A rolling blackout is a controlled, temporary power outage that is initiated by utility companies as a last resort to stabilize electricity demand and prevent wider, uncontrolled blackouts.

Unlike regular power outages which can occur unexpectedly due to storms, downed power lines or other grid issues, rolling blackouts are intentionally scheduled by utility providers. They temporarily suspend power delivery in specific areas on a rotating basis in order to manage electricity demand surges on strained power grids. The outages can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours before power is restored and electricity is cut to another area.

The goal of a rolling blackout is to prevent the entire grid from becoming overloaded. By distributing the power reductions across different neighborhoods in a controlled manner, the utility company can keep the overall grid network stabilized. This avoids system-wide blackouts that could be incredibly damaging and take days to recover from.

While rolling blackouts can be frustrating for those affected, they serve an important purpose in safeguarding larger grid infrastructure. The outages are considered a last-resort emergency measure that utility companies use to prevent catastrophic widespread electric system failures. By temporarily cutting power to some areas, they ensure that electricity remains available across more critical facilities and infrastructures.

Why Do Rolling Blackouts Occur?

Rolling blackouts occur when there is an imbalance between electricity supply and demand. When demand exceeds capacity, utility companies deliberately cut off power to certain areas to avoid a statewide blackout. This allows them to stabilize the power grid and direct electricity to where it’s needed most.

There are several key reasons why rolling blackouts happen:

High Electricity Demand

If electricity usage surges, it can overload the grid. This often happens when temperatures get extremely hot or cold, increasing the use of heating and cooling. Power plants can’t always ramp up supply fast enough to meet spikes in demand.

Supply Shortages

A shortage of electricity supply can also trigger rolling blackouts. This may be due to a plant malfunction, lack of adequate generation capacity, or failure to secure enough fuel to run plants. Renewable sources like solar and wind can also fluctuate based on weather conditions.

Maintenance and Repairs

Power plants and transmission lines need regular maintenance and repairs. But taking infrastructure offline reduces available supply. Planned repairs are not always adequately coordinated between electricity providers.

Backup Generation Failures

Natural gas, hydro, and other power generators are supposed to kick in as backup when electricity demand is high. But mechanical errors and other problems can cause these to fail or underperform when needed most.

How Do Rolling Blackouts Differ From Brownouts and Outages?

Brownouts

A brownout is a temporary voltage reduction initiated by utility companies to lessen the load on the electrical grid. When a brownout happens, you’ll experience a drop in voltage, which can cause lights and appliances to dim, though power is still available. The reduction in voltage helps balance the electricity supply and demand. Brownouts can last from a few minutes to several hours depending on conditions.

Outages

An outage is an electrical power failure or total loss of electricity. Outages can occur from issues like damage to power lines, grid overload from high electricity use, severe weather, fires, equipment failures, and accidents. Power companies try to restore service as quickly as possible, but outages can last for hours or even days depending on the severity and cause.

Rolling Blackouts

Rolling blackouts, also called rotational outages, are controlled, temporary power shutoffs. The utility company shuts down blocks of customers in a rotating sequence to lessen energy consumption. Shutoffs are spread across different neighborhoods or regions. Each area experiences a blackout for 1-2 hours before power is restored and moved to another area. This deliberate reduction and cycling of power helps maintain grid stability when electricity demand exceeds supply capabilities during times of crisis.

Which Areas of the U.S. Are Most at Risk?

Parts of the U.S. that are most at risk for rolling blackouts include the West and Southwest. States like California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas often experience high electricity demand, especially during hot summer months when air conditioner usage is high. With rapid population growth in sunbelt states, the strain on aging electricity infrastructure continues to increase.

Major metro areas in at-risk states are the most likely to experience rolling blackouts. Large cities have very high energy needs, and issues with electricity supply can quickly spiral into blackouts. In California, cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento are at elevated risk during times of electricity shortage. The Texas grid also supplies power to major urban centers like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, which have all faced rotating outages in the past during extreme weather events.

How Long Do Rolling Blackouts Typically Last?

Rolling blackouts are designed to be temporary and controlled power outages. The length of a rolling blackout can vary, but they typically last between 2-12 hours.

Most rolling blackouts are planned to be 2-4 hours long. This gives utility companies enough time to stabilize the electrical grid and bring demand and supply back into balance. Having short rolling blackouts of just a few hours allows the grid to recover without extended outages.

However, in extreme situations, rolling blackouts have lasted as long as 12 hours. This can occur when electricity demand far exceeds supply, or if there are equipment failures or other issues that take longer to address.

12 hour long rolling blackouts are less common, but can happen during heatwaves, severe weather events, or periods of very high energy usage. In these situations, extended rolling blackouts may be unavoidable to prevent a wider, uncontrolled blackout.

The main strategy is to have shorter 2-4 hour blackouts on a rotating basis across different areas. This shares the burden and avoids prolonging the blackouts. But the length ultimately depends on the severity of the supply shortage. Being prepared for outages from 2-12 hours provides the best protection.

##Tips for Surviving a Rolling Blackout

When rolling blackouts hit, preparation is key to remaining safe and minimizing disruption. Here are some tips to get through a rolling blackout:

• Invest in backup power systems – Having a backup generator or portable power station can keep essential appliances like refrigerators, phone chargers, and medical devices running. Gas generators provide whole home backup, while portable stations like BLUETTI models can provide portable, silent power for smaller essentials.

• Build an emergency preparedness kit – Have non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, blankets, cash, and other supplies to last at least 72 hours. Also include any needed prescription medications.

• Contact your utility company – Call your utility provider to receive outage alerts by phone, text or email. Report any downed power lines immediately.

• Charge devices ahead of time – Make sure phones, laptops, power banks, and other devices are fully charged before a blackout hits. Avoid opening refrigerators to conserve cold.

• Have fuel and medical supplies – Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full and have some extra gasoline stored safely for generators. Have at least a month’s supply of medication on hand.

• Check on neighbors – Those with medical needs or the elderly may need assistance during an outage. Offer help or supplies to others around you. Working together improves safety and morale.

Preparation and cooperation are key to safely navigating rolling blackouts. Backup power solutions, emergency planning, communication with utilities, and community support can transform a disruption into merely an inconvenience. With some simple steps, your home and family can stay resilient in the face of power interruptions.

Backup Power Options

When rolling blackouts occur, having a backup power source can make a huge difference in maintaining some normalcy and comfort during outages. There are several options for generating and storing your own electricity during blackouts.

Generators are one of the most common backup power sources. Portable gas-powered generators can provide electricity to your home by running an extension cord from the generator into your house. Generators need to be operated outdoors in well-ventilated areas due to dangerous carbon monoxide emissions. Gas generators require having fuel stored and available.

Solar panels paired with battery storage provide clean, renewable energy from the sun. Solar energy can charge batteries during the day, allowing the stored electricity to be used anytime. Pairing solar panels with lithium batteries that offer large capacity storage enables solar systems to provide backup power for extended outages.

Fuel cells are an emerging technology that generate electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen fuel. Fuel cells offer a clean and quiet alternative to generators. However, hydrogen infrastructure is still developing.

BLUETTI power stations are portable lithium battery packs that can provide days of electricity for your home during outages. BLUETTI systems include outlets, solar charging capability, and modular battery packs for expanding capacity. BLUETTI power stations offer an integrated solar and battery storage solution optimized for easy home backup power.

BLUETTI Power Stations

Rolling blackouts often require backup power systems to keep essential appliances and devices running. BLUETTI offers a range of portable power stations with large capacity lithium-ion batteries to meet a variety of needs.

The EB70 is an ultra-compact 700W/800W power station. Weighing only 16.5lbs, it’s easy to move around and provides up to 716Wh of electricity for phones, laptops, small appliances, and medical devices. Recharges in 2.5 hours with a maximum 500W solar input.

For larger power needs, the AC200MAX provides 2000W inverter power with a 2048Wh capacity from its lithium iron phosphate battery. Recharge with solar at up to 900W input or AC wall outlet in just 2 hours. An interactive touchscreen allows easy monitoring of wattage. Compatible with 2 battery modules for 6000Wh+ capacity.

The heavy-duty EB240 provides 2400W output with a 1560Wh capacity. Solar recharges up to 1300W and features an LCD display screen. Operates home appliances and sensitive equipment with pure sine wave inverter technology. Supports dual charging for optimal recharge times.

BLUETTI power stations offer portable clean energy for emergencies and outdoor activities. They can be purchased directly from BLUETTI’s website with discounts and financing options available. Power stations ship from California warehouses to North American customers.

Prepare Your Home for Rolling Blackouts

Rolling blackouts can occur with little warning, so it’s important to be proactive and prepare your home ahead of time. Here are some tips:

Stock up on supplies – Have at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food, water, medication, and other necessities. Make sure to have flashlights, batteries, and other supplies as well.

Get backup power – Invest in a generator, battery backup system, or renewable power source. This will allow you to run essential appliances and devices during a blackout. Popular options are standby generators, portable generators, solar panels, and power stations like those offered by BLUETTI.

Have an emergency plan – Develop a plan with your family for how to handle a rolling blackout. Decide where to meet if separated, how to communicate, who needs priority for medical devices, etc. Make sure everyone knows what to do if the power goes out unexpectedly.

Preparing your home ahead of time will make rolling blackouts much more manageable. Having backup power and supplies on hand gives you more control over an uncertain situation.

Stay Informed

Staying informed about potential rolling blackouts in your area can help you better prepare. Here are some tips:

• Sign up for alerts and notifications from your utility company. Many providers have email and text alert systems to notify customers about potential outages and rolling blackouts. This can give you time to charge devices and prepare.

• Monitor weather forecasts. Extreme heat waves or cold snaps that spike electricity demand often precede periods of rolling blackouts. Pay attention to weather patterns to anticipate periods of high energy use.

• Follow local news and social media. Local media outlets and government social media accounts often share timely notifications about rolling blackout plans and timelines in your community. Turn on news alerts to stay in the know.

• Check utility company websites and social media. Utility companies frequently post real-time updates on social media and their websites about any service interruptions or emergency conservation measures in effect. Bookmark these pages for quick access.

• Ask friends and neighbors. Word of mouth can sometimes spread quicker than official notifications. Ask neighbors, family or friends in the community if they’ve heard any whispers about possible outages. Two ears are better than one.

Staying on top of alerts and notifications is key to never being caught off guard by a rolling blackout again. A little awareness goes a long way when the lights go out.