Are Rolling Blackouts Becoming the New Normal?
We’ve been hearing more and more about rolling blackouts the past few years.
They’re also being called rotating power outages and load shedding. Whatever they’re called, I’m afraid we’re going to hear a lot more about them going forward.
Periodically, electric company decision-makers order temporary rolling blackouts in areas where the grid is in danger of failing. This is usually associated with extreme weather, including storms or severe heat or cold.
The idea itself is a sound one. Better to have a limited number of people lose power for a few hours than for millions to be in the dark for an indefinite time period.
But the necessity of rolling blackouts is proof that our electric grids are vulnerable to all sorts of problems. Including extreme weather, physical attacks, cyber attacks, and even squirrels climbing into the wrong places.
Elliott Clobbered the Country
As recently as late last month, Winter Storm Elliott wreaked havoc on a good chunk of the nation.
Combined with an arctic blast that reached all the way down to Florida, the storm featured 79 mile-per-hour winds, huge amounts of snowfall, at least 95 deaths, and more than 6 million power outages. Another 1 million-plus outages were recorded in Canada.
This historic bomb cyclone and blizzard combination also included record-setting cold temperatures in the upper Midwest and Canada. The Buffalo, New York area received more than 55 inches of snow over a five-day period.
Over 18,000 flights were canceled and countless road closures occurred. But not before thousands of motorists were stranded on snow-covered and wind-swept roads. Deaths occurred from the storm in an unheard of 20 different states, plus Canada.
Among the many power outages were 250,000 in Maine, 180,000 in North Carolina, and more than 100,000 each in Virginia, Tennessee, and New York.
Energy Companies Respond to Crisis
A number of states, including North Carolina and Tennessee, instituted rolling blackouts in order to keep the grid from collapsing.
Duke Energy in North Carolina issued an apology to customers on Christmas Eve regarding their rotating power outages. Really what they were apologizing for was a lack of advance notice, not for the rolling blackouts they felt compelled to enact.
Julie Janson is executive vice president and CEO of Duke Energy Carolinas. She addressed the historic cold weather and high consumer demand for electricity caused by Winter Storm Elliott.
“We are sorry for what our customers experienced,” she said. “We regret not being able to provide customers as much advance notice as we would have liked, and acknowledge that the outages themselves lasted far longer than we first expected.”
A spokesperson from the Tennessee Valley Authority said that demand for electricity was running nearly 35% higher than during a typical winter day.
Duke Energy in North Carolina issued an apology to customers on Christmas Eve regarding their rotating power outages. Really what they were apologizing for was a lack of advance notice, not for the rolling blackouts they felt compelled to enact.
Julie Janson is executive vice president and CEO of Duke Energy Carolinas. She addressed the historic cold weather and high consumer demand for electricity caused by Winter Storm Elliott.
“We are sorry for what our customers experienced,” she said. “We regret not being able to provide customers as much advance notice as we would have liked, and acknowledge that the outages themselves lasted far longer than we first expected.”
A spokesperson from the Tennessee Valley Authority said that demand for electricity was running nearly 35% higher than during a typical winter day.
Winter Storm Results in Investigation
Elliott was such a massive and devastating storm that it resulted in a joint investigation between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).
At the peak of the storm, which swept across the U.S. with deadly cold, blizzards, and destructive winds, more than 60% of the country was under a winter weather alert.
A month earlier, NERC predicted that power supplies could be “seriously challenged” by a major winter storm. The organization warned that a large portion of North America was at risk of insufficient electricity supplies during peak winter conditions.
Jim Robb is NERC’s chief executive. He said, “In addition to load shedding in Tennessee and the Carolinas, multiple energy emergencies were declared and new energy demand records were set across the continent.
Still fresh in many minds was Winter Storm Uri, which struck in February 2021 and battered the central and southwest U.S. Hit especially hard was Texas, where generators and gas supply lines froze, over 4 million customers lost power, and more than 200 died.
At the peak of the storm, which swept across the U.S. with deadly cold, blizzards, and destructive winds, more than 60% of the country was under a winter weather alert.
A month earlier, NERC predicted that power supplies could be “seriously challenged” by a major winter storm. The organization warned that a large portion of North America was at risk of insufficient electricity supplies during peak winter conditions.
Jim Robb is NERC’s chief executive. He said, “In addition to load shedding in Tennessee and the Carolinas, multiple energy emergencies were declared and new energy demand records were set across the continent.
Still fresh in many minds was Winter Storm Uri, which struck in February 2021 and battered the central and southwest U.S. Hit especially hard was Texas, where generators and gas supply lines froze, over 4 million customers lost power, and more than 200 died.
Light Breaks Through Darkness
As we’ve seen, power outages can occur with little or no notice. And that’s whether they are caused suddenly by extreme weather or other reasons, or if they are instituted by local officials as rolling blackouts.
It’s crucial for Americans to have an alternative power and light solution when these events occur. Light in a home during a blackout can reduce the risk of falls and a variety of other problems.
That’s why I recommend our “solar lighthouse” for every home. The 4Patriots SoLantern not only delivers ultra-bright light indoors and out, but you can also use it to power your cellphone.
Perfect for blackouts, front and back yards, campgrounds, and RV trips, this lantern provides 800 lumens of light and five light settings. It also recharges with just the sun, and has a long-lasting battery life. Lightweight for portability, it can go anywhere you do.
And right now, you can take advantage of our Buy 4, Get 1 free deal.
Featured Products
4-Week Emergency Survival Food Kit
- Regular price
- $279.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $279.95
- Unit price
- per
America Loves This Delicious Survival Food Kit. If you're looking to secure an affordable backup food supply — with the same delicious flavor that's in our bigger, more-expensive kits — the 4-Week Survival Food Kit is the perfect place to start. Each kit has 192 servings of tasty survival food...
Patriot Power Solar Generator 2000X & Solar Panel
- Regular price
- $2,999.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $2,999.95
- Unit price
- per
This solar power station for home charges more devices for longer in a blackout. Double the capacity, more peak power than before, and now expandable! Safe to use inside your home. Solar panel comes included. 2000W to run more at once 1612 Wh capacity (expandable!) 12 outlets Power fridge, TV, CPAP...
Patriot Power Cell-CX Portable Solar Power Bank
- Regular price
- From $29.95
- Regular price
-
$119.80 - Sale price
- From $29.95
- Unit price
- per
Over 704,617 Americans Own These Solar Power Bank Backup Chargers.2 And 9 out of 10 folks claim more than 1! The best-selling Patriot Power Cell has been upgraded to the Patriot Power Cell CX®! And just like the fan-favorite model, the NEW model still keeps your devices ON when the lights...
3-Month Emergency Survival Food Kit
- Regular price
- $699.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $699.95
- Unit price
- per
Actually in stock! This deluxe 3-Month Survival Food Kit is designed to last for 25 years and better than ever. With exclusive recipes that are so yummy, you'll swear your grandma made them. Best variety — meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner. 688 servings per kit / 7.6 per day 135,840...
"Ultracharge" Patriot Power Generator 2000X + Sidekick Package
- Regular price
- $3,399.95
- Regular price
-
$3,499.95 - Sale price
- $3,399.95
- Unit price
- per
The ultimate backup-power bundle. Run your most-critical devices and appliances in a dangerous blackout with the best-selling power stations for home. Get the Patriot Power Generator 2000X and the Patriot Power Sidekick — all in one total “power package.” Patriot Power Generator 2000X Patriot Power Sidekick 2 FREE solar panels...
Emergency Food Ration Bars
- Regular price
- From $29.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- From $29.95
- Unit price
- per
The Ultimate “No Prep” Survival Food. 4Patriots Emergency Food Bars require no cooking, added water or heat source. You’ll love the flavor... like a shortbread cookie delicately kissed with lemon. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill “energy bars.” With 400 calories per bar, each case pack of Food Bar provides basic rations...
Patriot Power Solar Generator 1800 & Solar Panel
- Regular price
- $2,499.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $2,499.95
- Unit price
- per
This best-selling portable solar-powered generator is your “Magic Bullet” to protect you from blackouts, power failures & the crumbling electric grid. Use the Patriot Power Generator 1800 inside your home — to power a fridge, freezer, medical devices & more. It comes ready to use & never needs gas… ever!...
Patriot Power Sidekick Solar Generator & Solar Panel
- Regular price
- $499.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $499.95
- Unit price
- per
[Back in Stock] NEW & Improved Patriot Power Sidekick® charges faster than ever & comes with FREE solar panel. And powers more of your critical devices. So you can keep your family safe in a dangerous blackout. Plus, this workhouse is still silent, fume-FREE and safe to use inside. Drain it...
3-Month PlatinumXL Emergency Survival Food Kit
- Regular price
- $999.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $999.95
- Unit price
- per
[NEW] #1 Survival Food Kit is Bigger & Better Than Ever! The moment you’ve been waiting for is here. Folks kept asking us for MORE… so we delivered. Introducing the NEW PlatinumXL 3-Month Survival Food Kit. It’s the most food we’ve EVER packed into a 3-month survival food supply. Your...
HaloXT Tactical 9-in-1 Solar Flashlight
- Regular price
- From $29.95
- Regular price
-
$119.80 - Sale price
- From $29.95
- Unit price
- per
If MacGyver had a Tactical Flashlight, it’d be This One. The HaloXT Multi-Use Solar Powered Flashlight has 9 functions with a single mission: keeping you safe. It's rechargeable — you can drain it down and charge it up thousands of times. But you don’t need electricity or batteries to power...
"Supercharge" Patriot Power Generator 1800 + Sidekick Package
- Regular price
- $2,899.95
- Regular price
-
$2,999.95 - Sale price
- $2,899.95
- Unit price
- per
Now you’ve got the ultimate backup power solution in the palm of your hand… With the legendary Patriot Power Generator 1800 and the NEW & improved Patriot Power Sidekick — all in one total “power package!” 2 Generators that charge for FREE in the sun 2 FREE Solar panels included...
1-Year Emergency Survival Food Kit
- Regular price
- From $2,796.95
- Regular price
-
$8,390.95 - Sale price
- From $2,796.95
- Unit price
- per
Our Biggest Emergency Survival Food Kit. Our "gold standard" of emergency food kits is packed with delicious food designed to last for 25 years. Your #1 need in an emergency is food. Both FEMA* and the Red Cross* say that you need a supply of non-perishable food on-hand. This long-term...
Patriot Platinum Emergency Survival Package
- Regular price
- $5,997
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $5,997
- Unit price
- per
NEW & Improved Patriot Platinum Survival Package. The "Holy Grail" you need to stay safe in a dangerous emergency. Now with MORE solar power, MORE survival food, NEW water filtration & FREE gifts worth $1,735.95 - including a NEW 2-in-1 gadget sure to bring the heat. Wow. You’ll get an...
Freeze-Dried Chicken - #10 Can
- Regular price
- From $97
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- From $97
- Unit price
- per
15 Servings of Real Chicken in Each Can! Does your survival stash have enough sustaining protein-rich meat to tide you over in a crisis? Made with the finest cuts of chicken and 25 grams of hunger-crushing, sustaining protein per serving, our Freeze-Dried Chicken Cans will satisfy the hungriest appetites. 15...
Talk-N-Go Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
- Regular price
- From $129.95
- Regular price
-
$259.95 - Sale price
- From $129.95
- Unit price
- per
Stay in Touch When the Grid Goes Down. Keep you & your family connected... Use these 4 slim & lightweight Walkie Talkies to contact loved ones during an emergency... or keep them handy for your next outdoor adventure. Lighter & smaller than a smartphone 16 channels that cover a 3-mile radius...
Solar Go-Fridge 3-in-1 Portable Fridge With Battery & Solar Panel
- Regular price
- From $699
- Regular price
-
$897.95 - Sale price
- From $699
- Unit price
- per
3-in-1 Solar Cooler Never Needs Ice. The Solar Go-Fridge® is a solar-powered fridge, freezer & deep freezer. Take it with you on road trips, RV adventures & camping. Or use it as a backup fridge in a blackout. Never needs ice, ever! [3 in 1] Fridge, freezer deep freezer Never needs...
Platinum Upgrade With Expansion Pack for Patriot Power Generator 2000X
- Regular price
- $1,999.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $1,999.95
- Unit price
- per
Charge Your Patriot Power Generator 2000X Twice as Fast & Nearly Double Your Available Power. When it comes to protecting your family, you want maximum power… and maximum protection — which is exactly what you get with the 2000X Expansion Pack Platinum Upgrade. 100-Watt folding solar panel: Daisy chain this...
Sun Kettle Solar Water Heater
- Regular price
- From $69.95
- Regular price
-
$209.95 - Sale price
- From $69.95
- Unit price
- per
Introducing... the Sun Kettle® Personal Water Heaters. These solar hot water kettles are a revolutionary portable device that boils water using just the power of sunlight. Buy one or SAVE with a 3-Pack for the family. No batteries, cords, or dangerous flames required! Boil water in minutes — without fuel...
72-Hour Emergency Survival Food Kit
- Regular price
- $29.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.95
- Unit price
- per
NEW & Improved with more servings. Your #1 need in an emergency is food. That's why both FEMA and the Red Cross say that you need non-perishable food on-hand. And now, you get 25% MORE food in your 72-Hour Survival Food Kit than before. Delicious & easy to prepare 16 20...
Food & Fire Emergency Cooking Bundle
- Regular price
- $749.95
- Regular price
-
$849.95 - Sale price
- $749.95
- Unit price
- per
Grab the ultimate off-grid survival food & cooking kit including the best-selling 3-Month Survival Food Kit, StarFire Camp Stove, Campfire Cooking Kit, and the Freedom Flame Flexible Arc Lighter! If the power goes out, your ability to feed yourself and your family will be ON. And, this bundle can go...
Freedom Fridge Electric Cooler & Warmer
- Regular price
- $249.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $249.95
- Unit price
- per
This advanced, thermo-locker works like a fridge, ice box, or food warmer. It can even power your phone in a pinch! Portable cooler keeps food, drinks & medication SAFE. Named in US News & World Report's "9 Best Beach Coolers." Fits a ton of food — you'll never need ice!...
Patriot Pure Ultimate Water Filtration System & Nanomesh Filter
- Regular price
- From $199.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- From $199.95
- Unit price
- per
Do you know what's in your tap water? The Ultimate Water Filtration System targets 200+ contaminants with secret Nanomesh™ technology. So you and your family get cleaner, safer & better-tasting water. [NEW] Nanomesh™ Filter! Target 200+ contaminants* Certified to 200 gallons & 3 NSF Standards 1 filter in each stainless-steel unit Gravity...
Fruit, Veggie & Snacks Emergency Survival Food Kit
- Regular price
- $139.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $139.95
- Unit price
- per
Our #1 Tastiest Fruit & Veggie Survival Food Kit. Delicious fruits & veggies designed to last 25 years?* That's right! The 4Patriots Fruit, Veggie & Snack Survival Food Kit will “supercharge” your stockpile with plant-based power food. We're talking blueberries, strawberries, pineapples and more! And it all has that "just-picked...
Lumberjack Emergency Survival Food Kit
- Regular price
- $114.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $114.95
- Unit price
- per
Meals For Ultimate Strength & Stamina… Good For 25 Years! When the going gets tough, the tough need a good meal and that’s just what you get in the Lumberjack Survival Food Kit. 80 servings of stick-to-your ribs meals “Disaster-resistant” packaging Designed to last 25 Years* Handpacked in the USA Ships...
Patriot Power Greens Energy & Nutrition Powder Blend - Double Size
- Regular price
- From $69.90
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- From $69.90
- Unit price
- per
People can’t believe what this “weird” green drink can do. Patriot Power Greens is a doctor-developed formula first tested on older military members and veterans… to support day-long energy, reduces inflammation, and healthy aging. Each scoop delivers a combination of over 60 tasty ingredients, including more than 40 fruits and vegetables,...
SoLantern Solar Lantern & Charger
- Regular price
- From $19.95
- Regular price
-
$79.95 - Sale price
- From $19.95
- Unit price
- per
Bright Light Anywhere You Go, Powered by the Sun! 4Patriots SoLantern® provides you with a reliable and portable off-the-grid light source with its built-in solar panel. The 4Patriots SoLantern has a super-bright LED light to illuminate your outdoor surroundings when RVing, camping, hunting or fishing. It's great for your home, garage, or...
ChillZone Portable Solar Power AC & 100-Watt Panel
- Regular price
- $1,999
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $1,999
- Unit price
- per
[NEW] Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s deadly. The ChillZone Portable AC is a survival AC system designed to keep you cool in a dangerous blackout or heatwave. Solar powered, so you can use it in a power outage, camping, or on RV trips. 3 unique ways to charge: with your...
Family Favorites Variety Emergency Survival Food Bundle
- Regular price
- $1,029.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $1,029.95
- Unit price
- per
Get MAXIMUM variety, MORE protein, and MORE delicious freeze-dried fruit. All for a great value today! 3 Kits in 1 — The perfect foundation for your preparedness plan. You get our #1 best-selling 3-Month Survival Food Kit... plus the top-rated Meat & Protein Survival Food Kit... plus a delicious Fruit, Veggie...
Endless Orchard All-Fruit Survival Food Kit
- Regular price
- $149.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $149.95
- Unit price
- per
[NEW] “Summer-sweet” fruit designed to last 25 years.* Round out your stockpile with this delicious all-fruit offering. You get blueberries, strawberries, raspberries & even apples – all designed to last 25 years. Enjoy tasty fruits the whole family will love. [NEW] Apples & raspberries 96 servings of fruit Designed to...
Comments
Babette - September 09, 2024
Thank you for showing me how I can prepare for survival and safety. I appreciate all you are doing for all of us….God Bless