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Shore up state's electric system
A Times Editorial
Published June 24, 2006
Losing power after a hurricane more than worsens the misery. Recovery efforts, schools, the roadways, local businesses - even many crime-fighting tools, from streetlights to alarm systems - shut down without power. That is why the Florida Public Service Commission should keep pushing utilities to strengthen the state's electric system. Commissioners took several steps Tuesday that will better prepare Florida for heightened hurricane activity. They directed the utilities to toughen construction of overhead and underground lines. The storms in 2004 and 2005 showed how vulnerable the 130,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving three-quarters of Florida are to high winds - even those of less than hurricane-strength - and multiple storms, especially those only weeks apart. The commission called for placing electric facilities in more accessible locations, enabling crews to restore power sooner. It also asked the utilities to explore whether placing cables underground made sense. That study is long overdue. A report last year on going underground largely restated 14-year-old cost assumptions adjusted for inflation. Two intense storm seasons drove home the point that outages are public health threats and devastating to the economy. To its credit, the PSC has responded by requiring the utilities to step-up maintenance - inspecting poles more often, trimming trees near lines and replacing weak equipment. Whether underground lines are the way to go deserves an independent look. Underground facilities have their own problems, from being vulnerable to flooding and salt water to the installation costs. The PSC's report last year put the cost of converting statewide at $84.6-billion, a figure advocates claim is inflated. The state needs a credible estimate so consumers can make an informed choice. In the meantime the PSC should continue to make every effort to protect the existing infrastructure.
[Last modified June 24, 2006, 06:04:01]
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