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New York City poses a unique case for electrical engineering. Keeping the entire city with high-functioning electricity requires a complex power grid which, when faced with a particular set of challenges, will leave millions without power. Berk Trade & Business School has been training the next generation of New York City’s electricians and plumbers since 1940. Given their long history, one of the country’s oldest vocational schools has witnessed some of the most widespread, severe blackouts in history.

Here is a short history of some of NYC’s worst power outages:

  • In 1965 a major portion of the Northeastern part of the United States lost power on November 9th. Over 30 million people were without power for up to 13 hours.
  • In February of 1971, power went out in much of Manhattan and the outer boroughs due to an explosion at Con Ed’s Waterside power facility on 40th street and 1st Avenue. Radio stations, television, and transportation went down leaving many New Yorkers stranded.
  • The great blackout of 1977 resulted in violence and theft on the streets of NYC. For nearly two days, most of the city lost electricity.
  • The most recent blackout in NYC history occurred in August of 2003. It was caused by a major power outage sweeping the Northeast as a result of old power lines, the summer heat, overgrown trees, outdated equipment, and human error. During one of the largest outages in history, 50 million people in the United States and Canada were left in the dark.

Although some blackouts are unavoidable due to energy consumption and unforeseen circumstances, some power outages can be prevented. Graduates of Berk Trade & Business School make up the electrical industry’s best trained engineers in history. The technical school’s hands-on, professional curriculum prepares students not just for everyday electrical work in residential and commercial contexts but also to face the inevitable difficulties which might cause the next great power outage. NYC’s electricity is in safe hands with Berk’s well-prepared alumni. To become a part of the ever-improving electrical industry, apply for the best programs in adult education today.

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