The average U.S. homeowner suffered from 5.5 hours of power outages during 2022. However, many states saw a higher number of outages such as Florida, where they experienced approximately 17.5 hours without power. The good news is that there is actually a relatively easy solution to these issues. By upgrading power poles, your city can experience a major improvement in the power grid’s stability.

How Would Upgrading Poles Help?

Upgrading your existing power lines with carbon fiber lines would enable your city to double its power capacity. Even better, there is no need for new infrastructure! This could be a complete game changer, particularly in states where the high temperatures can soar into the 100s. For instance, Texas has seven months out of the year where its record high temperatures are at least 100 degrees.

Making the switch to carbon fiber would provide power lines that don’t sag nearly as much in hot heat. Therefore, they’d be able to handle it when they’re tasked with providing increased power. Combine this with their ability to handle power produced from renewable resources and everyone would find themselves in a better position.

What is Reconductoring?

Reconductoring is the term used by utility companies for upgrading their lines, rather than replacing them altogether. It comes from the fact that the original conductors are substituted with new ones. Reconductoring might not be the easiest term to remember, but it’s estimated that doing a wide-scale reconductoring project over the next 10 years would greatly expand the nation’s access to electricity.

Upgrades Are on Their Way

Currently, the U.S. is putting a lot of time and money into building new solar and wind farms. To help ensure that power lines are ready, the Biden-Harris administration launched a public-private mobilization that will ultimately result in 100,000 miles of upgraded lines. This is expected to be completed by 2029.

Furthermore, some states have already taken considerable steps to assist their residents. For example, Louisiana will be upgrading its power lines as part of a $1.9 billion grid-hardening project. Additionally, electric upgrades are in the works in places such as Atlanta, Buffalo, Boston, and Newark.

Solving the Problem

It has been estimated that installing carbon fiber lines would produce approximately 80% of the power the U.S. needs to stay almost permanently connected. Furthermore, nothing new would need to be built. The alternative is to get approval from every city and state to install brand-new lines and poles, which would double the cost involved. Carbon fiber lines are not only cheaper, they’d also be able to help your city much more quickly.

Electric companies nationwide are beginning to shift their focus toward installing upgraded lines. As even more energy companies adjust their priorities, there will be a more concentrated effort to upgrade lines, reduce power outages, and make electricity a lot more stable. This will help improve not only your local grid but will bolster grids nationwide. As a result, we should start to see much fewer outages during the next five years.

Published By: Aize Perez