Extreme storms have long-tested power lines and crews across the country. Photo by Adam Elrod, Middle Tennesse Electric Cooperative<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFrom the earliest days of electricity, weather has presented the biggest challenges to electric grids\u2019 reliability and safety. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, heavy snowfalls, flooding, and wind events have long tested power lines and electric utility crews across the country.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve thought storm events seem more frequent and intense these days, you\u2019re not wrong. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which tracks weather and climate disasters causing more than $1 billion in damage, reported an annual average of 18 such events between 2018 and 2022. That compares to an average of just 8.1 major disasters per year from 1980 to 2017\u2014even when adjusting for inflation.<\/p>\n
While scientists and policymakers debate the causes of our wild weather, electric utilities are diligently working to prepare for it. From coast to coast, utilities take steps to harden the vital infrastructure that delivers electricity to our members\u2019 homes, farms, and other businesses. That includes upgrading equipment and connections to the nation\u2019s electric power grid to better withstand disaster-level events. Additional strategies are intended to prevent damage from happening in the first place.<\/p>\n
For example, you may have noticed an emphasis on tree trimming and other vegetation management. Keeping trees and branches a safe distance from power lines reduces the potential for weather-related outages. It\u2019s sad to see favorite trees trimmed, but many of the outages handled every year happen when trees tangle with power lines.<\/p>\n
As drought conditions contribute to wildfires in places where they\u2019ve previously been rare, planning is needed for the possibility of similar events in unexpected locations. Keeping vegetation away from power lines and equipment helps prevent wildfires and limit their spread.<\/p>\n