Electric supply can be 99.99% efficient – if we pay

Sir, – Storm Arwen followed by Barra were the opening two storms of the winter. Because these two storms were a bit more robust and rougher than usual, governmental types are wondering if the Scottish electrical distribution system is resilient enough.

I love the word “resilient” as it has a nice ring, to it. The problem is, there is no technical definition associated with that word. That’s typical for politicians, as politicians live in the obfuscation world. So let’s cut through the political mumbo-jumbo and put something proper on the table. Something verifiable, justifiable, and provable.

Let’s say we want an electrical distribution system operating 99.99% of the time, called having an “availability of four nines”. That means we are willing to accept a power outage of approximately one hour per year. Does that sound reasonable and acceptable?

If you like this, then read on. If you are not happy with four nines, what are you willing to accept?

Uptime of 99.99% can be calculated by doing a RAM study on the existing and any future expansion of the distribution system. A RAM study would illustrate any technical deficiencies, from which a mitigation plan can be formed and executed.

In conclusion, the tools are available to have a properly designed resilient electrical distribution system that has an uptime of 99.99%.

The ability to design and install an electrical distribution system of an uptime of 99.99% is available. The benefit of having an uptime of 99.99% would be felt by all in Scotland.

The key question is: Is the general public willing to pay for such a system?

Mark Leyton,

Queen Anne Street, Dunfermline.