Rising Temperatures and Severe Storms: How Microgrids Help Keep the Lights On
Extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Hot days are getting hotter, and we are experiencing fewer cold days. In July 2024, Earth broke its record for its hottest day in recent history. Extreme heat can increase the risk of other types of disasters such as droughts and wildfires. Rising temperatures across the country threaten people, ecosystems, and even the economy.
Warmer temperatures impact the U.S. energy system by increasing demand, stressing distribution infrastructure, and affecting production efficiency. Especially during hotter summers, electricity demand for cooling increases and can lower the ability of powerlines to carry electricity, which leads to reliability issues such as rolling blackouts during heat waves. Power outages affect millions of people and cost billions of dollars annually. They also affect access to clean water, food, healthcare, and communication networks, and transportation. Extreme heat tests the capacity of electric grids especially in areas that have a lack of upgraded infrastructure.
Rising temperatures are also causing a rise in the severity and frequency of severe storms. Recent data from Climate Central state that weather-related outages are on the rise, as the U.S. experienced about double the number of weather-related outages during the last decade.
Number of outages affecting more than 50k customers or service of 300MW (2000-2023) according to U.S Department of Energy and Climate Central
Weather-related major U.S. power outages by weather type (2000-2023) according to U.S. Department of Energy and Climate Central
California, for example, has been experiencing a significant rise in hotter temperatures, severe storms, and wildfires over recent years. These extreme weather events have had a profound impact on the state’s energy infrastructure. From 2000 to 2023, almost 61% of all major power outages in California were attributed to extreme weather conditions. While extreme heat alone accounts for a smaller share of these outages, it poses significant public health hazards, such as heat strokes and exacerbated respiratory conditions, which strain the healthcare system and increase energy demand for cooling.
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The current status quo to address weather-related outages often involves undergrounding powerlines, which can cost utilities anywhere from $2 million to $5 million per mile and is often unfeasible in areas with rugged and challenging terrain. Additionally, upgrading distribution and transmission lines to solve capacity issues is both expensive and time-consuming, with lengthy permitting and lead times. Solutions like distributed energy resources (DERs) play a crucial role in alleviating grid strain and reducing outages caused by severe weather. DERs, such as standalone power systems and renewable energy sources like solar and wind, offer localized solutions that reduce reliance on centralized grid infrastructure. DERs mitigate grid strain by shifting energy consumption away from peak demand times and provide services like voltage stabilization and frequency regulation.
Standalone power systems, exemplified by solutions like BoxPower’s modular solar microgrid units, offer rapid deployment and independence during grid disruptions. These containerized systems have provided reliable power in some of the most intense weather conditions, including the historic December winter storm (2021), the August heatwave (2021), and the notorious Oak Fire (2021). Designed to ensure continuous power supply even in extreme environments, these systems enhance energy security and reliability. By integrating advanced software for optimal energy management and modular hardware for scalable deployment, standalone power systems provide a resilient, cost-effective alternative to traditional grid infrastructure. This approach not only supports the transition to renewable energy sources, reducing the overall carbon footprint, but also promotes sustainability in rural and remote communities.
Remote Grid illustration by BoxPower
Upgrading the nation’s infrastructure is challenging, yet critical. Investments in microgrids, DERs, and smart technologies are important steps towards building a resilient and reliable electricity network capable of withstanding future climate challenges. By focusing on distributed solutions and enhancing grid flexibility, communities can better manage strain during extreme weather events while working towards a more sustainable future.
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