Could it happen here?
In Michigan, a massive power generating crisis like the one in Texas is unlikely, experts said, but the state’s energy system has reliability problems of its own.
In many ways, Texas’ experience is unique to that state, where a deregulated and isolated grid leaves power companies with little incentive to invest in weatherization and much of the state unable to import energy supplies from its neighbors, leaving Texas more exposed to disruptions.
Michigan’s electricity sector is more prepared for extreme cold, and is connected to a regional grid that further increases its resilience. But experts say it remains vulnerable to extreme weather events that are becoming more common as the climate changes, and will need upgrades to stay reliable as our energy sources shift from centralized power plants to scattered wind and solar arrays.