Live Wire # 32
Special Edition: Los Angeles Wildfires
Hello, friends. It is with sadness that my first post of 2025 comes amidst the devastating wildfires currently ravaging the Los Angeles area. In lieu of my normal weekly round-up, I am focusing on the latest information regarding this immense tragedy, as well as the role of local energy and environmental policy, including the developing investigations of electrical utility infrastructure as potential origins of the blazes. My heart goes out to all those affected.
If you would like to assist those in need, The Los Angeles Times has compiled a comprehensive list of reputable donation sites to help the victims of fires in the Palisades, Malibu, Altadena, Pasadena and other impacted communities.
Here are this week’s headlines:
Los Angeles races to contain wildfires before severe winds return (Reuters)
Power lines? Old embers? Arson? Investigators, experts, amateurs look for cause of LA fire (LA Times)
Fire agencies to probe potential Southern California Edison link to Hurst Fire (USA Today)
Investigators study Eaton Canyon electrical tower area as possible origin of Altadena fire
Los Angeles utilities’ decisions to keep power on are scrutinized (New York Times)
California fires threaten oil and gas supplies (Fox News)
Governor Newsom orders investigation into Los Angeles water supply, fire hydrant pressure (California Globe)
Thousands of Los Angeles homeowners were dropped by their insurers before the Palisades Fire (CBS)
Bad leaders — not climate change — are the reason the LA fires are burning California (New York Post)
A disaster expert explains why the LA fires have been so catastrophic (Columbia University Climate School)
That’s all for now. I will be closely monitoring the stories developing around the causes and impacts of the fires, as well as the rebuilding effort. I also want to offer my sincere thanks to the courageous LAFD, first responders, and all mutual aid organizations who have worked tirelessly to slow and contain the spread of the fires. Please stay safe, all.
Electrically yours,
K.T.
K.T. There is going to be a huge need for clean electricity in the basin when all of this is over - and the rebuilding starts.
There is a US developed and Patented solid-state electric power supply technology that is available - but has been suppressed here in the US - and thus has been sent to Europe as requested by EC President Ursula von der Leyen for manufacturing / installation and export.
It is also being negotiated for by major Middle East funding sources for manufacturing / installations and export.
I would hope that being connected to the Joule Thief site - you might understand a little about electricity -- because this power supply accomplishes "in spades" - what the Joule Thief Circuitry attempts to do.
It can be installed: -- and once started from it's own onboard "electric start-up" power source - it:
--- "develops as much clean electricity as is needed";
--- "where individually needed, i.e., any home; apartment; office-space (per floor- per occupant); commercial or industrial-site";
--- "for as long as in needed";
--- without being connected to any external power source / power utility / or power grid.
See US 5,146,395 / A POWER SUPPLY INCLUDING TWO TANK CIRCUITS / with "regenerative feedback" -- and you will find all of the information there.
It is designed to "electronically develop" up to and including:
--- 480 VDC or VAC / 480 Amps per 2.5 cu. ft. / 30 lb. / unit - which equals
--- 230,400 Watts; 230.4 kW; or .2304 MW per unit.
If / when put to use in here in the US -- not more wildfires caused by power lines.
But that will happen only if thinking is changed here in the US - as it will be happening elsewhere.