Power outages are becoming more frequent and around the world, but specifically, here in the United States.
Members of the Homestead team recently experienced an extended outage when wind and nearby wildfires knocked out power for several days (thankfully Lion Energy kept us powered up and working). In some areas, power companies are proactively shutting off power ahead of approaching storms.
TheĀ combination of aging infrastructure, extreme weather, cyber threats, and increasing energy demands put us in a situation where we'd be foolish not to plan for power outages.Ā
Why are power outages increasing?
Aging Infrastructure: Many power grids, especially in the United States, were built decades ago and are struggling to keep up with modern energy demands. Without significant upgrades, these systems are prone to failures, particularly during peak usage.
Extreme Weather: Climate change has intensified natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, ice storms, and heatwaves. These events are some of the leading causes of widespread power outages, as they damage transmission lines, transformers, and other critical components.
Cyber Threats: Power grids are increasingly reliant on digital systems, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. In recent years, there have been concerning examples of hackers targeting critical energy infrastructure, highlighting the need for robust defenses.
Energy Demand: The shift toward electrificationāelectric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and growing populationsāplaces additional strain on power grids that were not designed for such loads.
For a great (and harrowing) read on the risks to our power infrastructure, take a look atĀ Lights Out by Ted Koppel.
The Impact of Power Outages
The consequences of power outages go far beyond inconvenience. They can jeopardize lives and disrupt critical services:
Health Risks: Loss of heating or cooling during extreme temperatures can be life-threatening. Medical devices and refrigeration for medications are also at risk. During the California outage we mentioned earlier, a neighbor texted asking what they should do to keep their child's insulin safe without power. Being in that situation is panic-inducing and heart-breaking for anyone, but especially a parent.
Water Supply: Many water pumps rely on electricity, meaning a prolonged outage can cut off access to clean drinking water.
Communication Breakdown: Without power, cell towers and internet services may fail, leaving communities isolated (let's talk about ham radio another time!).
Food Spoilage: Refrigeration and freezing systems can only maintain food safety for a limited time without power, leading to significant waste. Pro tip: Keep your fridge and freezer full (even if that means cooling/freezing containers of water to take up free space), and minimize opening the door unless completely necessary. Know what you're opening the door for and where it's located before opening the door to preserve critical cool air.
Preparing for Power Outages
Given the increasing likelihood and duration of outages, investing in backup power solutions is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Products like the Lion Energy Safari Solar GeneratorĀ offer a clean, quiet, and reliable way to keep essential devices running during an emergency.
There are generally two types of power backup:
Fuel-powered Generators
Typically using gasoline, propane, or both (dual-fuel models) they're easy to refuel during an emergency as long as you have access to gasoline or propane. These generators often cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on size, power output, and sound levels. They can usually run small appliances including refrigerators, televisions, etc, but they come with high noise levels and exhaust. Additionally, gasoline can be difficult to store long-term and poses a fire risk. Propane is easier to store and lasts longer but often less available depending on where you live. That's why we like dual-fuel generators to give yourself options.
Solar-powered Generators
Solar powered generators are essentially batteries with electronics that allow you to store and distribute energy (primarily from the sun or power grid, but also from other power sources like wind, hydro, gas engines, etc.)
Since they produce no emissions and virtually no noise, they can be used indoors safely unlike gas-powered generators. Note though, that their long-term effectiveness depends on recharging (with sunlight or municipal power instead of adding gas), so their effectiveness in cloudy weather or during extended outages without sufficient sun will be hampered.
That said, because solar generatorsĀ donāt rely on consumable fuel (which can be hard to obtain during a crisis), their weakness can also be their strength depending on the situation you end up needing them.
For most outages, the Safari will be all you need (it can power medical devices, power tools, lights, charge electronics, run your TV or refrigeratorāit even has a 30AMP outlet for powering your RV).
For smaller power requirements in terms of time or overall output, theĀ Lion Energy Summit is a great option that can power smaller electronics including CPAPs, etc.Ā
The best part about being prepared for an outage with solar is that these units are meant to be usedākeep them plugged in and use them as a battery backup in the home office full-time, then take them camping, to tailgate parties, outdoor events (remote movie night anyone?), and more.
Whichever kind of generator you choose (and to be optimally prepared, you'll want gas and solar-powered generators), both of these options have portable and whole-home generators for continuing to live life as normal no matter what happens to the power grid in your area. When it comes to whole-home solar, you'll have the freedom to live completely off-grid if that's what you choose. To learn about the Lion Sanctuary system as seen in the Homestead movie, click here.
Having the freedom of portable, renewable energy is a great way to be prepared, enjoy peace of mind, and potentially even save a life in an emergency.