The Climate Connection
21st Feb 2022
Portable Backup Power in an Age of Power Outages
Climate change has been a hot topic of discussion for the past decade, but the measurable, real-world consequences have become increasingly evident in recent years – including a significant rise in power outages due to extreme weather events. Now more than ever, it makes sense to secure a reliable backup power supply with the best portable home generator you can find for your home or small business.
The facts speak for themselves.
In 2020, customers in the U.S. experienced more than 1 billion hours of power outages, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. This number represents a sharp 73% increase from 770 million hours of outages just one year earlier in 2019.
A more recent November 2021 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that individual U.S. customers experienced roughly 20 extra minutes of power interruptions in 2020 compared to 2017.
What’s behind the increase?
“Different factors cause power interruptions, including weather, vegetation patterns, and utility practices,” the EIA report stated. “Utilities can report interruption duration values with major events (including snowstorms, wildfires, and hurricanes), without major events, or both.”
While major weather events are not the sole cause of power outages, they tend to cause more severe and long-lasting outages. For instance, Hurricane Isaias – which occurred in August 2020 – caused a maximum of 3.8 million outages and affected a total of 6.4 million customers across 4 different states.
Unfortunately for consumers, extreme weather events are becoming more prevalent. In October 2021, Climate Central released a report examining severe weather event data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They found that the frequency of billion-dollar weather disasters has increased from just 3 per year in the 1980s to 12+ in the 2010s.
The key is adaptability.
You may not be able to control the next major weather event, but you can control how you respond to it. When it comes to the off-grid electricity you need to keep essential appliances and systems running in your home during a power outage, a reliable home backup power source is the best option. From portable power stations to battery-powered backup generators and traditional fuel-based portable home generators, there’s a backup home power supply solution to suit the needs of every home and business.
Like any other emergency supplies, a home power backup station is something you hope to use as little as possible. But if and when you need it, there’s no substitute for being fully and responsibly prepared. So, don’t wait for the clouds to gather – take some time while the skies are clear to choose the best backup power solution for your home and family. You’ll be glad you did.