It’s not just you: It’s getting hotter. While 2023 was the hottest year since people started keeping track of temperatures, we’re on track to break that record in 2024. Having air conditioning certainly helps, but when everyone cranks theirs up, it puts a major strain on the power grid.
And as it turns out, some parts of the country are more vulnerable to summer power outages than others, according to a report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Here’s what to know about the seasonal reliability of the power grid in your region.
Parts of the U.S. are more prone to summer electricity outages
Let’s start with the good news: The NERC’s 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment (SRA) found that all regions of North America have “adequate” supply for “normal peak load,” and some areas are less at risk for power outages than last year thanks to the addition of renewable energy sources, like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
However, large parts of the continent remain at risk of supply shortfalls during periods of extreme heat, when there’s higher demand for electricity—especially when coupled with heat-related issues with power generation, wind output, and transmission systems.
So which areas are most likely to experience electricity shortages this summer? According to the NERC, the states with an elevated risk of power outages between June and September are:
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Arizona
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Arkansas
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California
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Connecticut
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Iowa
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Kentucky
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Louisiana
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Maine
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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Minnesota
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Mississippi
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Missouri
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Montana
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New Hampshire
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New Mexico
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Nevada
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North Dakota
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Rhode Island
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South Dakota
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Texas
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Vermont
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Wisconsin
How to prepare for power outages
Whether or not you live in one of the states above, it’s a good idea to prepare for potential power outages, not only during the summer, but year-round. If you’re unsure where to start, this Lifehacker article breaks it down into steps, while this one walks you through what to do the next time the power goes out.
Those living in areas prone to losing electricity may want to consider investing in a generator or some type of battery backup system. If you’re opting for a generator, take the time to learn how to use it properly, and never use a portable generator indoors.
