Climate Change Effects on Grid Infrastructure and a Focused Review of Oregon Response Opportunities

As the earth’s average temperature grows hotter, many areas across the globe are experiencing changes to climate. This can cause larger temperature swings and increase incidents of severe weather. This poses a threat to the utility grid through weather hazards, such as excessive heat, wildfires, high winds, and floods. Climate can also cause indirect effects on the utility grid like an increase in energy demand above available supply. These direct and indirect effects require mitigating actions and long-term management. This paper will identify general trends of climate change and notable hazards to be aware of, explain the responses of grid infrastructure, and take a focused look at Oregon’s change in climate and possible response opportunities.