Rolling blackouts just the start

Avista demonstrated the limits of its electric utility service to Spokane area customers this week when selected areas had their power cut, unannounced, in the midst of the worst heat we’ve ever experienced.

It’s now obvious that Avista is unprepared for the added drain on an electric system over tasked by increased population growth and increased electric loads all while Gov. Jay Inslee’s administration is trying to ban natural gas in new construction and implement a “climate protection surcharge” to existing gas customers via H.B. 1084.

Nationally, natural gas produced the most electricity in 2020 — more than 40 percent. Renewables, including hydro, wind and solar, accounted for 20 percent. And, soon, due to federal mandates, more and more people will be trying to charge their new electric cars which cause an even greater demand in the, now exposed, fragile electric grid.

It’s a good thing this did not happen in the winter with an unusually cold weather pattern knocked out electricity or Washington would be making national headlines just like Texas. Oh, and we won’t have natural gas to fall back on to keep us warm in the winter when the electric grid can’t support the demand again.

Dean VanDeLeest

Spokane