip themselves to be your supplier. Just three months ago a team of these people came door to door in my neighborhood. It's common. Not all third-party utilities engage in this shady practice, but in some states they can get away with it and they know it. Never ever show anyone any personal information unless they (1) are a law enforcement agent and (2) they have a warrant. Same goes for anyone that calls you on the phone. Look: www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/beware-of-slamming-by-third-party-utility-suppliers/12452/ |
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