I'm really feeling it for the people still in the dark/cold from the storm

[groovedaddy]

and wondering what difference it would make if they had been on alternative energy sources, i.e. solar and wind? With climate change looming large, there are going to be more and more of these storms. What can we do to prepare? Would (or do) these alternative sources fair better in such storms? It seems to me that the grid is much more prone to damage from storms but I don't really have data to back my opinion up.

We had a bad ice storm here some years ago that left us without power for 9 days. We lucked out because the temps climbed back above freezing. I'm hoping the government agencies involved can help the people affected by Sandy to rebound quickly.

But we still need to be preparing for a climate change future. It is upon us!

[HockeyMom]

1. Hurricane in the NE in October????

That is another part of the problem. This isn't a SUMMER hurricane. Last year there was a SNOWSTORM at this time. Solar power? In the Winter in the NE? While wind power may be an alternative in the NE, they aren't even trying for solar power in the Sunshine State where there are no Winters and Blizzards.

[groovedaddy]

2. There are OTHER alternatives to energy production besides

solar and wind. Why that particular combination? On sunny days, there typically isn't much wind (unless, of course, you're near the sea shore). On cloudy days, there's usually wind. If you've got both, you should be covered.