Cash-Starved Grid Will Need Investment

摘要

Whatever the official investigations eventually conclude, enhanced investment in the North American transmission system will have to be a part of the answer to the Aug. 14 blackout. Despite differing views on solutions, most sources agree the electrical system needs development because it has been cash-starved and fervent local opposition often has blocked efforts to expand it. Between $30 billion and $60 billion of investment is required to bring the grid up to the state of the art and open its congested arteries, essentially doubling the asset base, says Elliot Roseman, principal with ICF Consulting, Fairfax, Va.