"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Tag: Utilities
Why Autonomous Drones Can Help Repair Utility Lines
09/20/22
“Why can autonomous drones help repair utility lines?”
Drones are often used to spot and repair utility lines. However, they may have to be manually controlled by an operator, causing much stress to them. But with AI-driven autonomous drones, we can have large fleets of drones flying around repairing what needs to be done. This is Why Autonomous Drones Can Help Repair Utility Lines.
Utility Plant Asset Decommissioning
09/28/21
“Why is it so important for utilities to decommission their plant assets?”
Utility plant assets are the backbone behind how infrastructure works. However, once they get past their prime operating condition and are no longer used and useful, then they could be a hazardous burden. To counteract this, Utility Plant Asset Decommissioning can occur to dispose of assets that are no longer necessary or needed. This can involve disconnecting and demolishing said plant assets.
Why Will Utilities Have to Factor in Future Climate Impacts Into Their Cost Predictions
05/28/21
“Why will utilities have to factor future climate impacts into their cost predictions?”
The ascent of climate change is going to drive strong impacts all over the world. Utilities are going to bear much of the runt of these impacts given their upholding of critical infrastructure systems. To make sure that they can prepare for these events, utilities will have to plan how their financing mechanisms will incorporate these problems. This is Why Will Utilities Have to Factor in Future Climate Impacts Into Their Cost Predictions.
Why Many Utilities Are Allowed to Have Monopolies
03/31/21
“Why is it that many utilities are allowed by their regional government to have monopolies?”
Although monopolies are often talked about as being an intrinsically bad thing, many governments, particularly more social-democratic ones, grant utilities a monopoly on serving a specific area. Why is this the case? Well, it all comes down to the fact that utilities provide critical infrastructure such as electricity and water, and that it is usually most optimal to have only one service provider in an area as a natural monopoly. This is Why Many Utilities Are Allowed to Have Monopolies.
Utility Rate Burden
11/09/20
“How can customers be burdened by utility costs?”
Utilities provide services to customers for a specific cost. However, sometimes the amount charged can be so high that it’s a burden on customers. This Utility Rate Rate Burden needs to be taken seriously by utilities and urban managers so people can stay out of harm.
Utility Rate Increases
11/05/20
“Why are utility rates increased?”
Utilities need to pay money to keep up their infrastructure and maintain their staff. For many, the only way they can obtain it is to charge rates to their customers. If more infrastructure needs to be built or repaired or more staff needs to be hired then utility rates will have to increase. This is why Utility Rate Increases occur.
Forced Water Utility Disconnection
10/30/20
“What happens when a water utility customer cannot pay their bills?”
Water utility customers are expected to pay their bills at the end of each period to keep their service. However, if they cannot keep this up, then they could risk having their service shut off. This Forced Water Utility Disconnection can be disastrous for people and should be avoided as much as possible. Existing programs may be in place to help subsidize rates for lower-income customers.
Water Infrastructure Maintenance
09/29/20
“Why does water infrastructure require regular maintenance?”
Water infrastructure is vital for a society to function. However, like any other piece of engineering, over time it falls into disrepair. For this reason, Water Infrastructure Maintenance must be made a priority and taken into consideration by utilities and their regulators.
Utility Monopoly
09/14/20
“What happens when a utility controls the entirety of a specific area?”
Utility governance structures can come in many different forms. One of which allows for a Utility Monopolies, in which the entirety of a geographic area is controlled by a single utility.
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