Maryland's reliability standards become law
The measure will require the Maryland Public Service Commission to adopt enhanced reliability standards by July 2012. The bill also will allow the PSC to fine utilities for poor performance. Fines would be directed back to affected ratepayers.
Pepco, a utility that serves customers in Washington, and Prince George's and Montgomery counties, has been widely criticized for long delays restoring power to thousands of customers.
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5 ways Texas can improve electricity reliability and save our economy
DALLAS - The blackouts in February shined a light on the fragile infrastructure that supports modern life. More and more, every task in life requires electricity, and no one is in charge of making sure Texans have enough.
Of the 4.5 million Texans who lost power last winter, many of them also lost heat and at least 100 froze to death. Wi-Fi stopped working and phones soon lost their charges, making it harder for people to get help, find someplace warm to go or to check in on loved ones.
In some places pipes froze, and people couldn’t get water to drink…
