Top 5 U.S. States with the Most Power Outages in 2023 — Is Your Home at Risk?
Power Up Generator Solutions | Backup Generator Experts | Emergency Power Systems
Power outages are surging across the United States, and some states are experiencing blackouts more frequently than ever. If your lights flicker every time the weather shifts, you might live in one of the top 5 states for power outages.
Using verified 2023 data from the U.S. Department of Energy, we’ve ranked the states most impacted by electrical disruptions. Whether it’s wildfires, winter storms, or aging infrastructure, these states are leading the nation in blackout frequency—and it’s time to prepare.
Power Outage Rankings by State (2023)
California 6,417,7152
Texas 5,106,9763
Tennessee 3,836,8584
Michigan 2,790,7565
Ohio 2,196,6801
- California — Wildfires, Heatwaves & Rolling Blackouts
California tops the list with over 6.4 million residents affected by outages in 2023. The state’s vulnerability to wildfires, heatwaves, and flooding forces utility companies to implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to prevent fire risks. With climate extremes intensifying, California remains the epicenter of power disruption.
Odd Outage Fact: On Christmas Eve 2023, a wild turkey knocked out power for 4,000 homes in Sacramento. The outage was resolved within hours.
2. Texas — Independent Grid, Big Problems
Texas’s independent power grid makes it uniquely vulnerable. In 2023, over 5.1 million Texans lost power due to heatwaves, hurricanes, and grid instability. The infamous Winter Storm Uri in 2021 exposed the grid’s fragility, and similar events continue to strain the system.
Odd Outage Fact: Wildlife causes 10% of outages in Austin annually—snakes, birds, and rodents wreak havoc on the grid.
3. Tennessee — Cold Snaps & Infrastructure Strain
Tennessee surged into third place with 3.8 million outages in 2023. A severe cold snap in 2022 overwhelmed the state’s aging infrastructure, triggering widespread rolling blackouts. Despite improvements, Tennessee remains at high risk due to unpredictable weather patterns.
Odd Outage Fact: In spring 2024, four snakes infiltrated a single substation in Franklin County, causing multiple outages in one week.
4. Michigan — Storms & Long Recovery Times
Michigan’s forests and lakes make it beautiful—but also blackout-prone. With 2.7 million residents affected, the state’s aging grid struggles to recover from frequent storm damage. Michigan ranks among the worst for outage duration, not just frequency.
Odd Outage Fact: In 2017, a goose collided with a 7,200-volt line, causing a five-hour outage for 4,500 customers.
5. Ohio — Storms, Debris & Legacy Systems
Ohio rounds out the top five with 2.1 million outages in 2023. While not coastal, Ohio faces severe storms and legacy infrastructure challenges. Utility crews often battle debris and outdated systems to restore power.
Odd Outage Fact: The 2003 Northeast Blackout—triggered by a software bug in Ohio—affected 55 million people across the U.S. and Canada.
How to Prepare for Power Outages
If your state made the list, it’s time to take action. The best way to protect your home or business is with a standby generator from Power Up Generator Solutions.
✅ Benefits of a Backup Generator:
- Keeps lights, appliances, and HVAC running
- Protects against food spoilage and data loss
- Adds value to your property
- Provides peace of mind during emergencies
🔋 Power Up Your Home with a Standby Generator
Don’t wait for the next blackout. Power Up Generator Solutions offers:
- Home generator installation
- Emergency generator repair
- Commercial backup power systems
- Generator maintenance plans
📞 Call now 816.461.9751 or schedule a free consultation (https://www.powerupgen.com) to find the right generator for your needs.
