Full Title: Weather-Related Power Outages Rising
Author(s): Juan Pablo Carvallo and Joan Casey
Publisher(s): Climate Central
Publication Date: April 24, 2024
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Many types of extreme weather are becoming more frequent or intense because of human-caused climate change. These events put stress on aging energy infrastructure and are among the leading causes of major power outages in the U.S.
The nation’s electrical grid wasn’t built for the present-day climate. Electricity is mostly transmitted and distributed through above-ground transformers, transmission wires, and utility poles that are exposed to extreme weather such as high winds, heavy rain, ice, lightning, and extreme heat. Even in areas where power lines are buried, flooding can lead to loss of power.
Power outages affect millions of people and cost billions of dollars annually. Outages can disrupt access to clean water, food, and critical healthcare. They also have cascading effects on communications networks and transportation.