Your editorial about the disastrous power failure of last August ("Origins of a Blackout," Nov. 20) points out that "the rules now in place" -- ensuring reliability in the provision of electrical energy -- "are advisory, and failure to observe them carries no penalty".
The critics are lining up to assign responsibility for the disastrous power problem last week.
And then there is our present culture, based on the illusion of endless cheap energy – perhaps the toughest nut of all to crack: far easier to cut bills with environmentally disastrous power sources than to change behaviour (even if it could save money, create jobs and protect peoples' interests in the future).
Not only has it seen China yet again sweep up the Olympic medals as if they were chocolate buttons, but it has suffered the shameful embarrassment of two successive days of disastrous power failures that left up to 600 million people without electricity.
These disastrous power punches have left scores dead, millions uprooted and much physical and emotional devastation in their wake.
To have the same individual who owns Italy's private TV channels as head of the government has been a disastrous concentration of power.
Referring to TV Corp's acquisition of US and UK post-production companies, outside broadcast firm Visions - since disposed of - and a disastrous foray into power boat racing under the former chief executive, Chris Rowlands, Mr Jones said new management would help to restore growth.
From a disastrous coal-fired power plant in India to massive forced resettlement and refugee crises all across the globe, the World Bank seems to be slow marching from one disaster to the next.
The likelihood is that some combination of the three options—a veto here, a dignified surrender there, and greater use of the bully pulpit everywhere will prevent a disastrous decline in his power.
TOKYO — Toshiba, a pillar of the modern Japanese economy whose roots stretch back to the country's industrial stirrings in the 19th century, warned on Tuesday that a disastrous foray into nuclear power may have crippled its business beyond repair.
