Lessons Learned From the January 2024 Ice Storm

Many Were Unprepared for an Emergency

The January 2024 ice storm wreaked havoc across Oregon, resulting in power outages for weeks in neighboring utility areas. Many Central Lincoln customers in the northern service areas (Lincoln Beach, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Seal Rock, and Yachats) were affected, too. Some were out of power for up to six days.

The event was a real eye-opener and a real-time reminder that many of us are unprepared for emergencies and the possibility of extended outages.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days, weeks, or even months. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least two weeks. Once you have your essential items, consider your family’s unique needs, such as medications, medical supplies, and pet items.

Please take the time to prepare now—before another emergency occurs, and you’re left unprepared and in the dark. Learn more about putting an emergency supplies kit together.

Hydropower Carried Us

Hydropower was crucial in mitigating the impacts of the January 2024 ice storm by providing stable power generation. Despite record-breaking weather and energy demands, the federal dams supported utility customers. During the worst part of the ice storm, other forms of generation, like wind and solar, came to a halt due to the adverse weather conditions.

The Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) area load peaked at 11,396 megawatts during the morning of January 13, a modern-era energy demand record.

BPA ramped up the output of the Federal Columbia River Power System during the day as electricity demand climbed and used power imports or purchases at night to hold water back to maximize power generation and meet peak demand.

The Lower Snake River Dams significantly contributed to keeping the lights on, peaking at more than 1,000 aMW daily from January 13-16 and registering an impressive 18-hour sustained peak. The transmission lines that import power from other states and countries to the Pacific Northwest were maxed out and unable to provide any additional power. Wind and solar generation came to a halt, providing no power. If these dams hadn’t been operational, we would have had even more customers out of power for extended periods.

Hydropower facilities were able to adjust their water release schedules to meet the increased demand during the January 2024 ice storm. Many facilities are equipped with reservoirs, allowing them to store water during periods of low demand and release it when demand increases. This power generation flexibility allows hydropower plants to respond quickly to fluctuations in demand caused by unexpected events.

Hydropower is a reliable renewable energy source that can complement wind and solar power generation. While wind and solar power generation depend on weather conditions (wind speed, sunlight availability), hydropower can provide consistent power generation regardless of weather conditions as long as there is a sufficient water supply.

Overall, hydropower played a crucial role in helping communities weather the impacts of the January 2024 ice storm by providing stable, reliable, and renewable electricity generation when solar and wind could not generate power.