Politico recently reported that despite having just lived through one of the warmest summers on record, the power grid stayed largely intact, despite fears that the system would not be able to meet the demands.
While there are many reasons as to why the power grid did not ultimately crash this summer, the article does warn that the power grid is far from invincible. “We’re seeing the grid operating at the outer limits of its capability,” says Mark Olson at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, a national grid watchdog.
While the change in weather will always remain unpredictable, there are proactive steps consumers can take to ensure the building envelope in their home or small business is designed to be as efficient as possible. The International Energy Conservation Code requires building structures to be insulated and air sealed. Building materials, such as spray foam insulation, are effective at insulating and air sealing any building to maximize, and therefore, reduce energy usage, not to mention cost.
By promoting energy efficient buildings and materials, we can do our part to ease the stress on the power grid and ensure our power stays on despite the elements.