The Next L.A. / Reinventing Our Future : PREPAREDNESS : IDEA FILE: Decentralize and Toughen Existing Power Grid

How it works

Utilities such as the Department of Water and Power rely on complex systems of large, expensive components that can be damaged during earthquakes. These components could be strengthened and the overall system altered so it relies more on smaller power generators and that are spaced farther apart.

Benefits

During the Northridge quake, ceramic insulators cracked and shorted out. Receiving stations were badly damaged and a transmission tower near Castaic toppled over. Technology could be developed to harden these components. For instance, the utility industry is developing a plasticized material to replace ceramic insulators. The system also could be restructured so that it relies less on large-scale, centrally located components and more on smaller ones scattered across the region.

Short term or long term impact

Designing stronger components is a near-term strategy. Decentralization is far more expensive and would take longer.

Supporters

Those who support this say that decentralizing the system could involve switching to different power sources such as solar, wind and thermal energy. These sources are more environmentally “clean” than traditional sources, such as coal or nuclear energy.

Opponents

The utility industry is developing ways to harden the system all the time. But it is less impressed with decentralization. That option involves switching to new systems that may not be as reliable as the current grid. Solar energy, for instance, cannot be collected at night and must be stored then, requiring reliance on highly expensive and bulky batteries.

The cost

For each electrical utility, it might take tens of millions, if not billions, of dollars to strengthen and decentralize. Over time, however, the savings from natural disasters might be worth it.

Reality Check

Wholesale decentralization is unlikely.