Leo Lichtman wrote:
What I don't inderstand is why the separate generating stations, with
their local distribution lines can't unhook from the grid and restart
separately, so the people have power. The extra stability provided
by the grid, when it is running right is gone when it fails. So why
not settle for "second best," and go back to the old way?

that's what they do, to some extent, but there is still a lot of
coordination that needs to take place even in one county. The control room
of a major utility is a pretty awesome affair. There is usually some
equipment damage to repair as well. As of this morning, Long Island was
disconnected from most of the grid.