Heathrow Closure

Unbelievably I can't see a discussion thread on this already.

Anyone actually believing that a single transformer/substation fire shuts fully down one of the largest airports in the world?  

Mod edit: including a link for context  

Parents
  • The latest news https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly22eelnxjo suggests that National Grid knew there was a problem with water getting into the substation electrics back in 2018, but somehow never got round to doing anything about it.  They were going to fix it in 2022, but didn't.

    This is what happens when major national infrastructure is run by for-profit companies.  Shareholder dividends come before maintenance.

  • This is what happens when major national infrastructure is run by for-profit companies.  Shareholder dividends come before maintenance.

    The same could probably be said about the power outage that happened in Spain recently.  Takes Thames water as an example on the verge of bankruptcy and Thames Water paid out £18 million in bonuses to 21 senior managers, with the first payment of 50% of their base salary being made on April 30, 2025

    Regulators need to crack the whip and maybe even consider fines to the directors not the company for bad performance

  • To provide a little balance to this discussion -it doesn't make much difference if the asset is owned by a private company or the  public/government- no one likes to do maintenance.

    On the public side think of all the health problems caused by mold in social housing.

    On a more personal side, who likes to go to the dentist for maintenance work?

    Peter Brooks

  • An elevated moisture reading in one of SGT3 bushings.  I wonder how many others are in the same condition that 

    NG (National Grid) / NESO (National Energy System Operator) are ignoring or have not dealt with yet?  Maybe there needs to be a FOI (freedom of information) request to ascertain this information?  Ofgen and the others need to become pro-active on matters

Reply
  • An elevated moisture reading in one of SGT3 bushings.  I wonder how many others are in the same condition that 

    NG (National Grid) / NESO (National Energy System Operator) are ignoring or have not dealt with yet?  Maybe there needs to be a FOI (freedom of information) request to ascertain this information?  Ofgen and the others need to become pro-active on matters

Children
  • Hello Sergio:-

    There has to be an independent auditing organization that has the power (without being interfered with by the government) that has the power  to force the necessary controlling organization to do the required maintenance work.

    If they do their job correctly, they become the most hated organization in the country!

    Peter Brooks