Why don’t I have power even though my neighbors do? CenterPoint Energy in Houston Explains what a ‘nested outage’ is.
Nested power outages can be particularly frustrating for those still without electricity after the recent devastating storms in Houston. While power outages are not unusual during extreme weather events, a nested outage can significantly prolong recovery.
A nested outage occurs when an initial outage, caused by a primary problem such as a fallen tree or damaged power line, triggers a secondary outage in a nearby area. This secondary outage results from the initial outage impacting a crucial point in the power distribution network, causing a chain reaction that affects multiple neighbourhoods or even entire communities.
That could be why you still don’t have power, even though your neighborhoods do.
CenterPoint Energy has published a map showing when different areas can expect power to return. Still, some areas—such as parts of Katy, Humble, and Magnolia—will have to wait to turn on their lights and air conditioning.
In the case of the recent severe weather in Houston, strong winds and ice accumulation have caused numerous trees to topple over, damaging power lines and infrastructure. As a result, initial outages were experienced in several areas throughout the city. However, in some instances, these initial outages have led to nested outages, leaving entire neighbourhoods or sections without power.
Nested outages occur due to the intricate interconnectedness of the power distribution network. Electricity is delivered to homes and businesses through a complex system of substations, transformers, and power lines. When a primary outlet or line is compromised, it disrupts the flow of electricity to other connected areas, triggering additional outages.
CenterPoint Energy acknowledges frustrations in power restoration efforts
To address Houston’s widespread nested power outages, the local utility company, CenterPoint Energy, has been working tirelessly to restore electricity to affected areas. They have dedicated crews on the ground, working around the clock to assess the damage, repair the infrastructure, and safely restore power.
CenterPoint Energy has provided regular updates on its restoration efforts, informing residents about progress. These updates include estimated timelines for restoration, areas that will be prioritized, and any potential roadblocks or challenges they may encounter along the way.
Additionally, CenterPoint Energy has been leveraging technology and data analytics to streamline its response. By analyzing the power grid and its interconnectedness, they can better understand the extent of the nested outages and prioritize their restoration efforts accordingly. This data-driven approach allows them to work efficiently and effectively, maximizing resources to restore power to as many homes and businesses as possible.
Despite their best efforts, restoring power in nested outages can be complex and time-consuming. Each nested outage requires careful investigation and repair, and as one area is restored, the focus shifts to the next. It’s a step-by-step approach to restoring power safely and reliably.
FEMA Help
If you’ve suffered property damage, we recommend you apply for disaster relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as soon as possible.
Reliant Energy Payment Assistance
The recent Houston storms and power outages have wreaked havoc on many area families. If you struggle to pay your electric bill, Reliant Energy offers payment assistance programs.
Can We Expect a Future Without Nested Outages?
Two Utility Companies are Experimenting with Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to Alleviate Power Outages
Adopting new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), is the path to a future without nested power outages. Two utility firms, in particular, have been at the forefront of using AI to enhance their power distribution systems and minimize the occurrence of nested outages.
One is the Electric Power Board (EPB) of Chattanooga, Tennessee. EPB has implemented a sophisticated AI system that continuously monitors the power grid and detects anomalies or potential issues. By analyzing vast amounts of data in real time, the AI system can identify weak points and take proactive measures to prevent outages before they occur. This predictive capability helps EPB address potential nested outages early on, reducing downtime for customers and minimizing their frustration.
The other is Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) in California. PG&E has developed an AI-powered analytics platform that helps identify areas with a higher risk of nested outages. Using historical outage data, weather patterns, and other relevant factors, PG&E’s system can predict the likelihood of nested outages occurring during extreme weather events or other challenging conditions.
