Duration of Power Outages Continues to Climb

As recently reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. electric customers experienced an average of 11 hours without power in 2024, which was nearly double the amount of time customers had to deal with power outages over the preceding decade. Electric customers in South Carolina were especially hard-hit last year, as they went an average of 53 hours without grid electricity – the longest of any state. And Hawaiian electric customers experienced the most instances of non-momentary power losses at 4.4 per customer in 2024 – the most of any state.

Space and water heating are the two most energy-intensive applications in an American home. And using propane for these applications reduces stress on our aging electric grid and helps its cope with peak demand pressure. Furthermore, propane standby generators can power an entire home when the electric grid is down, giving homeowners peace of mind that their families and property are protected. While electricity demand peaks in the summer, aggregate energy demand peaks in the winter due to space heating needs. Thermal fuels, such propane, support energy resilience and security, which benefits all energy consumers, including electric customers.

For more information, contact NPGA’s Senior Director of State Advocacy & Affairs, Jacob Peterson.