Another New York City Blackout
There were large blackouts in New York City in 2002 and 1977. The one in 1977 affected the entire New York City area and lasted for two days. In each case, the event occurred in the summer, when air conditioning is running at full blast.
Utilities have assured people in America’s largest city that a blackout won’t happen again. New research suggests that the answer is not certain.
Utility Dive examined what might trigger a blackout and when. The companies that serve the city have acknowledged that a problem may arise soon. “Starting next summer, the Independent System Operator anticipates its reliability margins in New York City will be dangerously thin, making the grid more vulnerable to failures.”
Wind Energy Blocked
Among the reasons for concern is the supply. The 816-MW Empire Wind offshore project could fall behind schedule because of the Trump Admonition’s block on offshore wind farms. Work on a system that will bring electricity from Canada has also slowed.
The most menacing issue is that the grid is vulnerable to human attack. The grid is vast and cannot be defended. This problem is based on random actions and cannot be forecast.
There could be another blackout in New York City, and it may occur as soon as next year.
More from Electricity Wars
- Electricity Gets Ugly
- Air Conditioning Takes Center Stage
- COP30 And The Rise Of Solar
- 20% Of American Electricity Will Go To Data Centers
