The recent Winter Storm Fern, which swept across the United States in February 2021, has caused widespread power outages and skyrocketing energy prices. As millions of people were left without electricity and heat during some of the coldest days of the year, many are wondering: what led to this crisis? The answer, unfortunately, lies in our aging infrastructure.
Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures that are necessary for the functioning of a society, such as roads, bridges, and power grids. These systems are essential for our daily lives and play a crucial role in the economy. However, as infrastructure ages, it becomes more susceptible to failure, which is exactly what happened during Winter Storm Fern.
The United States is home to some of the oldest infrastructure in the world. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave the country’s overall infrastructure a grade of D+ in its 2021 Report Card, highlighting the urgent need for investment and repairs. This includes critical systems like the power grid, which is the backbone of our energy infrastructure.
The power grid is responsible for delivering electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. However, the majority of the grid was built in the 1950s and 1960s, with an expected lifespan of 50 years. This means that much of our power infrastructure is past its prime, and as a result, it is more prone to breakdowns and blackouts.
During Winter Storm Fern, the aging power grid was put to the test. Heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures caused significant damage to power lines and other equipment, leaving millions of people without electricity. This was a serious inconvenience for many, but for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions, it was a matter of life and death.
The power outages during Winter Storm Fern have also exposed another pressing issue – the lack of investment in our infrastructure. Over the years, budget cuts and a reluctance to raise utility rates have led to a lack of funds for necessary updates and repairs. This has resulted in our power infrastructure falling behind other developed countries, putting us at a disadvantage in times of crisis.
Another consequence of the aging infrastructure was the surge in energy prices during the storm. As power plants were forced to shut down due to the extreme weather conditions, the demand for electricity outweighed the supply, driving up the cost. Some states, like Texas, have a primarily privatized energy market, which means that prices can fluctuate depending on supply and demand. As a result, some customers have been charged astronomical amounts for their electricity usage.
However, this is not just a problem for Texas. Many states, including those with regulated energy markets, also saw an increase in energy prices due to the strain on the power grid. This is because the entire energy system is interconnected, and when one part fails, it can have a ripple effect on the whole system.
So, what can be done to prevent future crises like Winter Storm Fern? The answer is simple – we need to invest in our infrastructure. The ASCE estimates that the US needs to spend $2.9 trillion by 2025 to bring our infrastructure up to a safe and efficient level. This includes updating and modernizing the power grid, as well as investing in other critical systems like transportation and water infrastructure.
Investing in infrastructure not only ensures the safety and well-being of our communities but also has a positive impact on the economy. A report by the Brookings Institution estimated that every $1 billion invested in infrastructure creates 21,700 jobs and generates $3.4 billion in economic activity. This means that investing in infrastructure not only improves our daily lives but also creates job opportunities and boosts the economy.
Some may argue that the cost of investing in infrastructure is too high, but the alternative is much more costly. Not investing in infrastructure now will only lead to more frequent and severe failures in the future, which can have devastating consequences for our communities and economy. It’s time to prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens and make infrastructure investments a top priority.
In conclusion, the recent Winter Storm Fern has highlighted the urgent need for investment in our aging infrastructure. The power outages and energy price spikes were a direct result of our failing power grid, which is just one part of the larger infrastructure problem in the United States. It’s time for our government and communities to come together and prioritize investing in infrastructure for the safety and prosperity of our nation. Let’s
