"No Power and Extreme Heat"

A situation is unfolding in Texas that I think we all might want to watch and see how things turn out.

There is a huge ‘heat dome’ over a large area of Texas (and other areas) that is putting out some extreme heat numbers.

As an example, San Angelo’s previous record of 105F set back in 1994 was smashed by yesterday’s (June 25th) 112F.

Abilene tied its 106F record that was set over 100 years ago in 1904.

Laredo hit record highs six days in a row with 4 of those being above 110F and a record tying 115F on June 19th.

This is a record setting heat wave for many areas…

Why do I bring this up?
Well, because extreme heat can expose local areas to potential power outages- which becomes a seriously dangerous combination.

Take a look:

“A deadly combination: No power and extreme heat. How likely is it and is Texas prepared?”

https://news.yahoo.com/deadly-combination-no-power-extreme-110000677.html

The demands on the grid go up with the need to heat or cool homes. Back in 2021, Texas experienced winter storms that took down power generation of all types (wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, etc.) and that turned out to be deadly.

The current heat wave has also been associated with an increase in the severity of storms as the higher temperatures allow for the atmosphere to hold more moisture with in turn allows for more water downfall and more severe winds during sudden bursts.

The Texas western community of Ozona just experienced a thunderstorm that included wind gusts of 64 mph during a ‘dry microburst’ which usually happens with little water/rain on the ground.

The combination of more severe heat with more severe storms yields an extreme risk for at-risk persons who would be affected more by heat injury related issues such as the elderly, sick, or very young.

As we found out in the Texas 2021 storms- power outages can last for days or even a week or more. Just a few days of 100+ degrees without air conditioning would make a home unlivable for most, if not all people- and if that outage affected the entire local area, there would be little relief to be had.

My family is welcome to come to my home, but if the power is out and I don’t have some sort of off-grid style way to keep power going, it wouldn’t help much.

These record breaking weather events seem to be a new normal. It appears that power outages during extreme cold or heat are more frequent and now it looks like not a question of if- but when it will happen here in Southern Arizona where the heat wave has been in play.

Up until recently, the only real path to back up power has been a gas/diesel powered generator. Now, however, solar power systems with a battery have advanced enough to become a viable option.

The batteries do make it cost more. Sometimes a lot more depending on the system design (size, specs) and personal choices. These might take a while longer to ‘pay themselves off’ but at the same time, it is an upgrade to the home much like a new kitchen or bathroom where the peace of mind being prepared for an extended power outage is more important than how quickly the pay off would be.

Actually, the fact that the solar power system would generate the home’s power and reduce the electric bill is an advantage that no new cabinets, counter tops, or shower tiles could ever offer.

For me, solar power with battery and a disconnect switch so that I could operate ‘off grid style’ is imperative. (And I am currently looking into water collection as water is intrinsically tied to this potential scenario as well…)

What are your thoughts on this?
If power were to go down this week where temps are hitting 110F and more in Tucson- where would you go during the day to escape the heat?

Do you have family elders that would be severely affected? What’s the plan for them?

Take a moment and think through it ‘just in case’ (not in an alarmist kind of way… just as a thought exercise in an effort to not be caught flat if it happens…)

If you have ideas you think I should share, hit reply and let me know!

Rooftop solar with a batter might not be for everyone, but for those who might consider it- I have a book coming soon aimed to help. Click here to be notified when Tucson Solar Insider Desk Guide for Buying Solar is released.

Be Good!
Curtis