Comment Frequency deviations (Score 1) 251
Related:
In 2011 the US did a yearlong experiment : "The group that oversees the U.S. power grid is proposing an experiment would allow more frequency variation than it does now without corrections"
https://phys.org/news/2011-06-...
As noted in the comments, this would affect devices such as phonographs, VCR's tape players, some bar heaters and some clocks. As far as I can tell, the experiment was conducted because:
https://www.energy.gov/sites/p...
POWER SYSTEMS MUST HAVE ADEQUATE FLEXIBILITY TO ADDRESS VARIABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY IN DEMAND (LOAD) AND GENERATION RESOURCES
I recall reading that the regulation of these cycles can cost 1% of the power supply used (sorry, can't find the source link). Another reason for the deregulation may be this:
https://phys.org/news/2006-05-...
Big names pony up for power-line broadband
Current Communications announced Thursday it had received $130 million in investments to accelerate Broadband over Power Line technology. Current uses BPL technology to provide broadband service that runs across power lines, allowing the potential for a new source of retail Internet service as well as accommodating "smart grid" electric meters for utility companies.
"This technology provides utilities with a more intelligent, real-time and secure power grid that should help conserve energy, reduce electricity disruptions and protect critical infrastructure," said Alex Urquhart, president of GE Energy Financial Services.
