What are Rolling Blackouts?
Are we going to experience them? A: Power is controlled in several regions within the state. The California Independent Systems Operator (ISO) works to distribute power evenly throughout these regions. When there is a shortage of power, the ISO calls an alert and rolling blackouts may occur unless power can be diverted from other regions. If an alert were called in Riverside’s region, we too would be subject to these rolling blackouts. Should this occur, the Utility would shut down power circuits within the city on a rotating basis. Customers within these grids would experience small outages – usually no longer than 30 to 60 minutes. We do not like to do this, and are fully aware of the inconvenience and frustrations it causes, but we must comply when emergency power situations occur. Q: Is Riverside Public Utilities going to allow customers to purchase power from whomever we want? A: Probably not for a few more years. We have been surveying the market and watching closely the evolutio
Rolling blackouts are deliberate power cuts which are designed to reduce the load on an electricity generation system and grid. They usually result from a situation where demand outstrips supply, but they can also be caused by power production problems, fuel shortages, and antiquated systems. Many developing nations struggle with rolling blackouts. First @orld countries are not exempt from rolling blackouts; in periods of peak demand, power operators may be forced to cut power. Because a rolling blackout is deliberately engineered, it is less likely to damage the overall power grid than an unexpected power outage. Power companies treat rolling blackouts as a method of last resort, and they try to cut power to as few customers as possible. Depending on the region of the world, rolling blackouts may last for around an hour, or they may last for eight or nine hours; in First World countries, many power suppliers will not cut power for more than 90 minutes. Typically, independent monitors
A rolling blackout can also refer to a public safety entity – such as a fire department – temporarily closing stations to control overtime expenses from spiraling out of control. Decisions to close stations are made daily, and are dependent upon manpower levels and overtime costs for that given week.
