California experienced similar problems this summer and again in recent weeks due to a cold spell in the Northwest that sapped inadequate electricity supplies. Some former power monopolies have become distribution companies selling power generated by other suppliers. This has meant that large consumers such as ILECs and network service providers can't always be sure where the power came from. But there is no guarantee that such an aluminum provider will be selling electricity in the future, and that means that ILECs are interested in finding new and more efficient ways to power their operations. This is especially true of remote operations.
People forget where they put cabinets.
Bill McNamara knows where everything is in BellSouth Corp.'s network. McNamara, director of research planning, says his biggest challenge is providing back-up power to his outside plant. Increasingly, he says, BellSouth is deploying batteries to remote sites. Batteries in remote cabinets are exposed to the elements, including summer temperatures as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For now, BellSouth is working with its lead-acid technology to back up power in remote sites.