How to fix our unreliable power grid

Our electrical grid can be taken down by storms, fires, and squirrels. But there’s a better way to power the world.

A microgrid is a decentralized power system that doesn’t have a single point of failure. That means one squirrel can’t cause a massive blackout, and it also protects against the increasing number of severe weather events, storms, and wildfires.

Read more on the power of microgrids in David Roberts’ and Alvin Chang’s explainer on the topic: https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/12/15/16714146/greener-more-reliable-more-resilient-grid-microgrids

More on how California can become more energy-resilient:
https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/12/15/16714146/greener-more-reliable-more-resilient-grid-microgrids

Umair Irfan’s reporting on PG&E’s power shutoffs in California:
https://www.vox.com/2019/10/9/20906551/pge-power-shutdown-blackout-fire-bankruptcy

For data on squirrel-related power outages, check out this map that shows all animal-related outages: https://cybersquirrel1.com/

Note: The headline on this video has been updated.
Previous version: How to squirrel-proof the power grid

Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out http://www.vox.com.

Watch our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/IZONyE
Follow Vox on Facebook: http://goo.gl/U2g06o
Or Twitter: http://goo.gl/XFrZ5H

Następny odcinek

S01E1102 - Is it Wrong to Fly? - Glad You Asked S1