Washington’s Summer Blackouts: New Research Predicts Power Disruptions

Saturday, June 8, 2024

New research into last year’s power outages suggests Washington could face blackout disruptions this summer.

Energy experts at Texas Electricity Ratings analyzed the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2023 Electric Disturbance Events Annual Summaries data to pinpoint states most at risk for disruptions this summer. They focused on outages from May to August, considering each outage’s frequency and average duration.

Last summer, Washington experienced six outages, totaling four hours and seven minutes, with an average duration of just 41 minutes. King County and Skagit County were the primary areas affected, with most incidents caused by physical attacks. Washington’s investor-owned utilities, like Puget Sound Energy, are working to prevent outages by managing vegetation around power lines.

States That Faced the Worst Outages Last Summer

Michigan, which experienced ten outages last summer, should brace for potential increases in disruptions this year. With a total disruption time exceeding 90 hours, each outage lasted around ten hours and nine minutes on average. Primarily concentrated in Macomb County and Eaton County, these outages impacted nearly one million customers, mainly due to severe weather events.

Texas ranks second, having experienced a total of nine outages last summer. These disruptions led to a total outage time of approximately 71 and a half hours, with each lasting just under eight hours on average. System malfunctions were the primary cause, predominantly impacting El Paso. The Texas PUC enforces regulations for electric utilities to maintain vegetation management within the state.

Georgia ranked third-worst with seven power outages last summer. These disruptions affected over 90,500 customers, primarily in DeKalb County. Vandalism was the primary cause, resulting in a combined outage duration of 91 hours and 49 minutes, averaging around 13 hours per outage. Investor-owned utilities in Georgia, such as Georgia Power, have tree-pruning programs indirectly influenced by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).

Maryland, impacting 337,000 customers last summer, experienced six outages mainly due to severe weather events. Hartford and Montgomery County residents faced the majority of last year’s disruptions, each lasting around 19 and a half hours per outage. The total outage duration amounted to 78 hours and six minutes. With a 50-60% chance of exceeding normal summer temperatures (typically 64-76°F), Maryland may face further weather disturbances this summer.

California, Missouri, North Dakota, Oregon, and Tennessee, each experiencing five outages, complete the list.

Commenting on the findings, Karl Trollinger, CEO of Texas Electricity Ratings, said, “Extreme heat, though less common (only 3% of weather outages), can complicate existing problems. With this summer already expected to be one of the hottest summers on record, an increasingly likely La Niña event will bring drought to southern states, heavy flooding in the Pacific Northwest, and a more severe hurricane season in the central and eastern United States.”

“Power outages can be incredibly disruptive, especially when they strike frequently and affect entire communities. However, a plan can make a big difference during a power outage and significantly ease stress. Simple steps like keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve perishable food, ensuring you have a ready supply of batteries and alternative power sources, equipping each family member with a flashlight, and unplugging appliances to prevent potential damage when power is restored. This preparation can offer peace of mind, keeping you and your loved ones comfortable until the power returns.”

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