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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the "Grid"?

    The grid in the United States refers to the interconnected network of power generation, transmission, and distribution systems that deliver electricity to homes, businesses, and other consumers across the country. The grid consists of three main components:


    1. Power generation: Power plants, such as coal-fired, natural gas-fired, nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy facilities, generate electricity that is fed into the grid.
    2. Transmission: High voltage power lines and substations transmit the electricity from the power plants to the distribution networks.
    3. Distribution: Lower voltage power lines and transformers distribute the electricity from the transmission lines to homes, businesses, and other consumers.

  • How is electricity distributed here in the US?

    The grid in the United States is divided into three main interconnections: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection, and the Texas Interconnection. These interconnections are further divided into regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs) that manage the flow of electricity and ensure the reliability and security of the grid.


    The grid in the United States is a critical infrastructure that powers the economy and daily life. It is essential to the functioning of industries such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and communication. Therefore, ensuring the resilience and reliability of the grid is of utmost importance to the security and well-being of the country.

  • What does "hardening" the Grid mean?

    Hardening the Grid or electrical infrastructure of the United States refers to enhancing the resilience and reliability of the power grid to ensure that it can withstand and recover from any threats or disruptions. Hardening the grid involves implementing measures to protect the power grid from physical and cyber threats, improving its ability to withstand natural disasters, and enhancing its overall reliability and efficiency.

  • How can utilities harden the grid?

    1. Implementing cybersecurity measures: This involves implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect the power grid's control systems from cyber-attacks. This includes adopting multi-factor authentication, encryption, and other security controls to prevent unauthorized access to the systems.
    2. Upgrading physical infrastructure: This involves upgrading the physical infrastructure of the power grid to improve its resilience against natural disasters and physical attacks. This includes replacing aging equipment, strengthening power lines, and installing surge protectors and other protective measures to prevent damage from high winds, flooding, and other extreme weather conditions.
    3. Enhancing emergency response capabilities: This involves enhancing emergency response capabilities to ensure a rapid and effective response to power outages and other disruptions. This includes developing contingency plans, conducting regular training and simulations, and investing in backup power systems and equipment.
    4. Promoting public awareness and education: This involves promoting public awareness and education on the importance of protecting the power grid and preparing for power outages. This includes providing information on how to reduce energy consumption, prepare emergency kits, and access emergency services during power outages.

  • How will loss of electricity affect me?

    The effects of a loss of electricity can vary depending on the extent and duration of the outage, as well as other factors such as the time of day and the season. Here are some of the potential impacts:


    1. Disruption of daily activities: A loss of electricity can disrupt your daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and other household tasks. You may also be unable to use electronic devices such as computers, phones, and televisions.
    2. Loss of food and other perishables: If you have a refrigerator or freezer, a loss of electricity can cause your food and other perishables to spoil. This can be a significant financial loss, especially if you have a large supply of food.
    3. Impact on health and safety: A loss of electricity can impact your health and safety, particularly if you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, or if you live in an area that relies on electricity for heating or cooling. Without power, you may also have limited access to lighting, which can be a safety concern.
    4. Economic impact: A loss of electricity can have a significant economic impact on businesses and industries, particularly those that rely heavily on electricity for operations.
    5. Social impact: A loss of electricity can also have a social impact, particularly in areas where people rely on electricity for communication and access to information.

    Overall, the impact of a loss of electricity can be significant, and it's important to have a plan in place to deal with such an event.

  • What can I do to prepare for an extended power outage?

    Preparing for an extended power outage is important to ensure that you and your family are safe and comfortable during the outage. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:


    1. Build an emergency kit: Put together a basic emergency kit that includes items such as non-perishable food, water, blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Keep the kit in a place that is easily accessible.
    2. Have a backup power source: Consider purchasing a generator or a battery-powered backup system to provide power during an outage. If you do have a generator, make sure you know how to operate it safely and keep it in a well-ventilated area.
    3. Stock up on supplies: Make sure you have enough supplies on hand, such as food, water, and medication, to last at least 72 hours.
    4. Protect your home: Install surge protectors to protect your appliances and electronics from power surges when the power is restored. Consider installing a battery backup for your sump pump if you have one.
    5. Keep your car fueled: Make sure you have enough fuel in your car in case you need to evacuate or travel during the outage.
    6. Stay informed: Stay up to date on the outage by listening to the radio or checking social media for updates. If you have a smartphone, make sure it is fully charged and consider purchasing a portable charger.
    7. Plan for special needs: If you or a family member has special needs, such as medical equipment that requires electricity, make sure you have a plan in place for alternative power sources or accommodations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Major events have occurred in the northern hemisphere with a significant loss of electricity over time.

The Carrington Event:

This incident was created by a powerful geomagnetic storm that occurred on September 1st and 2nd in 1859. It is considered one of the most severe space weather events in recorded history. The event was named after Richard Carrington, an astronomer who observed and recorded the event at his observatory in England.


During the Carrington Event, a massive coronal mass ejection (CME), or "solar flare" or "solar storm", from the sun hit the Earth's magnetic field, causing a severe geomagnetic storm. The storm was so strong that it caused widespread disruption to telegraph systems around the world. Some telegraph operators reported receiving electric shocks, and in some cases, the telegraph machines continued to operate even after being disconnected from their power source.


The Carrington Event also caused auroras (also known as the Northern Lights) to be visible as far south as Cuba and Hawaii. The auroras were so bright that people were able to read newspapers by their light at night.


If a similar event were to occur today, it could have much more severe consequences due to our reliance on technology that is vulnerable to geomagnetic storms. A Carrington-level event could disrupt satellite and GPS systems, power grids, and communication networks, potentially causing widespread and long-lasting damage. As a result, scientists and policymakers are working to better understand and prepare for the potential impacts of severe space weather events.

Northeast blackout of 1965:

On November 9, 1965, a power outage occurred in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada, affecting an estimated 30 million people. The blackout lasted for up to 13 hours and was caused by a faulty relay in Ontario, Canada.

New York City blackout of 1977:

On July 13, 1977, a power outage occurred in New York City, affecting an estimated 9 million people. The blackout lasted for up to 25 hours and was caused by lightning striking a power station.

Quebec blackout of 1989:

On March 13, 1989, a power outage occurred in Quebec, Canada, affecting an estimated 6 million people. The blackout lasted for up to 9 hours and was caused by a solar storm that disrupted the power grid.

Northeast blackout of 2003:

On August 14, 2003, a power outage occurred in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada, affecting an estimated 55 million people. The blackout lasted for up to 2 days and was caused by a software bug in an alarm system.

Hurricane Sandy in 2012:

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused widespread power outages in the northeastern United States, affecting an estimated 8 million people. The blackout lasted for up to 2 weeks in some areas and was caused by flooding and high winds damaging the power grid.

Texas power crisis in 2021:

In February 2021, a severe winter storm caused power outages in Texas, affecting an estimated 4.5 million people. The blackout lasted for up to a week in some areas and was caused by a combination of freezing temperatures and inadequate preparation of the power grid for extreme weather events.

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