Thousands of Californians must be regretting not installing solar and battery storage in their homes. That’s because Pacific Gas & Electric switched the grid off in 34 counties on October 9, 2019. This followed a wild fire alert, after humidity and high winds began that previously downed live power wires. A battery demand surge followed almost inevitably.
Generator, Gasoline and Battery Demand Surge ‘Exceptional’
Los Angeles Times reported queues for gas, batteries, groceries and generators as reality struck home. This became something of a run, as the battery demand surge began depleting stocks. It’s ironic how dependent we are on electricity when it contributes so much to global warming.
Los Angeles Times mentions one woman who noticed generators “flying off the shelves” as she topped up on groceries. She had already committed nearly $1,000 to household purchases at the Costco. Therefore, she phoned her husband first before adding a generator to her order. By the time they finished chatting the last big generator in the store was gone.
More disruption as California Residents Scrambled for Supplies
The lady’s story had a happy ending when her husband found a generator in another Costco store. However, when she saw a run on bottled water she filled the bathtub just in case.
“In this particular area they did say we could lose power for up to seven days,” she explained to a reporter. “I think that’s what’s making people on edge, the fear of the unknown and wanting to be safe for your family.” From what we’ve heard, the wind has fallen away and Pacific Gas & Electric are starting to re-energize the grid.
A battery demand surge for home electricity storage should logically follow the California power cuts. It probably won’t, because so few people appear ready to adapt to renewable energy.
Related
California Fires Call for More Green Energy
Deadly Wildfires Are California’s New Normal
Preview Image: Orange Fire in Riverside County
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