This study explores which states are most vulnerable to winter blackouts based on historical data and survey findings. It reveals patterns in public preparedness, utility resilience, and the growing need for effective outage planning.
From financial burdens to gaps in emergency resources, Americans face various challenges in staying prepared and safe this winter.
Key Takeaways
- Texas, Maine, and California are the states most susceptible to winter blackouts, as indicated by their average winter temperatures, historical frequency of blackouts, and grid disruptions over the past 5 years.
- 3 in 4 Americans have experienced a power outage in the past 5 years.
- Nearly 20% of Americans do not feel financially prepared to handle the impact of a prolonged power outage.
- Nearly 1 in 5 Texans are not financially prepared to handle the impact of a prolonged power outage.
- 3 in 5 Americans believe their region is unprepared for an extreme winter blackout event.
Identifying High-Risk and Resilient States for Winter Blackouts
In this section, we analyze which states are most and least vulnerable to winter blackouts, examining factors like average winter temperatures, historical blackout incidents, and grid stability. These insights reveal how geographical and climatic conditions, along with infrastructure resilience, impact each state’s risk of winter outages.
https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/20151176/
- Texas, Maine, and California are the states most susceptible to winter blackouts, based on their average winter temperatures, historical frequency of blackouts, and grid disruptions over the past 5 years. Utah, South Dakota, and Wyoming are the least susceptible states.
- In the past 5 years:
- Texas had the highest number of winter blackouts (80).
- Utah recorded the lowest average winter temperature (12 degrees).
- Louisiana experienced the longest duration of grid interruptions (110 hours).
- January had the highest frequency of winter blackouts, with 80 incidents over the past 5 years.
Americans’ Preparedness and Confidence in Facing Winter Blackouts
As winter approaches, Americans across the country are weighing their preparedness for potential power outages and the challenges that come with them. This section of the study reveals how past experiences and limited confidence in utility companies shape Americans’ readiness for winter blackouts.