OPINION — I’ve lived in the Valley since 1970 and retired from the power company. I have been reading the concerns from folks about the potential APS rate increase.
I’m a former power plant operator with many years of hands-on operating experience here in Arizona and I’d like to provide some feedback. Power plant generating equipment, the support system equipment and the downstream electrical distribution equipment all run nonstop 24/7.
Just like things at home, equipment reaches end of life due to constant use, wears out or breaks due to the loads placed on them. Some equipment needs to be replaced regularly to prevent power outages from happening at the worst times, especially noteworthy during the peak season when we all need ac to live here in the Valley.
