The reliability of power grids across the United States is a key topic in 2024 as demand for electricity continues to rise with population growth and technological dependencies, like electric cars. Here’s a quick look at how states are faring in terms of power grid reliability, based on the number of minutes the average customer is without power each year (excluding major events).
Top 5 States for Power Grid Reliability:
- Illinois
- #1 in Power Grid Reliability
- #38 in Best States Overall
- #25 in Infrastructure
- #17 in Energy
- Nebraska
- #2 in Power Grid Reliability
- #3 in Best States Overall
- #4 in Infrastructure
- #5 in Energy
- Rhode Island
- #3 in Power Grid Reliability
- #26 in Best States Overall
- #45 in Infrastructure
- #41 in Energy
- Connecticut
- #4 in Power Grid Reliability
- #20 in Best States Overall
- #28 in Infrastructure
- #46 in Energy
- Delaware
- #5 in Power Grid Reliability
- #21 in Best States Overall
- #26 in Infrastructure
- #27 in Energy
Bottom 5 States for Power Grid Reliability:
- Mississippi
- #46 in Power Grid Reliability
- #48 in Best States Overall
- #48 in Infrastructure
- #45 in Energy
- Vermont
- #47 in Power Grid Reliability
- #7 in Best States Overall
- #11 in Infrastructure
- #39 in Energy
- Arkansas
- #48 in Power Grid Reliability
- #47 in Best States Overall
- #42 in Infrastructure
- #42 in Energy
- Alaska
- #49 in Power Grid Reliability
- #45 in Best States Overall
- #46 in Infrastructure
- #50 in Energy
- West Virginia
- #50 in Power Grid Reliability
- #46 in Best States Overall
- #50 in Infrastructure
- #49 in Energy
Key Insights:
- Metrics: The rankings are primarily based on the number of minutes the average customer is without power, with major events like storms excluded.
- Infrastructure: A high ranking in power grid reliability doesn’t necessarily mean overall infrastructure is strong. For example, Illinois ranked #1 in reliability but #38 in infrastructure.
- Challenges: Aging infrastructure, increasing demand, extreme weather, and the shift toward renewable energy are all challenging the grid systems.
- Backup Power: Given the uncertainties, consumers are encouraged to consider backup solutions like standby generators to protect homes and businesses from outages.