Are blackouts increasing in Canada?

March 25, 2020

The U.S. Department of Energy has said that weather is the leading factor for the increase of power outages in the United States (Energy Professionals, 2019). With climate change taking full effect, it is easy to predict extreme weather causing even more blackouts. Heat waves, heavy rain, and winter storms are occurring more often and are more powerful when they do occur. From 2003 to 2012, weather has been blamed for 80% of all blackouts in the United States (Kenward & Raja, 2014). With Canada, weather tends to be even more unpredictable and extreme so we can likely expect more outages as climate change intensifies. 

Many power grids across the U.S. are aging and are becoming less reliable (Energy Professionals, 2019). The same goes for Canada. Most of Canada’s power grids and facilities were built before 1980. Back in 2011, it was reported that Canada’s power grids would need $15 billion of investment annually for the next 20 years for the upkeep of old facilities and to meet the rising demand of electricity (CBC, 2011). So until these facilities are properly maintained and modernized we can expect less reliability and therefore more outages. 

A third cause for the increase in U.S. blackouts stems from an increased usage of electricity. From 1940 to 2001, U.S. household electricity usage increased by 1300%. Today, more than ever, mankind relies on electricity to operate. And as the demand for technology grows so too will the use of electricity. Hugh Byrd, Professor of Architecture at the University of Lincoln, puts it perfectly, “Electricity fuels our existence. It powers water purification, waste, food, transportation and communication systems. Modern social life is impossible to imagine without it (University of Lincoln, 2014).” Therefore, the ever increasing demand for electricity will put a greater strain on grids. More strain will likely mean more outages. 

The three factors identified above are also prevalent in Canada and do not seem to be resolving themselves; in fact they only appear to be becoming more of an issue. Therefore, if we had to make a prediction Canada appears to be in store for more blackouts in the coming years. Furthermore, these 3 main factors are all things that individual businesses, buildings and homes have no control over. Therefore, work on being prepared. Assume blackouts will happen, but have the proper plans, equipment, and procedures in place so that you can best deal with the outages when they do occur.