Rolling Blackout Got You Worried? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you have ever experienced a sudden power outage that seems planned but temporary, you have likely gone through a rolling blackout. These blackouts can disrupt your day, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can handle them confidently. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about rolling blackouts, including why they happen, where they are most likely, and how you can prepare yourself and your home for when the lights go out.

What Is a Rolling Blackout?

To understand how to deal with a rolling blackout, it is essential to know what is a rolling blackout and why it happens.

Rolling blackouts, also known as rotating outages or load shedding, are a strategic approach used by utility companies to manage power supply and demand. During these outages, the company deliberately cuts power to specific areas to balance the electricity load across the grid. This method helps prevent overloads and potential system failures.

What sets rolling blackouts apart from regular power outages is their planned and scheduled nature. Unlike unexpected power outages that can occur suddenly without warning, rolling blackouts are prearranged. This allows individuals and businesses to receive advance notice and prepare accordingly.

In a rolling blackout, the utility provider disconnects various neighborhoods or regions for a designated period, typically lasting one to two hours, according to the California Public Utilities Commission. By rotating the areas affected, the utility company spreads the power disruption across a broader area, minimizing the risk of a complete grid collapse and ensuring a more manageable load on the system. This organized approach helps maintain overall grid stability and prevents more severe, uncontrolled power failures.

Reasons for Rolling Blackouts

Following are some top reasons as to why a rolling blackout can happen:

• Excessive Demand:Rolling blackouts are often implemented to manage spikes in electricity demand. Extreme weather events, such as heat waves or severe winter storms, commonly cause these spikes. For instance, during heat waves, increased use of air conditioning strains the power grid as millions of units operate simultaneously.
• Weather-Related Demand:High temperatures lead to greater air conditioning use, while severe cold prompts higher heating system use. Events like the 2021 Texas winter storm illustrate how extreme weather can outpace power generation capacity.
• Infrastructure Damage: Extreme weathercan damage key power infrastructure, including transmission lines and substations. This damage disrupts electricity flow and strains the grid, prompting rolling blackouts to prevent further issues and avoid complete blackouts.
• Equipment Failures: Unexpected issues at power plants or with transmission lines and substations can lead to rolling blackouts. Despite maintenance, sudden equipment failures or outages can strain the grid, necessitating rolling blackouts to balance the load and prevent system collapse.

How Long Do Rolling Blackouts Typically Last?

Now that we know what is rolling blackout, let us have a look at the duration it lasts for. In most cases, rolling blackouts are relatively brief. The goal of these controlled outages is to minimize the inconvenience while relieving pressure on the power grid. Typically, rolling blackouts last anywhere about an hour. In rare situations, they could stretch to two hours or more, especially if the grid is under severe strain or if the utility company needs extra time to balance power.

It is important to note that the timing and duration of a rolling blackout can vary depending on several factors, including the region, the utility provider, and the specific situation causing the strain on the grid. Some utility companies provide advance warnings about blackouts, while others may need to act quickly, leaving little time for notifications. Either way, the relatively short duration of these outages allows you to plan and prepare effectively.

Which Parts of the U.S. Are at Risk of Rolling Blackouts?

With enough knowledge about how long do rolling blackouts last, let us have a look at regions that are at risk of rolling blackouts. While rolling blackouts can potentially occur anywhere, certain regions in the U.S. are more susceptible due to factors like aging infrastructure, high population density, and extreme weather patterns. California, Texas, and the Northeast have experienced rolling blackouts in recent years. However, it's wise to be prepared regardless of your location, as unexpected events can strain the power grid anywhere.

How to Prepare for a Rolling Blackout?

Once you know that rolling blackout can happen, the next step is preparation. Being ready before the lights go out can save you from panic and keep your home running smoothly during an outage.

Stock up on Essentials

To prepare for rolling blackouts, consider these essential supplies:

• Non-perishable Food:Keep a solid supply of canned goods, dried foods, and other items that don’t require refrigeration.
• Water:Store enough water to last through the outage and beyond.
• Essential Medications:Have an adequate supply of any necessary medications for your family.
• Emergency Items: Flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, and crank-powered emergency radio

Though rolling blackouts are usually brief, having these essentials ensures you're ready for any unexpected extended outages.

Using Backup Power

While rolling blackouts are generally short-lived, having a reliable backup power source can make all the difference in keeping your home comfortable and secure. A backup power system allows you to keep critical devices running during an outage, from refrigerators to communication devices. One excellent option for emergency power is solar generators. These systems provide clean, renewable energy and can be easily recharged with solar panels.

The Anker SOLIX F1500 Solar Generator + 2x 100W Solar Panel is a compact but powerful solution for rolling blackouts. With 1536Wh of battery, this generator can keep your essential devices running for hours. It’s perfect for powering lights, small appliances, and communication devices during an outage. Paired with the 2x 100W Solar Panel, the Anker SOLIX F1500 offers a reliable, sustainable energy source that you can recharge using sunlight. This system is especially useful if you are concerned about prolonged outages, as the solar panels provide a renewable way to keep the power going.

For those who need more power during a blackout, the Anker SOLIX F3800 Solar Generator + 400W Solar Panel offers a whopping 3840Wh of energy storage. It’s ideal for running larger appliances like refrigerators, air conditioning units, or multiple devices at once. The 400W Solar Panel ensures that this generator can be quickly recharged using the sun’s energy, providing long-lasting power during extended blackouts. The Anker SOLIX F3800 is a great choice if you want a heavy-duty backup power system that can handle even the most demanding appliances.

These solar generators provide peace of mind during rolling blackouts, giving you the flexibility to power essential devices without relying on the grid.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

To help reduce the likelihood of rolling blackouts, consider these steps:

• Energy-Efficient Lighting:Switch to LED bulbs or other low-energy lighting options.
• Efficient Cooling Systems:Use energy-efficient air conditioners or fans.
• Energy-Efficient Heating:Opt for energy-efficient heating systems to minimize power usage.

By using these energy-efficient appliances, you lower your electricity consumption and contribute to reducing the risk of power shortages and the need for rolling blackouts.

Unplug Unnecessary Devices

To help manage power grid load during scheduled blackouts, follow these steps:

• Unplug Non-Essential Devices:Disconnect devices that aren’t crucial to reduce strain on the power grid.
• Turn Off Electronics:Ensure all non-essential electronics are powered down.

By unplugging and turning off unnecessary devices, you help minimize the load on the power grid and support a smoother restoration process.

Stay Informed

To stay updated and plan effectively for rolling blackouts, follow these tips:

• Watch the News:Tune in to local news for real-time updates and information on outages.
• Check the Utility Company’s Website:Regularly visit the utility company’s site for the latest announcements and blackout schedules.
• Set Alerts:Sign up for notifications or alerts from your utility provider if available.

Staying informed helps you anticipate outages and make necessary preparations, ensuring you’re ready for any rolling blackouts that may occur.

Conclusion

Rolling blackout is an inconvenient situation, but with the right preparation, it does not have to be a source of stress. By understanding what causes these blackouts and knowing how to prepare, you can stay comfortable and safe during any outage. Stocking up on essentials, planning for backup power, and staying informed about risks in your region are all important steps. Rolling blackouts may disrupt your day, but with a little foresight and planning, you’ll be ready to handle them with ease.

FAQs

How does rolling blackout work?

A rolling blackout works by systematically rotating power outages through different areas. This approach ensures that no single location loses power for an extended period. The utility company intentionally cuts power to specific regions for a set time to balance the load on the electric grid. By doing so, they prevent the grid from becoming overloaded and avoid a larger, uncontrolled power failure.

What is the difference between a rolling blackout and a total blackout?

A rolling blackout involves temporary, planned power outages in different areas to prevent grid overload, ensuring no single area is without power for too long. In contrast, a total blackout is a complete loss of power across a specific service area, often caused by a sudden failure or extreme overload. Rolling blackouts are used as a preventive measure, while total blackouts are typically unplanned and more severe.

Are rolling blackouts planned or sudden?

Rolling blackouts are planned and scheduled by utility companies. They are implemented strategically to manage electricity demand and prevent the power grid from becoming overloaded. Unlike sudden, unplanned power outages, rolling blackouts are designed to distribute power interruptions across different areas systematically, ensuring that no single area is without power for an extended period.