Power surge protection
I recently read that in Stockton, California at 8:30 am on March 30, a dump truck struck a power pole bringing down a 60,000 high voltage transmission line onto a distribution line resulting in a power surge. This could happen here!
The surge caused major damage. Hundreds of smart meters simultaneously exploded, shaking some houses. Some meters literally flew off the walls, some just fried. Many residents also had damage done to their panels, wiring, electrical appliances, TVs, computers and other electronic equipment. Some residents found that the meters were intact, but their electrical receptacles had blackened. There were over 5,800 residents without power [“Meter fees,” May 21, 2014].
Fortunately, no one was hit by any parts of the “flying meters”, and no fires broke out. Much damage may still be hidden, as wiring, insulation, connections and electrical equipment having survived the surge may break down in the future.
It has been reported that Pacific Gas and Electricity would replace the meters and repair or replace residential distribution panels, but the cost of wiring, appliances and electronic loss would be borne by the residents.
A power surge of a similar nature also happened in Palo Alto, California in 2011.
A power surge may occur any time. An accident as above, a lightning strike or an electrical malfunction as well as high winds causing damage with fallen trees, can cause such an event.
Here is what you can do to protect your electronics and many appliances. Doing this will give you peace of mind as well as save your equipment. I believe it is a few dollars well spent:
• Expect to pay $20 to $35 for a basic surge protector, the more “joules” the better.
• If the light on the surge protector goes out, it will still allow current flow, but the suppressor itself is no longer working.
• Be careful selecting these devices, as your equipment may have power adapters and they may cover up adjacent outlets which then cannot be used.
• Combination battery backup and surge protection assemblies are available.
Norm Hutton
Duncan Street
Free ferries provide benefits
I moved to Powell River last year with my husband. I am really enjoying my life here, living in the most beautiful remote area of British Columbia. Everything is perfect except one thing: the ferry costs. BC Ferries should be free for everyone [“Fare increase,” April 1].
There are many small remote towns in BC like Powell River that rely on the services of nearby cities. We sometimes have to go to these cities for work, for meetings, or for medical appointments. For whatever travel reason, we pay for the ferry. Small remote towns in northern BC like Smithers or towns in the Rocky Mountains like Kimberley, for example, have toll-free road access that is paid by the taxpayers of BC. They don’t need to pay to use the roads. How is it that Powell River, Smithers and Kimberley—all remote communities in the same province—are treated differently? We Powell River residents support other towns with our tax money to let them travel and interact with other cities, but we don’t get this support returned. All British Columbians should be treated equally, yet Powell Riverites have to pay more travel costs than other BC communities. This is not fair at all.
The idea of free ferries brings everyone benefits: equality for ferry users, increased tourism and cost and time savings. Firstly, we should be treated the same as other communities. Free transportation should be a right. Secondly, free ferries would increase the number of tourists. Most people from Vancouver often travel to the Lower Sunshine Coast but don’t come here because of the additional ferry costs. These tourists will change their minds if the ferries are free. More people would visit or stay in Powell River and spend money helping our economy. Lastly, the expenses associated with the ferry terminals would be reduced to some extent: no tollbooths, credit machines, or expensive advertisements. The results: less overhead, less wait time in ferry lineups, and happier travellers.
The ferries should be free for all BC residents, making all forms of transportation equal for the taxpayers of our province.
Mai Morita
Weldwood Road
