Back-to-back hurricane seasons across the Southeast battered electrical grids and left millions sweltering in summer’s heat waiting for power – sometime up to weeks. That was the scene in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi in 2004-05. The Florida hurricanes, similar in strength/timing to those that mangled Louisiana in 2020-21, resulted in reforms to the Sunshine State’s utility regulations and massive infrastructure investments. Governments and Florida’s power companies spent billions upgrading above-ground structures, burying power lines and investing in “smart grid” technology. Some have indicated it’s made a major difference. Florida’s improved grid may serve as a roadmap for Louisiana, where those 2020-21 hurricanes have prompted cries for massive investment. But there are caveats for Louisianans looking to the Sunshine State. The big one is cost to ratepayers. There are 66 percent more people in Florida than Louisiana, which means the cost among ratepayers is more widely spread out. Florida hurricanes still knock out power, though the lights come back on faster. (Gulf Coast Note: Mississippi is in a similar boat as Louisiana. Discussions are underway.) Source: NOLA.com 12/25/21) Watch In Florida, some see a model for Louisiana's ailing electric grid after devastating hurricanes - Google Florida News Youtube HD Video - Latest Breaking News (latestbreakingnewsvideo.com)
Christmas in the camper: St. John the Baptist Parish (La.) residents still recovering from Hurricane Ida four months later. (Source: WVUE 12/24/21) Christmas in the camper: Residents still recovering from Hurricane Ida four months later (wlox.com)
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