Again, I figure this is more of an IMHO than a GQ because it relies on predictions rather than facts. Also, I did do a search of the threads on “California” and “electricity” and didn’t find that this has been discussed before. If it has the mods are free to delete this.
On the news today it said that more rolling blackouts are planned for California. I also heard (on the O’Reilly Factor) that LA will soon be the largest city in the country.
New power plants will take years to build and put online. The rest of the western states do not seem in the media to be too keen on shunting more of their resources to California. Therefore it seems the situation will get worse, much worse, before it gets better.
So, are there already tangible effects on the rest of the country? Any ideas on how power curbs on one of the country’s centers of media, entertainment, population, and technology will effect both the economy and the rest of the country in general? Are California’s woes going to be those of all major population centers in coming years? Any ways out?
A vague OP, to be sure, but it is my own. Have at it.
All I know about California’s problems is what I hear on NPR.
Haven’t noticed any ill effects yet in Eagle Grove, Iowa, but my mom in Seattle has finally started thinking about electricity.
This is a big step for her. She’s always figured that power and water conservation efforts don’t include her. She lives alone, in a small house, waters her lawn all summer and has lights on in every room, all day long. Overheads and floor lamps. Plus the gadgets – electric waterfalls and aquariums and fiber-optic geegaws – it’s a kitsch museum in there.
She’s finally cutting back. Not that it’ll make much difference to Californians, but if she is doing it, maybe the message is getting through to others too.
Long term? If I owned a business in California, and was already thinking of relocating, the energy problem might provide an added incentive.