Powerless in the Face of Extreme Heat: How Climate Change is Straining Power Grids and Putting Public Health at Risk

Extreme heat and weather-related power outages are becoming increasingly common, as global temperatures continue to rise. The demand for air conditioning is expected to triple worldwide by 2050, but without electricity, people cannot use their air conditioners, putting a strain on already struggling power grids.

For example, Hurricane Ida in August 2021 left more than a million people in Louisiana without power, followed by a heat wave with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This combination of storms, heat waves, and power outages is becoming more frequent as the planet warms.

The aging power grid in the U.S. is not equipped to handle the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as storms and heat waves, which can overload the system and lead to blackouts. In fact, weather-related issues cause 80% of major power outages in the U.S., according to a study by Climate Central.

The number of major power outages in the U.S. has doubled from 2017 to 2020, with an increase in outages during the summer months when heat waves are at their peak. For example, the Pacific Northwest experienced a devastating heat wave in 2021 that led to rolling blackouts due to high electricity demand for air conditioning.

The impact of extreme heat accompanied by multi-day power outages can be severe, with significant health risks due to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion or stroke. In cities like Phoenix where extreme heat is already a challenge, prolonged periods without air conditioning during a heat wave could lead to hospitalizations and even deaths from hyperthermia or other related conditions.

To prevent large-scale power outages and maintain their grids during extreme weather events some energy companies are investing in new technologies such as distributed energy resources (DER) that provide backup power during grid failures while others have started implementing demand response programs that encourage customers to reduce their electricity consumption when demand is high.

In conclusion taking action to reduce pollution and address climate change is seen as the best long-term defense against extreme heat and weather-related power outages as it will help mitigate the risks associated with these events while also promoting sustainable energy practices that benefit both public health and economic development