Key takeaways:
The National Weather Service issues an extreme heat warning affecting almost 150 million people across the US. Heat domes are to blame.
Parts of the US -- including the Midwest, New England and Texas-Louisiana -- face blackout risks during high-demand periods like summer heat waves.
Electricity demand is a primary challenge across the US due to factors like new data centers, electrification and industrial activity.
Regional grid risks vary: The Midwest faces plant retirements, the Southwest struggles with extreme heat, Texas has solar reliability concerns and New England has low energy reserves.
Experts recommend preparing for a blackout by making a plan, stocking up on supplies, signing up for utility alerts and exploring backup power options.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning impacting nearly 150 million people across the US. A heat dome phenomenon is named as the primary cause, weather reports say.
This increased demand for cooling is pushing electricity grids to their limits. The latest NERC report highlights several North American regions at risk of grid reliability issues, largely due to insufficient energy supply during above-average demand periods, such as heat waves that drive up AC use.
Power outages aren't something most people think about until they happen. And when they do, they can be an extreme inconvenience or even unsafe -- especially when you're trying to cool your home during the hot summer months. For folks that work from home, the risk of getting knocked offline can also be a serious concern.
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