BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 17, 2023
The idea of using batteries to “end electric outages”, as proposed by Green Mountain Power in Vermont ( in the BDN on Oct. 13) is like many “green” ideas: very expensive and highly impractical. Batteries will do nothing to fix downed poles and broken wires causing outages; the damage will be just as great as ever. Those who have batteries will be less desperate for repairs, but the article says the batteries will provide power for only two to 48 hours. Over $1,000 per year could be added to each household’s already existing electric bill. Batteries may have a place in the energy mix, but they’ll never end electric outages. Gas or propane generators are cheaper and run as long as needed. ~ Lawrence E. Merril, Bangor