A new survey shows near-universal concern among utility leaders that the nation’s aging power infrastructure is on borrowed time. (SAN)
Roughly 9 in 10 executives believe a preventable “major incident” is likely within years, according to SwissDrones’ Energy Infrastructure Index, as extreme weather and rising demand strain equipment built decades ago.
About 70% of US transmission lines are 25+ years old, with many nearly the end of their 50–80-year lifespan. The American Society of Civil Engineers downgraded the nation’s energy infrastructure to a D+ this year.
Despite the risk, experts say utilities spend more on new projects for data centers and growth than on repairing old assets. “It’s much easier to motivate by fear,” said energy economist Noah Dormady, who argues rate hikes often fund expansion, not maintenance.