Climate change is a pressing issue that requires proactive planning and preparation. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This sentiment is echoed by the late Archbishop of Boston, Richard Cushing, who emphasized the importance of planning ahead, much like Noah did when he built the Ark before the rain started.
The impacts of climate change pose significant risks to the nation’s power system. From the day-to-day changes in weather patterns to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the electric grid is facing challenges that cannot be ignored. These impacts affect both local utilities and the broader bulk power system, which encompasses power plants and transmission lines that supply electricity to communities across the country.
Having been involved in the planning and decision-making processes of the bulk transmission system for over a decade, it is evident that discussions around climate change are often overlooked. The risks posed by a changing climate need to be addressed to ensure the reliability and resilience of the power grid.
In a recent report titled “Keeping Everyone’s Lights On: How to Build an Equitable, Climate-Resilient Power Grid,” my colleagues and I delve into the risks associated with climate change and extreme weather events. We offer recommendations to grid operators, utilities, and state decision-makers on how to plan for and invest in a more resilient transmission system that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.
Climate change requires us to think beyond the norm and consider the long-term impacts of extreme weather events. With climate change driving more frequent and severe weather events, such as heatwaves, winter storms, hurricanes, and wildfires, it is crucial to incorporate these potential impacts into our decision-making processes. Resilience planning is essential to prepare the power system for high-impact events that can cause widespread and prolonged power outages.
The bulk transmission system plays a critical role in building a more resilient power system. These transmission lines provide access to a diverse set of resources and add redundancy to the system, which is vital during extreme weather events. By investing in a resilient transmission system, we can better protect communities, particularly those that are vulnerable to power outages.
When planning for a resilient power system, it is essential to prioritize communities’ needs. Low-income communities and those with a history of underinvestment are particularly vulnerable to the effects of prolonged power outages. Equitable solutions must address these disparities and ensure that all communities, especially the most vulnerable, are protected.
It is crucial to engage communities in the decision-making process and ensure that their voices are heard. By acknowledging and addressing the risks posed by climate change in an inclusive and equitable manner, we can build a more resilient and just power system. Climate change presents challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Let’s not prepare to fail, but rather embrace the opportunity to do things better and address the injustices embedded in our current power systems.
