I'm trying to do Rick's risk assessment, and it occurred to me that I'm trying to make these assessments of good, medium, or poor, regarding the availability and quality of my local electrical supplier, by a vague guestimate of my own reaction to their answers to my questions. So far I've asked when our local rec began their y2k efforts and how much money they've spent, and if they're ready yet. They're response has been that they're ready, they began many, many months ago, and they'll know by the 2nd quarter of the year 2000 as to the total bill. My innitial thought was that this sounds kind of poor to me. But maybe there are other questions I should be asking, and what would someone more knowledgable recommend as criteria to go by when judging good, medium, and poor? Any other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Brenda Adams

-- Anonymous, August 31, 1999

Answers

Brenda...my co op says they are ready and I think they are. But they produce no power, have bought generators for their offices and are buying and reselling 40kw and larger gens to businesses. When we found that out, we bought a generator. Ask them if they have purchased any generators for their offices or are selling and installing for commercial customers. Also, even the Koskinem version of the navy report listed our company as probable failure. So we just plan on it. There isn't much they can do if they can't get the power. And if its limited, they will ration it out to hospitals, police and fire and 911 and nursing homes. And right that they should. Also, if there are failures all over, I would hope that they would send as much power north where people can freeze to death. I can always put on long pants and socks and shoes, God forbid!!

Taz...who lives in Toasty Florida and expects area to be REAL TOAST!

-- Anonymous, August 31, 1999

Brenda, since nearly everyone, no matter what business they run, is proclaiming readiness, judgement calls are very difficult. Also, everybody has different trust levels, so it's hard to recommend any criteria to someone else.

That said, you mentioned your initial thought was that the information sounded poor to you. I think our first impressions, or gut instincts, about the veracity, lack of detail, or manner of presentation, is an acquired system based on cumulative past experiences. None of us have a crystal ball or can read minds, but over the years most do get an individual "feel" for things trustworthy, and I suggest you go with your instincts.

My personal experiences have taught me that generally someone confident in what they are relating will provide some details if asked, and be relaxed in the telling. Sometimes they're uptight because of the expectation of having to give sureties. Once in a while when I've begun a chat with someone by sympathetically saying, "I guess you're probably not any more sure of things than anybody else is, huh?" they sag in relief at not being confronted with having to give a definitive "yes" or "no" about readiness and are more willing to discuss what they've done or are doing. However you approach things, trust your judgement about the answers you get. Just being aware of, and sensitive to, the fact that a best "guestimate" is often all we have, shows you have insight and thoughtfulness. I think this will serve you well.

-- Anonymous, August 31, 1999