This should become THE classic example of why the old model of a highly centralized, monolithic power generation system should be DUMPED in favor of de-centralized local power generation.

The same parallels exist for the old model of the central IBM supercomputer versus the infinitely more robust and powerful distributed networking structure which forms the internet today:  Centralized = catastrophic failure, maximum impact   De-centralized = localized failures, minimal impact.

Power generation technology has changed: We are no longer dependent on capital intensive coal/gas-fired mega plants (at least in the southwest) to supply power.

Southern California property owners should all be generating power from every rooftop and available open space according to their ability and willingness.

Everyone can take advantage of existing wiring which brings power to homes and businesses to transmit power back through the network.

Those who want to generate their own power at night can install the necessary off-the-shelf hardware to do so.

Massive capital-intensive solar projects and “green” power transmission efforts string cable and towers across vast expanses of desert will perpetuate the exact same scenario as we have just experienced.

With 9/11 only days away it would be good to remember that the SunRise PowerLink,  Blythe Solar Project and other efforts will continue to offer terrorists hundreds of miles of indefensible, easily accessible towers and power lines which could trigger an even larger blackout next time.

From what I can tell a “Public Utility” just means that it has a monopoly to to provide an essential service to a captive market.

Yesterday’s blackout possesses the potential to provide an opportunity for SDG&E/Sempra Energy and a host of other related companies to prove that even blood-sucking leeches ensconced in nineteenth century carpetbagger business practices can change for the better.

If anyone has read this much, there are a whole lot of us that would appreciate your support on this issue: http://www.ab-742.com.com   Thank you.