blackouts
Top Story
Heat waves threaten power grid stability with potential blackouts
Prolonged heat waves could increasingly cause blackouts by overheating power transformers, particularly in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, new research indicates.
In short:
- Transformers, essential for regulating electricity to safe levels, are vulnerable to prolonged high temperatures.
- Cities like Phoenix may face over 120 days annually with temperatures that can degrade transformer performance, leading to potential blackouts.
- Power outages during heat waves pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations.
Key quote:
“When it’s hotter outside, our power plants are less efficient, and the transmission lines are less efficient, and the air conditioners are less efficient.”
— Michael Webber, professor of mechanical engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Why this matters:
As climate change leads to more frequent and intense heat waves, the strain on the electrical grid will increase, raising the risk of blackouts. This could result in severe public health crises during extreme heat events.
Keep reading...Show less
US grid stability threatened by aging infrastructure and climate change
The U.S. faces increasing blackout risks due to aging power grids, extreme weather and a transition to cleaner energy sources, warns North American Electric Reliability Corp.
In short:
- The U.S. is at a heightened risk of rolling blackouts as old power grids struggle with extreme weather and rising electricity demands.
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources is not keeping pace with the closure of coal plants, intensifying power supply challenges.
- Technological advancements in sectors like data centers and electric vehicles are outpacing the growth of electricity generation and transmission.
Key quote:
"It’s going to take all of us coming together to solve and mitigate some of these challenges."
— John Moura, director of reliability assessment and Performance Analysis, NERC.
Why this matters:
The reliability of the U.S. power grid is crucial for health and safety, especially as we face more extreme weather events and shift toward renewable energy. This article highlights the delicate balance between environmental progress and maintaining a stable power supply. How can we ensure a smooth transition to cleaner energy while keeping the lights on?
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Grid monitor warns of blackout risks as coal plants retire
Rolling blackouts are a rising threat across the U.S. as aging power grids collide with extreme weather, rising electricity demand and a shift to cleaner fuels, the nation’s top grid monitor warned Wednesday.
Top Story
Power grid again on the brink heading into winter, regulator warns
A regulator warns that much of the country faces elevated threat of outages in the event of storms or prolonged cold snaps.
Newsletter
The US power grid quietly survived record summer heat waves without outages
With little acknowledgment and no applause, the power grid across the continental United States this summer quietly pulled off what may have been its most impressive feat ever.
Newsletter
Heat wave and blackout would send half of Phoenix to E.R., study says
New research warns that nearly 800,000 residents would need emergency medical care for heat stroke and other illnesses in an extended power failure. Other cities are also at risk.
Backup power: A growing need, if you can afford it
Extreme weather linked to climate change is causing more blackouts. But generators and batteries are still out of reach for many.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
