The U.S. military is known for its ability to function in some of the most challenging environments on Earth, often using multiple layers of redundancy to ensure that critical operations continue without interruption. One key element of this strategy is their approach to power: by relying on a combination of solar, wind, and generators, the military ensures that, no matter what happens, they can keep the lights on.
As our urban power grids face growing pressure from the rise of AI, cryptocurrency mining, and electric vehicles (EVs), the potential for rolling blackouts is becoming a reality for many cities. But just like the military, urban households can take steps to prepare for power interruptions and ensure they have access to electricity when the grid is overloaded.
Bob Waun, co-founder of DIRT Realty, and a self-described Boy Scout at heart, emphasizes the importance of personal preparedness. “As a society, we have a responsibility to be prepared for situations that are not only possible but increasingly likely,” Waun says. “The military plans for redundancy and so should we, especially when it comes to something as critical as power. You don’t have to be an expert—just be ready.”
Why the Power Grid is Under Pressure
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency mining, and the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is pushing urban power grids to their limits. Data centers that power AI algorithms consume massive amounts of electricity, as do the mining operations that generate cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Meanwhile, EV adoption is surging, with millions of new electric cars hitting the roads—and the charging stations—every year.
While these technologies are driving innovation, they’re also putting a significant strain on the power grid, especially in major cities where demand is already high. The result? More frequent rolling blackouts and power outages during peak times.
But just as the military prepares for the unexpected, urban residents can adopt a mindset of resilience and self-sufficiencyto ensure they have power when they need it most.
Solar Power: Harness the Sun’s Energy
One of the military’s favorite tools for ensuring energy redundancy is solar power. Solar panels provide a reliable source of electricity, even in remote locations. By capturing the energy of the sun and converting it into usable power, solar panels can operate independently from the grid, making them an excellent solution for power outages in urban areas.
For homeowners, installing rooftop solar panels is a smart investment that not only provides backup power during blackouts but also lowers electricity bills year-round. Solar energy systems can be paired with battery storage units, allowing you to store excess energy during the day and use it at night or during an outage.
“Solar is an ideal way to create energy independence,” says Waun. “It’s renewable, it’s reliable, and once you’ve set it up, you don’t have to worry about blackouts nearly as much. Plus, you’re contributing to a greener grid.”
Wind Power: A Lesser-Known Urban Solution
While wind power is more commonly associated with wide-open rural spaces, there are also ways to harness wind energyin urban environments. Small-scale urban wind turbines can be installed on rooftops or in backyards, providing additional energy generation to complement solar power.
Wind energy has the advantage of being available at night, when solar panels aren’t producing power, making it a valuable addition to a layered energy strategy. Though it’s less common in cities, innovative urban wind turbine designs are making it more feasible for homeowners to tap into this renewable energy source.
“Wind power isn’t just for wind farms,” Waun explains. “Urban wind turbines can give you another layer of protection against blackouts. It’s about combining different energy sources to create a more resilient system.”
Generators: Your Backup Plan for Blackouts
While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are great long-term solutions, sometimes you need a generator for immediate, short-term power when the grid goes down. In military applications, backup generators are a critical part of their energy infrastructure, ensuring that vital operations can continue no matter what.
For homeowners, a portable or standby generator is a simple way to keep essential appliances running during a blackout. Whether it’s keeping the refrigerator cold or providing enough power to charge devices and run heating or cooling systems, generators offer peace of mind during an outage.
“Generators are a great fallback,” Waun says. “They provide that extra layer of security when your renewable energy sources aren’t enough. It’s all about having multiple solutions so you’re not reliant on any one source.”
Battery Storage: Storing Power for When You Need It
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re prepared for rolling blackouts is to invest in battery storage. Battery units can store energy generated from your solar panels or wind turbines, providing power even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Many modern battery systems can also be charged directly from the grid during off-peak hours, so you can keep power stored up for emergencies.
By combining solar panels with battery storage, you can create a self-sufficient system that provides energy day and night, even during a blackout. It’s a strategy the military often uses in remote bases where energy reliability is critical.
“Battery storage is the key to making solar and wind power work 24/7,” Waun explains. “You’re not just generating power—you’re holding onto it so you can use it whenever you need it. That’s real energy independence.”
Preparing for Rolling Blackouts in an Urban Setting
With the rise of power-hungry technologies and the increasing demand for electricity, urban residents need to take proactive steps to prepare for potential blackouts. While renewable energy sources and generators offer excellent solutions, it’s also important to adopt a Boy Scout mindset—be prepared for any situation.
Waun believes that this level of preparedness is not just practical, but necessary. “We all have a responsibility to be prepared for situations that are increasingly likely. Rolling blackouts are going to become more common as the grid gets overloaded, so why not be ready?”
For urban residents, preparing for blackouts involves a combination of planning, investment, and mindset. Here are a few key steps to ensure you’re ready:
Install Solar Panels: Capture and store energy from the sun to power your home independently of the grid.
Consider Wind Power: Urban wind turbines can supplement solar energy and provide power at night.
Buy a Generator: Use a generator as a backup for critical power needs during longer outages.
Add Battery Storage: Store power for use when renewable energy sources aren’t producing.
Plan for Essentials: Identify the most important systems in your home (like refrigeration, heating, or medical devices) and prioritize powering those in the event of an outage.
The Future of Urban Energy Resilience
As the power grid faces increasing strain, urban residents have the opportunity to follow the military’s lead by layering energy solutions and creating redundancy in their power systems. Solar panels, wind turbines, generators, and battery storage are all part of a broader strategy to ensure that homes remain powered, even when the grid is overloaded.
“We’re living in a time when energy resilience is more important than ever,” Waun concludes. “By taking simple steps to prepare—just like the military does—we can protect ourselves from blackouts, reduce our reliance on the grid, and contribute to a more sustainable, efficient future.”
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