Guides: Be Prepared, Not Scared
Evidence-based explainers on the threats to the power grid and what to do when the lights go out. Every guide cites primary sources such as DOE, NERC, FERC, NOAA, CISA, CDC, USDA and EIA, and is updated as new information comes in.
Grid Security
Grid SecurityCould a Cyberattack Take Down the U.S. Power Grid?Could a cyberattack take down the U.S. power grid? What Ukraine, Poland and Volt Typhoon reveal, how the grid is defended, and how households can prepare.8 min read · Updated Nov 2Grid SecurityEMP and the Power Grid: Separating Facts From FictionCould an EMP take out the power grid? What E1, E2 and E3 pulses do, what Starfish Prime and EPRI's 2019 study found, and which popular EMP claims are disputed.9 min read · Updated Nov 2Grid SecurityPhysical Attacks on the Power Grid: Substations, Sabotage and SecurityPhysical attacks on the power grid explained: Metcalf, Moore County, the Baltimore plot, how CIP-014 protects substations, and why weather causes more outages.7 min read · Updated Nov 2Grid SecuritySolar Storms and the Power Grid: What a Geomagnetic Storm Can DoCan a solar storm knock out the power grid? How geomagnetic storms and GICs affect transformers, what 1989 and May 2024 showed, and how to prepare calmly.8 min read · Updated Nov 2
Preparedness
PreparednessGenerator Safety During Power Outages: Avoiding Carbon Monoxide PoisoningGenerator safety in a power outage: run it outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, use CO alarms, never backfeed, and store fuel safely.7 min read · Updated Nov 2PreparednessGrid-Down Preparedness Checklist: How to Prepare for a Long Power OutageA calm grid-down preparedness checklist for a long power outage: water, food, light, heat, medical needs, radio, cash and pets for 24 hours to 2 weeks.9 min read · Updated Nov 2PreparednessHow Long Does Food Last in a Power Outage? Fridge and Freezer GuideHow long does food last in a power outage? USDA guidance: about 4 hours in a closed fridge, 48 in a full freezer, plus the 40°F rule and a keep-or-toss chart.7 min read · Updated Nov 2PreparednessWhat to Do During a Power Outage: A Step-by-Step Safety GuideWhat to do during a power outage, step by step: check if it's just you, report it, protect electronics and food, avoid downed lines and carbon monoxide.7 min read · Updated Nov 2
Explainers
ExplainersAI Data Centers and the Power Grid: Will AI Cause Blackouts?Will AI data centers cause blackouts? What NERC, LBNL, PJM and ERCOT data show about data center power demand, grid reliability risk and electricity prices.8 min read · Updated Nov 2ExplainersHow to Check if the Power Is Out Near You (and When It Will Be Back)How to check if the power is out near you: quick home checks, utility outage maps and alerts, ZIP code lookups, and what estimated restoration times mean.7 min read · Updated Nov 2ExplainersRolling Blackouts Explained: Why Grid Operators Cut Power on PurposeRolling blackouts explained: what load shedding is, how Energy Emergency Alerts work, and what Winter Storm Uri, Elliott and California's 2020 outages taught.8 min read · Updated Nov 2