Power outages have become a significant concern across the United States, with the most incidents reported in the state of Texas. Between 2000 and 2023, the Lone Star State experienced *** major power outages, followed closely by California with ***. This high frequency of outages applies pressure on the country’s electrical grid system, requiring improvements to infrastructure and greater resilience measures. Causes and consequences of power outages The primary causes of power outages in the U.S. are equipment failures and weather-related incidents, accounting for **** percent and **** percent of outages, respectively. These disruptions can lead to substantial economic losses, with property damage being the most costly consequence. In some cases, property damage from power outages can reach up to ****** U.S. dollars. The financial impact of outages extends beyond immediate repairs, as businesses and households must also account for expenses related to emergency supplies. Regional disparities in outage frequency The frequency and impact of power outages vary significantly across different regions and metropolitan areas. In 2023, Detroit was the most affected U.S. metropolitan area, with nearly ** percent of households experiencing at least one complete power outage. On a single day in May 2025, the Mid-Atlantic region reported over ****** electric outages, demonstrating the vulnerability of certain areas to widespread blackouts. California, despite ranking second in the number of major outages from 2000 to 2023, had the highest number of customers affected by power outages in 2023, with over ** million people impacted.

The state that reported the highest number of weather-related outages in the United States was Texas, with *** incidents between 2000 and 2023. Michigan follows with *** power outages reported in the same time frame.

The United States electric grid, a vast and complex infrastructure, has experienced numerous outages from 2002 to 2023, with causes ranging from extreme weather events to cyberattacks and aging infrastructure. The resilience of the grid has been tested repeatedly as demand for electricity continues to grow while climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of storms, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

Between 2002 and 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy recorded thousands of power outages, varying in scale from localized blackouts to large-scale regional failures affecting millions. The Northeast blackout of 2003 was one of the most significant, impacting 50 million people across the United States and Canada. A software bug in an alarm system prevented operators from recognizing and responding to transmission line failures, leading to a cascading effect that took hours to contain and days to restore completely.

Weather-related disruptions have been among the most common causes of outages, particularly hurricanes, ice storms, and heatwaves. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, knocking out power for over 1.7 million customers. Similarly, in 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused widespread destruction in the Northeast, leaving over 8 million customers in the dark. More recently, the Texas winter storm of February 2021 resulted in one of the most catastrophic power failures in state history. Unusually cold temperatures overwhelmed the state’s independent power grid, leading to equipment failures, frozen natural gas pipelines, and rolling blackouts that lasted days. The event highlighted vulnerabilities in grid preparedness for extreme weather, particularly in regions unaccustomed to such conditions.

Wildfires in California have also played a significant role in grid outages. The state's largest utility companies, such as Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), have implemented preemptive power shutoffs to reduce wildfire risks during high-wind events. These Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) have affected millions of residents, causing disruptions to businesses, emergency services, and daily life. The 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, was ignited by faulty PG&E transmission lines, leading to increased scrutiny over utility maintenance and fire mitigation efforts.

In addition to natural disasters, cyber threats have emerged as a growing concern for the U.S. electric grid. In 2015 and 2016, Russian-linked cyberattacks targeted Ukraine’s power grid, serving as a stark warning of the potential vulnerabilities in American infrastructure. In 2021, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, while not directly targeting the electric grid, demonstrated how critical energy infrastructure could be compromised, leading to widespread fuel shortages and economic disruptions. Federal agencies and utility companies have since ramped up investments in cybersecurity measures to protect against potential attacks.

Aging infrastructure remains another pressing issue. Many parts of the U.S. grid were built decades ago and have not kept pace with modern energy demands or technological advancements. The shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, presents new challenges for grid stability, requiring updated transmission systems and improved energy storage solutions. Federal and state governments have initiated grid modernization efforts, including investments in smart grids, microgrids, and battery storage to enhance resilience and reliability.

Looking forward, the future of the U.S. electric grid depends on continued investments in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and climate resilience. With the increasing electrification of transportation and industry, demand for reliable and clean energy will only grow. Policymakers, utility companies, and regulators must collaborate to address vulnerabilities, adapt to emerging threats, and ensure a more robust, efficient, and sustainable electric grid for the decades to come.

This is a historical dataset from PowerOutage.US (https://poweroutage.us/products). The original data file was converted from TSV (tab separated values) format to Microsoft Excel by American University Library for easier usability; the contents were not altered. Both of those files are made available for downloading here as a ZIP file. For 2016, only data for 14 states is available. Meaning of columns in this dataset: Record Hours- Total number of hours recorded (most of the time it will be 365 * 24) / Customer Hours - Total number of hours recorded by customer (customers * 24 * 365) / Outage Hours - Total number of hours without power per customer / Percent Hours Out - Percent of hours without power per customer / AVG Customer - average amount of tracked customers / Max Outage Count - Max number of customers without power at one time.

In 2023, over ** million customers in the U.S. state of California were affected by power outages. Texas and Florida had the next highest number of customers affected, amounting to approximately ** and ** million customers, respectfully.

The power outages in this layer are pulled directly from the utility public power outage maps and is automatically updated every 15 minutes. This dataset represents only the most recent power outages and does not contain any historical data. The following utility companies are included:Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)Southern California Edison (SCE)San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E)Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)Los Angeles Water & Power (LAWP)Layers included in this dataset:Power Outage Incidents - Point layer that shows data from all of the utilities and is best for showing a general location of the outage and driving any numbers in dashboards.Power Outage Areas - Polygon layer that shows rough power outage areas from PG&E only (They are the only company that feeds this out publicly). With in the PG&E territory this layer is useful to show the general area out of power. The accuracy is limited by how the areas are drawn, but is it good for a visual of the impacted area.Power Outages by County - This layer summaries the total impacted customers by county. This layer is good for showing where outages are on a statewide scale.If you have any questions about this dataset please email GIS@caloes.ca.gov

Between 2018 and 2025, numerous types of extreme events have caused power outages across the United States. Most recently, in January 2025, the Eaton Fire led to major power outages in Los Angeles.

The Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC),with funding support from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) & DHS Science and Technology Directorate, developed an integration of Power information from more than 150 different electric utilities across the region to provide a county level summary of customers affected. Information in the dashboard is automatically updated every 15-30 minutes by CUSEC data processing algorithms.Note: Not all power providers are integrated with the system.For more information, contact CUSEC at cusec@cusec.orgLast update: April 2019

Of all power outages reported in the United States between 2000 and 2023, ** percent of them were caused by weather-related events. Severe weather was the leading cause of weather related power outages in the U.S., with ** percent of power outages related to that cause during that time frame. Winter weather was the second highest event, with ** percent of outages attributed to it.

This dataset is described and explored in Rice et al. 2025, "Projected Increases in Tropical Cyclone-induced U.S. Electric Power Outage Risk", published in Environmental Research Letters (doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/adad85)

This dataset collects peak outage levels modeled for 900,000 synthetic tropical cyclones (TCs; also commonly known as hurricanes) representative of a modeled historical (1980-2015) and future (2066-2100) period under SSP5-8.5 warming. Synthetic TCs are generated with the Risk Analysis Framework for Tropical Cyclones (RAFT; see Xu et al. 2024 and Balaguru et al. 2023), forced by climate simulation data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6; see Eyring et al. 2016). Outages are modeled with the newly introduced Electric Power Outages from Cyclone Hazards (EPOCH) model, which was trained on county-level outage data from 23 historical TC events in the EAGLE-I dataset (Brelsford et al. 2024).

The EPOCH model predicts outages based on county population and the maximum wind speed and rainfall rate experienced during the TC. Predicted outage levels are provided in the form of peak outage fraction: the maximum fraction of electricity customers expected to experience an outage at any one time during the storm's lifetime. Although we do not model outage duration, other research suggests peak outage level is strongly correlated with duration (Jamal and Hasan, 2023).

Data Format

The data is provided in NetCDF4 files, one for each CMIP6 model and time period. Each NetCDF4 files has the following:

Dimensions:

• ncounties = 2715. The counties in the study domain
• ntracks = 50000. The number of storms

Variables:

• int pseudofips(ncounties). The FIPS code for each county. Puerto Rico data is not available at county level, but instead for six utility-defined regions. We assign "pseudo-FIPS" codes to these region starting at 100000
• double centroid_lons(ncounties). Longitude of approximate center of county, in the range [-180, 0].
• double centroid_lats(ncounties). Latitude of approximate center of county, in the range [0, 90].
• float outage_prediction(ntracks, ncounties). The predicted peak outage fraction for each county, for each storm. Due to the particularities of ensemble models, some predictions may be slightly below zero or above one; we clip these values to the range [0,1] before any analysis in our study.
• ubyte prediction_complete_flag(ntracks). A verification flag used during dataset generation. This flag should equal 1 everywhere for complete data.

Each file also contains the raw predictors at a county level for every storm, inside the 'predictors' group, for feature analysis.

Also provided for convenience is 'counties_pseudofips.csv', which maps the pseudo-FIPS codes to the the name and spatial extent (WKT format) of each county. It can be read easily by Python GeoPandas, or other software.

The highest number of weather related power outages in the United States between 2000 and 2023 was in the year 2020, with *** incidents reported. The year 2011 followed closely with *** incidents reported. Since the pandemic, there was a decrease of ** percent in incidents in 2023 with respect to the year 2020.

In the last years, the average daily nuclear capacity outage in the United States was greatest in the months of April and October, reaching nearly ** gigawatts in October 2023. By comparison, daily nuclear capacity outages as low as *** gigawatts are observed in summer and winter months. Nuclear capacity outages are planned in months of low electricity demand, when nuclear sites would schedule refueling, usually lasting between 30 and 50 days.

The Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC),with funding support from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), has created a regional information sharing portal to provide real-time situational awareness for critical information. The CUSEC Power Outage Layers summarize regional power outage information from more than 100 different electric utilities across the region to provide a county level summary of customers affected. Information on the map is automatically updated every 30 minutes by CUSEC data processing algorithms. Update Frequency:

<1 Hour

1-24 Hr

Daily

Weekly

Access Type:

API

Map Service

Machine Readable File

Human Readable File

Abstract of Submitted ArticleMajor power outages have risen over the last two decades largely due to more extreme weather conditions. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the distribution of power outages and its relationship to social vulnerability and co-occurring hazards. We examined the associations between localized outages and social vulnerability factors (demographic, housing characteristics), controlling for environmental factors (weather), in Washington State between 2018-2021. We additionally analyzed the validity of PowerOutage.us data compared to federal datasets. The population included 27 counties served by 14 electric utilities. We developed a continuous measure of daily outage burden using PowerOutage.us data and operationalized social vulnerability using four factors: poverty level, unemployment, disability, and limited English proficiency. We applied zero-altered lognormal generalized additive mixed-effects models to characterize the relationship between social vulnerability and daily power outage burden, controlling for daily minimum temperature, maximum wind speed, and precipitation, from 2018 to 2021 in Washington State. We found that social vulnerability factors have non-linear relationships with outages. Wind and precipitation are consistent drivers of outage occurrence and duration. There are seasonal effects that vary by county-utility area. Both PowerOutage.us and federal datasets have missing and inaccurate outage data. This is the first study evaluating differential exposure to localized outages as related to social vulnerability that has accounted for weather and temporal correlation. There is a lack of transparency into power outage distribution for those most vulnerable to climate impacts, despite known contributions by electric utilities to climate change. For effective public health surveillance of power outages and transparency, outage data should be made available at finer spatial resolution and temporal scales and/or utilities should be required to report differential exposure to power outages for socially vulnerable populations.File contentsSee first tab of "Washington Outage Study Metadata.csv"

This is a MD iMAP hosted service layer. Find more information at http://imap.maryland.gov. This layer shows real time Statewide percentage of customers without power. Last Updated: Feature Service Layer Link: http://geodata.md.gov/imap/rest/services/UtilityTelecom/MD_PowerOutages/MapServer/0 ADDITIONAL LICENSE TERMS: The Spatial Data and the information therein (collectively "the Data") is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind either expressed implied or statutory. The user assumes the entire risk as to quality and performance of the Data. No guarantee of accuracy is granted nor is any responsibility for reliance thereon assumed. In no event shall the State of Maryland be liable for direct indirect incidental consequential or special damages of any kind. The State of Maryland does not accept liability for any damages or misrepresentation caused by inaccuracies in the Data or as a result to changes to the Data nor is there responsibility assumed to maintain the Data in any manner or form. The Data can be freely distributed as long as the metadata entry is not modified or deleted. Any data derived from the Data must acknowledge the State of Maryland in the metadata.

In terms of length of time, the United States experienced roughly 1,350 days worth of power outages between 2008 and 2017. California has been without power more than any other states with blackouts lasting a total of some 338,800 minutes over this period.

Uninterrupted access to electricity is critical to the safety and security of American households. More frequent and extreme emergency events increase outages across the country, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities that experience the most frequent and longest outages, are most sensitive to the loss of electric power, and have the least capacity to adapt to these conditions. This study devises a metric, the Electric Vulnerability Index (EVI), and validates this metric against the 2021 Winter Storm Uri in Texas. Though not ubiquitous, similar trends were observed between adjacent areas with higher EVI and those with higher outage rates from this storm. EVI is offered as a viable approach to quantify a population’s vulnerability to electric outages and maps that index across the continental United States to aid policymakers, advocates, and energy system stakeholders in the targeted deployment of resilience solutions, such as energy storage, to communities most in need. This dataset includes the geopackage file containing all relevant attributes used to generate the maps used in the accompanying paper.

Between 2013 and 2023, more than 13.8 million customers were affected by power outages caused by severe weather in the United States. Hurricane Irma resulted in the most affected customers, with 3.5 million going without power for an hour or more in 2017.

Household Generators Market Outlook

The global household generators market size was valued at USD 12.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 20.9 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing frequency of power outages, rising demand for uninterrupted power supply, and growing awareness of emergency preparedness among homeowners.

The increasing frequency of power outages across various regions is a major growth driver for the household generators market. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, storms, and floods have led to frequent disruptions in power supply, compelling homeowners to invest in backup power solutions. Additionally, the aging power infrastructure in many developed nations is prone to failures, further driving the demand for household generators. As a result, more households are considering generators as a vital part of their emergency preparedness plans.

Another significant growth factor is the rising demand for uninterrupted power supply to support modern lifestyles. With the increasing reliance on electronic devices, smart home systems, and other electrical appliances, the need for a continuous power supply has become crucial. This is particularly important for remote workers and those who rely on home-based medical equipment, where even a brief power outage can cause significant disruptions. As such, the adoption of household generators is becoming more widespread, ensuring that homes remain functional during power outages.

Technological advancements and innovations in generator design and fuel efficiency are also contributing to market growth. Manufacturers are continuously developing more efficient, quieter, and environmentally friendly generators that can cater to the varying needs of consumers. For instance, inverter generators, known for their fuel efficiency and quiet operation, are gaining popularity among homeowners. These advancements are making household generators more appealing and accessible to a broader range of consumers, further driving market expansion.

Home Backup Generators have become an essential consideration for many homeowners, particularly in areas prone to frequent power outages. These generators provide a reliable source of electricity, ensuring that essential household functions continue uninterrupted during emergencies. With advancements in technology, modern home backup generators are more efficient and quieter, making them a practical choice for residential use. They can be seamlessly integrated into a home's existing electrical system, automatically kicking in when a power outage is detected. This level of convenience and reliability makes home backup generators a valuable investment for those looking to safeguard their homes against unexpected power disruptions.

From a regional perspective, North America holds a significant share of the household generators market, driven by the high frequency of natural disasters and the aging power infrastructure in the United States. The Asia Pacific region is also expected to witness substantial growth, primarily due to the increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the growing awareness of the benefits of having backup power solutions. Meanwhile, regions such as Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to experience steady growth, driven by similar factors and the increasing emphasis on energy security.

Fuel Type Analysis

The household generators market is segmented by fuel type into gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, and others. Gasoline generators are among the most commonly used due to their availability and relatively low initial cost. These generators are suitable for short-term power outages and are popular among consumers who need a portable and easy-to-use solution. However, gasoline has a high volatility and short shelf life, which can be a limitation for long-term storage and usage.

Diesel generators, on the other hand, are known for their durability and efficiency. They are often used for longer-term power needs and are preferred for their ability to handle heavy loads. Diesel fuel has a longer shelf life compared to gasoline, making diesel generators a reliable option for emergency preparedness. Despite their higher initial cost, the long-term benefits and lower operational costs make diesel generators a popular choice among many ho

North America Generator Sets Market size was valued at USD 7.36 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 9.36 Billion by 2031 growing at a CAGR of 3% from 2024 to 2031.

Key Market Drivers:

Growing Frequency of Power Outages and Grid Vulnerabilities: The rising frequency of power outages caused by extreme weather occurrences has raised serious concerns. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average duration of power outages in the United States has climbed from 3.5 hours in 2013 to more than 7.3 hours in 2021, increasing demand for backup power solutions.

Data Center Expansion and Critical Infrastructure Growth: North America’s data center business is quickly expanding, necessitating dependable power backup. According to the Uptime Institute, North America accounts for 40% of the world’s data centers. Investments in the sector reached USD 35 Billion in 2022, driving up demand for generator sets to maintain uninterrupted operations.