Many cities are beginning to face challenges when it comes to providing their residents and businesses with reliable power. The growing scarcity of energy resources increases in severe weather and natural disasters, and aging power infrastructures can all lead to energy difficulties. That's why smart city planners are looking for ways to improve their municipal power systems before a crisis occurs. Here are three proactive ways a city can upgrade its power system.
1- Evaluate the Efficiency, Safety, and Reliability of Existing Power Systems
Since many municipal power systems were constructed decades ago with inferior technology, it's important for cities to carefully evaluate their power structures on a regular basis. City leadership can contract with experienced power system engineers to analyze the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the various components of a city's power system. This evaluation would include a thorough inspection of the city's entire electrical grid, from power stations to electrical substations, to transmission and distribution. Actual or potential weaknesses in the city's power system can be identified and solutions can be explored. By bringing in experienced, knowledgeable experts, city leaders will have the information they need to appeal intelligently and confidently to local boards. If the analysis determines that improvements are necessary, leaders will be equipped to effectively explain the importance of supporting specific, much-needed power system maintenance and improvements to voting constituents.
2- Reinforce Existing Power Systems
Thankfully, not every city power system needs to be completely replaced in order to function efficiently. In fact, technology such as structural resiliency services can bolster existing transmission and distribution structures. For example, this can include remedial treatment, restoration, upgrading, and hardening of existing wood utility poles. Poles would be thoroughly analyzed to see if they're salvageable or if they need to be completely replaced. These kinds of targeted solutions to aging infrastructure can help provide cities with the dependable energy and communication services they need as cost-effectively as possible.
3- Explore Alternative Energy Resources
Many city energy leaders are seeking to implement alternative energy resources in their power systems. These renewable solutions would include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power options. Along with these well-known alternative energy sources are some less familiar options, such as geothermal energy, tidal energy, and even biomass energy, which uses waste from organic materials to produce cost-efficient energy. City leaders can talk to consultants who specialize in these various fields of energy to find out if these or other options would be beneficial additions to their municipal energy structures. Which renewable energy sources are used would depend in large part on the topography and natural resources available within the city and the surrounding area. Flat areas known for high winds are ideal for wind energy. Areas with a hot, sunny climate lend themselves well to solar energy. Coastal cities and those with rushing rivers nearby may be best served by tidal or hydroelectric energy resources.
Citizens and business owners alike appreciate local leaders looking out for their best interests. Taking these practical steps to improve and enhance municipal power systems can lead a city into a bright future of safe, sustainable, and reliable energy.
