The Grid Goes Green. And You?

What if America's entire electric grid crashed? Depending on the season, we would either be broiling or freezing in the dark. Could it happen? It's not likely but our national electric system is showing its age. The grid faces exceptionally heavy loads during heat waves and cold snaps. According to a recent study on the impact of extreme weather events, blackouts are becoming more frequent, and the overall duration of power interruptions has increased by more than 60% since 2015. Modernizing the electric grid is an important national priority. At the same time, to mitigate global warming, we would like to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy. Many analysts are asking a two-part question: Can we stabilize maintain a stable electric grid while also transitioning to renewable energy? The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), based in Golden, Colorado, conducts energy research and provides policy advice to guide consumers, utilities, industries, and government agencies. Since approximately 39 percent of retail electricity in America is used in private residences, NREL has extensive programs to help consumers understand how their choices affect the national grid. This article is part of that effort and aims to answer the question, what can consumers do to help stabilize and enhance the national grid?