Some of the issues with power supply surround the antiquated electric system itself. Old technology in many service areas is a neutral line at the top of the poles and a power "hot line" donw the pole somewhat. Homeowners provide the ground. However, modern systems have a hot, neutral, and ground all wrapped is a twisted bundle with a heavy duty steel strength member. You can see the difference if you look at the power supply line from the pole to your house. This twisted bundle provide a huge increase in strength PLUS the conductors are all wrapped in insulation, preventing many shorts. The existing antiquated system is vulnerable to shorts as the wires are not insulated. Huge upgrades could help vs. all the tree trimming that still exposes the lines to tree falls. Cutting trees and branches within 25 feet of the lines doesn't do much when there are 75 foot trees just at the cut line border with new cleared fall lines right into the wires.
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