Environment & Climate
California avoids rotating power outages since 2020 as battery storage expands
Slashdot reports that California has avoided rotating blackouts since 2020 alongside major additions to grid battery storage.
The short version
- California has avoided rotating power outages since an August 2020 heat wave forced grid emergency measures.[Slashdot]
- Battery storage capacity across the state electric grid has increased from under 100 megawatts in 2020 to more than 17,000 megawatts.[Slashdot]
- System officials target adding 20,000 to 25,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity by 2045.[Slashdot]
Key facts
- California has not implemented rotating power outages since 2020.[Slashdot]
- The California Independent System Operator declared a Stage 3 Emergency during an August 2020 heat wave, leading to rolling blackouts.[Slashdot]
- Grid battery storage has grown from under 100 megawatts in 2020 to over 17,000 megawatts currently available.[Slashdot]
- According to system spokesperson Jayme Ackemann, grid managers aim to install 20,000 to 25,000 megawatts of battery capacity by 2045.[Slashdot]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the grid operator will meet its long-term target of adding 20,000 to 25,000 megawatts of battery capacity by 2045 remains unverified.[Slashdot]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.