Random Observations - v1

Some random observations that I’ve collected over the past few months…

• I used to be a casual fan of professional sports. I enjoyed watching an evening baseball game, switched between football games during Sundays in the fall, and even took in an occasional NBA game. When pro sports started going woke, I decided to stop watching. No reason to put time and energy into something that promotes contrary values. I thought I’d miss it, but I really haven’t missed it at all. In fact, I’ve really enjoyed all of the extra time. I get to do things like writing essays that can get me into trouble. If you haven’t tried it, I strongly recommend it. Get woke, go broke!

• I travel around the state quite a bit, and I’m convinced that the Bay Area is the mask compliance capitol of the world. Even with the mandate lifted (as of June 15) people with masks are everywhere. Including people that are driving around alone in their cars or walking around outdoors when no one is within 100-yards of them. It almost seems like some kind of weird, virtue-signaling religious sacrament – and maybe it is!

• Speaking of masks, back in April I tried an experiment in non-conformity. When I arrived at a local job site, there were 12 people working on various aspects of a pump station upgrade. All of them, including myself, had masks on. I stepped out and took off my mask to take a call. On my way back inside, I decided to leave the mask off, just to see what would happen. Within 45 minutes, there wasn’t a single person left wearing a mask. They were all rebels just looking for someone to take the lead!

• I am probably unqualified to comment on a lot of things (although this rarely stops me), but since I do electrical engineering work for a living, I do have a little bit of credibility when it comes to electrical energy and understanding electrical distribution systems. So, I can tell you in no uncertain terms - California’s energy policy is insane!

Our utility grid is a relatively complex network of power sources (generating stations) and loads (power consumers). The power going into the grid must always exactly match the power being consumed on the grid. It requires a mix of different types of power sources that can be modulated or switched to balance the current supply with the current demand (pun intended!).

A reliable power system should include 30-40% base generators that operate 24/7/365, 30-40% intermediate generators, 15-25% intermittent sources, and 10-15% “peakers”. Base generators consist of nuclear, coal and large-scale hydroelectric (dams), and provide the constant foundation of the supply system. Intermediate generators include natural gas, petroleum, geothermal, mid-sized hydroelectric, and other combustion fuel plants. Intermittent generators consist of solar and wind supplies that are not always available. Peaking plants consist of small petroleum or natural gas generators, or small hydroelectric plants that can be switched on and off as necessary to meet surges in demand or reductions in available supply.

California’s energy supply system has this completely upside-down. During the day (if it’s sunny!), nearly 40% of our energy comes from solar and wind. At night that drops down to about 10% (if it’s windy!). The only base generator we have left is Diablo Canyon, and they are planning to shut that station down within five years. For all of politicians’ talk about 100% renewables, they have actually mandated an inherently unreliable system. The only way that California’s grid remains semi-viable is that we import around 35% of our electricity needs from out of state.

To make matters worse, Governor Newsom has declared that combustion engine powered vehicles will no longer be sold in California as of 2035. The alternatives are to purchase electric vehicles, expand mass transit, or stay home. Just under 6% of vehicles in the state are electric. Electric vehicles are typically charged overnight when people get home from work, and right when solar and wind sources are going offline. With our electric supply in its current state, the grid is strained with the current electric vehicle charging load. Just imagine what will happen when the percentage of electric vehicles doubles or triples.

On our present course, blackouts will be a normal part of our future. California, with all our amazing natural resources and high-tech innovation, is well on its way to becoming a third-world state.

• My favorite Samuel Adam’s quote: “If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.” They don’t make patriots like they used to. Happy Independence Day!