New report shows striking increase in weather-related power outages in Maine [Video]

A new analysis shows that more major power outages across Maine, the Northeast and the U.S. are happening as a result of bad weather.

The data from the nonprofit Climate Central shows an aging power grid under pressure as climate change brings more extreme storms in all seasons.

The analysis found that 80% of major U.S. outages from 2000 to 2023 were weather-related, with a twofold increase from 2014 to 2023 compared to 2000 to 2009.

“Major outages are events that affect at least 50,000 customers (homes or businesses) or interrupt service of 300 megawatts or more,” Climate Central said in a release about the analysis, which was based on federal data from utilities’ required reports.

In Maine, there have been 67 major outages because of weather since 2000, according to the study. Of those, 29 have come in the past four years.

Nationally, severe storms (other than tropical cyclones) …