Power Outage in the US, what You Need to Know.

Power outages are on the rise in the US, especially due to weather-related events that worsen due to the climate crisis. Weather-related outages are responsible for $75 billion per year in losses for businesses. Other factors, such as animal-related outages, also contribute to the costs and frequency of power outages. The country’s energy infrastructure is older, more vulnerable, and unprepared for current and future weather and climate.

In this article, we will take some of the causes and effects of power outages in the US, as well as some tips on how to prepare for them and cope with them.

Causes of a Power Outage in the US.

According to a report by Climate Central, a nonprofit research group, 83% of all reported power outages in the US from 2000 to 2021 were caused by a weather-related event, such as:

• High wind
• Heavy rain and thunderstorms
• Winter weather, including snow, ice, and freezing rain
• Hurricanes
• Extreme heat and wildfires

As global temperatures rise due to the climate crisis, these occurrences are becoming more intense and more frequent. For example, the winter storm and cold snap of February 2021 was the costliest winter weather event since they started keeping records, resulting in multiple days with below-freezing temperatures that led to many days of power outages for millions of customers in Texas.

The report also found that Texas reported the most weather-related outages since 2000, followed by Michigan, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Another cause of power outages in the US is animal interference. According to a study by Eaton Corporation, a power management company, animals caused 11% of all power outages in 2019. The most common culprits were squirrels, birds, raccoons, snakes, and rats.

The US energy infrastructure is also aging and vulnerable to failures and disruptions. Parts of the US power grid dates back to the earliest days of electricity. The grid is also highly interconnected and interdependent, which means that a problem in one area can also affect other areas.

Effects of Power Outages in the US.

Power outages can have severe consequences for people’s lives, health, safety, and the economy. Some of the effects of power outages include:

• Loss of communication: Power outages can disrupt phone lines, internet access, radio and television broadcasts, and other forms of communication that rely on electricity.
• Loss of essential services: Power outages can affect hospitals, emergency services, water treatment plants, sewage systems, traffic lights, public transportation, and other vital services that depend on electricity.
• Loss of food and water: Power outages can spoil food in refrigerators and freezers and affect water pumps and wells that provide drinking water.
• Loss of comfort and security: Power outages can make homes uncomfortable or unsafe due to a lack of heating or cooling, lighting, or alarm systems.
• Loss of productivity and income: Power outages can disrupt businesses, schools, factories, offices, farms, and other workplaces that rely on electricity for their operations.

A study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), power outages cost an average of about $18 to $33 billion every year in the United States.

Ways to Prepare for Power Outages in the US.

Power outages can happen anytime and anywhere. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for them and have a plan in case they occur. Some things you can do to prepare for power outages include:

• Stock up on non-perishable food and water. You should have at least a 72 hour supply of food and water for each person in your household. Choose foods that do not require refrigeration, cooking or heating, such as canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, crackers and granola bars. You should also have a manual can opener and utensils. Store water in clean containers and avoid using tap water during a power outage, as it may be contaminated.
• Have a backup plan for medical devices and medications. If you rely on medical devices that need electricity, such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators or dialysis machines, you should have a backup power source or an alternative location where you can use them. You should also have a list of your medications and dosages, and keep them in a cool and dry place. If you need to refrigerate your medications, you should have a cooler with ice packs ready.
• Keep flashlights, batteries and candles handy. You should avoid using candles during a power outage, as they can cause fires. However, if you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and away from flammable materials. You should also have flashlights with extra batteries for each room in your house. Do not use matches or lighters while checking gas appliances or pilot lights, as they can cause explosions.
• Stay informed and connected. You should have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen to local news and updates on the power outage. You should also have a fully charged cell phone and a portable charger or car charger. Use your phone to call 911 in case of an emergency, or to contact your family and friends. You should also check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled, and offer them assistance if needed.
• Turn off and unplug appliances and electronics. Turn off and unplug all unessential appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored. You should also leave one light switch on so you can tell when the power is back on. You can keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut so the temperature remains cool inside. A cold refrigerator will keep food cool for four to four & a half hours. A freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours if they are full.

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