Unfortunately,
power grids and generation plants are often a target
in today's wars. Shutting down the grid hinders
the ability to communicate and manage a battlefield,
but it also shuts down the water pumps, sewer systems
and hospital operation. Wars/civil wars are not
good places for rational thinking.
The
modern world is more interested in the business
of making money. The developed world hasn't yet
seen guerrillas blowing up transmission towers.
As
the standard of living improves in the developing
countries, there will be less interest in trying
to tear down the system, and more focus on everyone
trying to make it work.
Transmission
lines are shut down by major storms, lightning strikes
and regular maintenance. Yet utilities are quick
to return power since money is lost when their are
no customers using your product.
Also,
with more redundant and competitive links built
for system security, the more reliable the overall
grid is to the operator and consumer.
