Climate Matters: Extreme weather is causing more power outages

As the climate continues to change, bringing more rain and flooding, and more extreme temperatures, this could affect your utility bills. 2025 has already seen extreme temperature snaps and numerous severe storm outbreaks.

However, Zach Smith, the communication specialist with the Boone Electric Cooperative, says that local impacts have been lower. In fact, 2024 was their eighth-lowest year for member hours out since 2000.

As the weather is changing how utilities are managed, people's energy habits are also changing. "We've got more people using more electronic devices, but then you also have these massive industries. Data centers are a big one, electric car chargers, cryptocurrency mines." Zach explains, "Things that are using a lot of power all the time, and more of that's coming online at the same time that there are more people plugging more things in. And so it's creating a big overall demand on the electric grid in the United States."

Combining this increased demand for electricity with the volatile climate can create more challenges. Zach says extreme temperatures are especially concerning when they force people to use their HVAC system for longer times. "When your HVAC system is running, that's one of the the sole largest contributors as far as residential use goes to your electric bill," Zach says.

While you may notice a moderate utility bill right now in the springtime, Zach says to be prepared for the summer ahead when AC will start costing more.