What Causes Extended Power Outages?

Home » Blog » What Causes Extended Power Outages?

Power outages are becoming increasingly common, and some are significantly extended. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2022, people nationwide lost power for about five and a half hours. More people are shopping for the best natural gas generator to keep their lights on. However, it’s essential to understand the underlying cause behind these extended power outages.

Weather Events

Severe weather events like hurricanes and tornados commonly cause extended power outages. Many people in hurricane-prone areas already have the best natural gas generator to stay prepared. Harsh winds often knock down trees and wreak havoc on various parts of power systems. Tornadoes rip telephone poles from the ground and send wires flying. The aftermath of these events makes it challenging for crews to get through the wreckage to fix power lines.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods can cause power outages that last days or weeks. Floods can damage components of the system above and below ground, requiring extensive repair. Wildfires can destroy entire sections of a power system, and these may cost billions to replace. Earthquakes can also damage large sections of systems, and the crews usually have to wait for the disaster to be over before they can safely work to restore power.

Overloaded Grid

Our grid is not always equipped to handle the massive amounts of energy we use. Americans set their air conditioning on high all summer long and do the same with heat in the winter. As temperatures continue to get more extreme, this continues to be a problem. Many states enact rules about how much energy to use in an effort to prevent outages. However, sometimes those rules don’t work. When people use more power than the grid can handle, it results in power outages. These can last anywhere from hours to days. Having the best natural gas generator can give you peace of mind during these times.

Equipment failure and trees damaging power lines are both common causes of outages. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to have a backup energy supply like the best natural gas generator. We offer quality generators to keep your home protected. Reach out to our team at A&A Power Generators to learn more about our selection. We look forward to working with you!

What Causes Extended Power Outages?

Safety Information

A&A guidance on demand