Domes and surge in grid demand threatens US power grids with power outages

Important takeouts:

• The National Weather Service is issuing extreme heat warnings affecting nearly 150 million people in the United States. Heat Dome is responsible.
• Some US, including the Midwest, New England and Texas Louisiana, face the risk of power outages during high demand periods such as summer heat waves.
• Electricity demand is a major challenge across the US due to factors such as new data centers, electrification and industrial activities.
• Regional grid risks vary: the Midwest is vegetative retirement, the Southwest is fighting extreme heat, Texas has concerns about solar reliability, and New England has low energy reserves.
• Experts recommend preparing for a blackout by planning, keeping supplies in stock, signing up for utility alerts, exploring backup power options.

National Weather Bureau It issued an extreme heat warning affecting nearly 150 million people across the US. The heat dome phenomenon is named as the main cause. The weather forecast says.

This increased demand for cooling is pushing the power grid to limits. The latest NERC report shows that in some North American regions, where there is a risk of grid reliability issues, primarily due to insufficient energy supply during above-average periods of demand, such as heat waves that promote AC use.

A blackout is not something that most people think about until it happens. And when they do, they are even extreme inconveniences and safe – especially when you are trying to Let your house cool Between Hot summer months. Risks for people working from home Get knocked offline It can also be a serious concern.

Power outage, Power outage or Brown Out It can happen anywhere. However, according to the latest seasonal grid reliability assessment, if you live in one of the regions facing an increased risk of energy shortage this summer, you are at greater risk. North American Electric Reliability Corporation.

The outlook for the grid this summer has changed Since last yearduring extreme heat events, larger stripes of the Midwest and central US have fallen into increased risk of energy shortages and blackouts. Meanwhile, California, Arizona and New Mexico are no longer at risk as they did last year.

NERC’s 2025 Report The Midwest and Central US, New England, and many areas from Texas to Louisiana say higher-than-normal peak demand is at risk. Saskatchewan, Canada, is also at increased risk.

Possibility of power outages in your area

High-risk regions this year are slightly different from last year’s report. Some areas have fallen from high-risk maps, but others have been added due to increased demand and insufficient supply.

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“While the grid has faced some challenges this summer, regions such as Texas, California and the West of the United States have seen an influx of battery energy storage systems in recent years. In a statement.

However, surge in electricity demand is a major challenge across the US this summer. “Peak demand is projected to increase at 10 GW across all 23 valuation areas,” according to NERC. This is thanks to something new Data center, Electrification and industrial activities.

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Grids are risky in a variety of places and for a variety of reasons, NERC Report. In the Midwest, retirements at older power plants can cause shortages during peak demand. In parts of the southwest, high heat is in demand, and at the same time, they force power generation offline. In Texas, solar resources can create vulnerability when demand is high but low generation. And while New England will have fewer electricity reserves this summer, demand is expected to rise due to high temperatures.

Power outages have been more common in recent years, but have been declining since the peak in 2020. In 2022, the most recent year using available data, the average American household had its own. Power supply suspended for 5.5 hoursAccording to the Energy Information Bureau. More than half of that time was due to “major events,” usually due to extreme weather.

NERC’s report focuses on the risk of demand beyond power sources. air conditioning The main demand for the grid can be represented, and the need for AC only increases. 2024 was the hottest year on record. According to NASArecorded record high temperatures for the 15th consecutive month. 2025 is Not expected It’s as warm as 2024, but is probably pretty close to the greatest heat record ever.

Climate change is the widely accepted reason for our warming planet – fueling the burning of fossil fuels for energy. But experts say there is a way we can prepare.

How to prepare for a power outage, power outage, or heat wave

If you live in a high-risk area, or in a region with severe weather, or in a natural disaster such as a wildfire or hurricane. Preparation for a power outage It’s a smart move. This is the way.

• Planning a power outage: Before that happens, think about how you will survive the blackout. Consider keeping fresh foods and water on hand and recharge Flashlight, Fresh batterya Portable Power Bank or Home Battery For mobile phones and other devices.

• Get your first aid kit ready. Pay attention to the utility’s emergency number and the location of your local cooling or warming station in case an outage occurs during a heat wave or cold snap.

• Cooling technology may be worth buying:CNET The best cooling fan, Best window AC unit, The best portable air conditioner Or a heat pump.

• Sign up for alerts from our utility company. Automated messages can notify you when an outage occurs and provide an estimated repair timeline. “It gives you that peace of mind,” says Sheri Givens, president and CEO of the company. Smart Electric Power Alliance.

• Consider investing in backup power: a Home Battery, Portable power station or generator You can give juice while it is stopped. refrigerator, Keep running your gadget or critical medical device.

• Think about solar power: Generate your own power via Rooftop solar or Portable solar panel You can add another buffer for a power outage. Solar is a big investment, but it may be worth it if you live in an area where there are frequent blackouts. And it reduces the burden on the grid, which leads to power outages in the first place.

• Check out Two-way charging Features for leasing or purchasing your next car. Many Electric car Equipped with the ability to supply energy to the home during shutdowns.

• Be careful Signs and symptoms of fever strokeAnd then they ask for a doctor’s appointment.

See this: Portable Power Plant Buying Guide: Bring some electricity

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