These Parts of the US Are Most Likely to Lose Power This Summer

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It’s not just you: it’s getting hotter. While 2023 was the hottest year since people started tracking temperatures, we’re on track to break that record in 2024. Having air conditioning certainly helps, but when everyone turns it on, it puts a serious strain on the power grid.

And as it turns out, some parts of the country are more vulnerable to summer blackouts than others, according to a report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Here’s what you need to know about seasonal grid reliability in your area.

Some areas of the US are more susceptible to summer blackouts

Let’s start with the good news: NERC’s 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment (SRA) found that all regions of North America have “adequate” power supply for “normal peak load” and some areas are less at risk of power outages than in last year, thanks to the addition of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydroelectricity.

However, large parts of the continent remain at risk of supply shortages during heat waves when there is higher demand for electricity, especially when coupled with challenges associated with power generation, wind power and heat-related transmission systems.

So which regions are most likely to experience power shortages this summer? According to NERC, states with an increased risk of power outages between June and September are:

  1. Arizona

  2. Arkansas

  3. California

  4. Connecticut

  5. Illinois

  6. Indiana

  7. Iowa

  8. Kentucky

  9. Louisiana

  10. Maine

  11. Massachusetts

  12. Michigan

  13. Minnesota

  14. Mississippi

  15. Missouri

  16. Montana

  17. New Hampshire

  18. New Mexico

  19. Nevada

  20. North Dakota

  21. Rhode Island

  22. North Dakota

  23. Texas

  24. Vermont

  25. Wisconsin

How to prepare for a power outage

Whether you live in one of the states listed above or not, it is a good idea to prepare for possible power outages not only in the summer, but year-round. If you don’t know where to start, this Lifehacker article breaks it down into steps, and this one tells you what to do the next time the power goes out.

Those who live in areas prone to power loss may want to consider purchasing a generator or some kind of battery backup system . If you choose a generator, take the time to learn how to use it properly , and never use a portable generator indoors .

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