Why power grids can't easily share electricity during extreme weather blackouts
By
Sufan Jiang
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
Extreme weather events like the 2021 Texas winter storm and Hurricane Helene (2024) are causing major power blackouts, leaving millions without electricity. The article explores why neighboring regions with available power cannot simply send electricity to affected areas, highlighting the challenges of electricity-sharing between power grids. It examines how Western states are working on solutions, while Texas's experience demonstrates the difficulties of cross-grid power transmission during crises.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledIn 2021, a fierce winter storm left millions of Texans without electricity and water for days.
Hurricane Helene in 2024 knocked out power to about 5 million customers across the U.S. Southeast.
One region goes dark while nearby places still have power.
If electricity is still available somewhere nearby, why can't it be sent where it is needed most?
Western states are figuring out how to make electricity-sharing work, but it isn't easy. Texas learned that the hard way.
You might also wanna read
Winter Storm Tests Power Grids Strained by AI Data Center Growth
Winter Storm Fern's extreme cold temperatures across 34 states tested power grids already strained by the rapid growth of AI data centers, c
The Verge·4mo ago
Texas Law Allows Grid Operator to Disconnect Data Centers During Grid Crises
A new Texas law grants the state's grid operator, ERCOT, the authority to disconnect data centers during grid crises to manage reliability.
utilitydive.com·9mo ago