AN ELECTRICIAN'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE AGING POWER GRID

The oldest pieces of our power grid in the U.S. were built around 100 years ago. For the better part of the past century, the power companies have made upgrades and additions as electricity needs have changed.

Over the last 20 years, these adjustments have all but halted due to a leveled demand for power. But with the surge in electric vehicles and data centers in the most recent years, along with inputs from solar and wind sources, our power grids are beginning to feel the effects of those minimal updates.

As demand continues to multiply, our power grids are going to require an overhaul that is both efficient and effective.

One solution comes from a Norwegian power company in the form of sensors that optimize electricity distribution. According to an article posted on Governor's Wind Energy Coalition, the sensors could increase transmission capacity by 40 percent.

"Known in the industry as 'magic balls,' the sensors measure in real time how weather conditions and other factors affect power lines. When the wind blows, for example, power lines are cooler, allowing for more capacity. The sensors let (power companies) adjust how much power it transmits over wires, a system known as dynamic line rating. In March, the utility said it planned to install 52 more sensors, making it the largest dynamic line rating project in the U.S."

Capacity can also be increased by replacing existing electrical wires with high performance wires. The same article states that widescale adoption could quadruple transmission in the U.S. by 2035. Even with regulated and increased capacity, new transmission lines will need to go up - and these can take a decade or more to build.

As a local electrician, these are activities we are watching closely. A consistent ability to store and transmit power is going to impact us all, especially when it comes to the solutions we're recommending and installing in homes and businesses and farms here in Northern Colorado.

As a consumer, it's also important to be mindful of the pressures and potential changes to electricity availability. Accessing independent energy sources such as solar panels and solar-fueled generators can help ensure a steady supply of power to your home, farm or business.