Weather Impact on Electric Grid: Shifting Challenges and Resilience

The NPR article examines the changing impact of extreme weather events on the U.S. electric grid. As climate change intensifies, these events become more frequent and severe, requiring adaptation and resilience strategies to maintain grid stability.

While winter weather traditionally posed the greatest threat to grid reliability, increasingly intense summer heat waves, hurricanes, and wildfires are now presenting significant challenges. As demand for air conditioning rises and power generation and transmission infrastructure becomes strained, blackouts and grid instability may become more common.

Utilities and grid operators are exploring innovative solutions to improve resilience and reliability in the face of these emerging threats. Strategies include diversifying energy sources, strengthening infrastructure, and employing microgrids for local power generation during outages.

Overall, the article highlights the need for proactive adaptation and resilience measures to safeguard the U.S. electric grid from the increasingly severe impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

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