A microgrid is a decentralized power system that doesn’t have a single point of failure. That means one squirrel can’t cause a massive blackout, and it also protects against the increasing number of severe weather events, storms, and wildfires.
Read more on the power of microgrids in David Roberts’ and Alvin Chang’s explainer on the topic: https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/12/15/16714146/greener-more-reliable-more-resilient-grid-microgrids
More on how California can become more energy-resilient:
https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/12/15/16714146/greener-more-reliable-more-resilient-grid-microgrids
Umair Irfan’s reporting on PG&E’s power shutoffs in California:
https://www.vox.com/2019/10/9/20906551/pge-power-shutdown-blackout-fire-bankruptcy
For data on squirrel-related power outages, check out this map that shows all animal-related outages: https://cybersquirrel1.com/
Note: The headline on this video has been updated.
Previous version: How to squirrel-proof the power grid
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