The Summit Is On The Grid

[Steve M]

The new foundation is already laid for the generator shack. It will be just outside the main entrance, near the Nelson Crag Trail.

Jimmy's reference to "The Sounds of Silence" is indeed appropriate, but today the wind is howling through the radio antennae loud enough to drown out the generators.

The actual switch over took only a few seconds, just like when they used to switch generators. There were some definite concerns for WHOM, today is one of their biggest advertising days and they could have lost thousands if they had been down for any amount of time.

KDT

If you have time take some shots of old and new locations for all to see, thanks.

[Rich]

OK, so what did the first ever electric bill for the MWO come in at?

Should we take guesses like December snowfall?

I'll say $375 seeing they heat with electric.

[Mike D]

OK, so what did the first ever electric bill for the MWO come in at?

The State wasn't donating the use of generator power.

[Bill O]

OK, so what did the first ever electric bill for the MWO come in at?

Should we take guesses like December snowfall?

I'll say $375 seeing they heat with electric.

Thankfully they don't heat with electric. Good old kerosene.

[Rich]

Thankfully they don't heat with electric. Good old kerosene.

Oh...I figured it was free electricity so why not. I also thought the kerosene was only to run the generators. What do I know?

[Bill O]

Oh...I figured it was free electricity so why not. I also thought the kerosene was only to run the generators. What do I know?

Yep, the obs has their own oil burner. That makes all their heat. Despite the thick concrete the building is rather leaky. Imagine how many times an hour the air changes in that building when the wind is blowing. Heat and electricity is a major expense for the Obs. Maybe the grid power will help make it a little cheaper.

[Brad]

Gee, they seemed to have plenty of hot air up there.

[Charlie]

are they on there own electric meter or what

[Mike D]

are they on there own electric meter or what

There are a surprising number of electric meters on the summit for servicing the Obs, the Auto Road Stage Office, many of the wireless customers (state police, WHOM, etc) just to name a few. It really makes sense to have everybody know (and pay for) what they are using rather than having each organization pull resources from the same big pot.

Once all of the wrinkles are ironed out, summit power will be cleaner, cheaper, and quieter.

[Charlie]

were they keeping track of the usage before

i hope to see behind the scene next time I'm up there i forgot when i was on a EDU trip