Weather-Related Power Outages
Source: Climate Central
KEY CONCEPTS
- Of all major U.S. power outages reported from 2000 to 2023, 80% (1,755) were due to weather.
- Most weather-related outages were caused by severe weather (58%), winter storms (23%), and tropical cyclones including hurricanes (14%).
- The states with the most reported weather-related power outages (2000-2023) were Texas (210), Michigan (157), California (145), North Carolina (111), and Ohio (88).
MORE EXTREME WEATHER, MORE POWER OUTAGES
Many types of extreme weather are becoming more frequent or intense because of human-caused climate change. These events put stress on aging energy infrastructure and are among the leading causes of major power outages in the U.S. The nation's electrical grid wasn't built for the present-day climate. Electricity is mostly transmitted and distributed through above-ground transformers, transmission wires, and utility poles that are exposed to extreme weather such as high winds, heavy rain, ice, lightning, and extreme heat. Even in areas where power lines are buried, flooding can lead to loss of power.
WEATHER-RELATED POWER OUTAGES
Climate Central analyzed U.S. power outage data between 2000 and 2023, as reported by utility companies. Major outages are events that affect at least 50,000 customers (homes or businesses) or interrupt service of 300 megawatts or more. Of all major U.S. power outages reported from 2000 to 2023, 80% (1,755) were due to weather-related events.
Weather-related power outages are on the rise. The U.S. experienced about two times more weather-related outages during the last 10 years (2014-2023) than during the first 10 years analyzed (2000-2009).
OUTAGES BY WEATHER TYPE
Weather-related outages were sorted into five categories: severe weather, winter weather, tropical cyclones (including hurricanes), extreme heat, and wildfire. During the 24-year period analyzed:
- Severe weather - such as high winds, rain, and thunderstorms - caused 58% of weather-related outages (1,011 events).
- Winter weather - including snow, ice, and freezing rain - accounted for 23% of weather-related outages (398 events).
- Tropical cyclones (including hurricanes) caused 14% of weather-related outages (249 events). Although tropical storms accounted for a smaller percentage of weather-related outages, they account for most of the longest-lasting outages through 2022.
- Extreme heat was responsible for 48 outages (about 3% of weather-related outages). Heat waves bring increased electricity demand for cooling, which can overload the system. A recent study shows that widespread extreme heat has coincided with power outages in every U.S. region from 2012 to 2021. These events can expose people to dangerous temperatures and amplify health risks during heat waves.
- Wildfire accounted for 39 outages (about 2% of weather-related outages). More than half of these outages were concentrated in the last five years. About one-third were public safety power shutoffs by utilities due to wildfires or to reduce risk of equipment-related ignitions during extreme fire weather days. Wildfire seasons are lengthening and intensifying across the U.S.
The images below depict the number of weather-related power outages for the 24-year period 2000-2023 for Michigan, North Carolina and New Mexico.
