The recent report released by UCS on January 8th delves into the critical intersection of extreme weather, climate change, and the electric grid. Building upon the previous report titled “Keeping Everyone’s Lights On,” the new report titled “Power After the Storm” focuses on analyzing the impact of extreme weather events on power outages across the central United States over the past decade. The report also highlights how climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks to the power system.
As we grapple with the increasing emissions contributing to climate change, it is imperative to shift our focus from solely reducing emissions to also preparing and investing in electric infrastructure to withstand the unavoidable impacts of climate change. This includes preparing for more frequent and severe extreme weather events that pose a significant risk of widespread and prolonged power outages.
Resilience in the electric grid mirrors the resilience we strive for in our own homes, especially in regions prone to hurricanes and other extreme weather events. It involves both short-term preparations when a storm looms and long-term planning and investments to fortify the system.
One of the key strategies for building a grid resilient to climate change and extreme weather is to assess the risks comprehensively. Currently, MISO, the regional transmission organization responsible for a significant portion of the central U.S. electric grid, focuses on near-term preparations for extreme weather events but falls short in long-term planning and investments to mitigate future risks.
To address this gap, collaboration among MISO, states, utilities, and communities is crucial to establish common goals, metrics, and strategies for mitigating extreme weather risks. Additionally, a science-based risk assessment of climate change and extreme weather is essential to inform investments and ensure the grid’s resilience.
While MISO conducts various exercises to prepare for extreme weather events, including emergency preparedness drills and system performance assessments, these efforts primarily focus on immediate responses rather than long-term planning. The current transmission system investment strategies lack consideration of climate change and extreme weather risks, highlighting the need for a more forward-looking approach.
Looking ahead to 2026, new requirements from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will mandate stronger system planning for extreme temperature events. This presents an opportunity for MISO to incorporate climate science and community input into its planning processes.
To achieve a more resilient electric grid, conducting comprehensive climate change and extreme weather risk assessments, engaging with communities, and fostering accountability among all stakeholders are crucial steps. As we confront the reality of climate change, proactive investments in the electric grid will be essential to ensure power resilience in the face of future storms.
