Innovative Solution To Power Outages

Today, July 2nd, my apartment complex had its power restored after a fallen tree was removed.  It was hot and miserable over the weekend.  As a social worker, I am concerned about the health and well being of those still at risk of the high temperatures, loss of food and medications.  It seems that every year, we remain at the mercy of the weather and power companies. Nationally, it was estimated that 2 million people were without power.  This is unacceptable, therefore I will offer a solution for getting electricity restored in every community within 24 hours. I also have an innovative invention idea for a generator that will supply backup power during any power outage without requiring gas, diesel, wind or solar power.

Solution: Each community should recruit and pay to have five teams of three people (15 People) to be trained by the local power company to safely remove trees and restore power within their community.  Each community should vote to pay an additional $5 property tax and a $0.50 Monthly Utility Tax, which would only be used to train people who live in our community and ensure that they have a contractual obligation to work to restore the power of the community that paid for their training first. They would be allowed to serve other community for a fee paid to the community that trained them. The taxes and fees will be used to purchase, maintain and store utility trucks, uniforms, equipment, initial and annual training and certification and a monthly allowance. This would allow utility companies to focus on the major grid problems, while communities have their power restored within 24 hours, no matter how severe the storm. This is a simple solution that can be refined, improved and implemented, if demanded by citizens tired of suffering through power outages. 

With unemployment at record levels, this initiative would make a difference in many communities. When compared to losses suffered by businesses, this is a feasible and cost effective solution.  I’ve tried to offer innovative job creation, wildfire extinguishing, renewable energy and national transportation solutions to President Obama’s Administration, governors and mayors, who seem only to be interested in getting re-elected or pay-to-play deals. We The People can solve some of our own problems and we must demand leadership that solves problems without Excuses!  

Action Step: Contact your state, county, city and local community leadership and request that your community be granted the right to implement this idea. Contact your local Power Company Headquarters and request their participation.  I welcome your comments.