US Power Grid Needs Trillions in Upgrades to Accommodate Renewable Energy Demands

A man walks by power lines, as California's grid operator urged the state's 40 million people to ratchet down the use of electricity in homes and businesses as a heat wave settled over much of the state, in Mountain View, Calif., on Aug. 17, 2022. Carlos Barria/Reuters

In August, California announced the end of fossil fuel-powered car sales by 2035, prompting green energy advocates to celebrate.

However, flex alerts followed the announcement just days later, asking Golden State residents to avoid charging their electric vehicles during peak hours. Lack of compliance with the measure meant widespread blackouts due to the additional strain on the electrical grid.